Why have a dog if you cant be arsed to walk it?

[FreyaFromTheFens]

I have 2 large breed dogs that need a lot of exercise, running off lead for a couple of hours a day minimum. We go twice a day every day no excuse.

I very rarely meet other dog walkers in bad weather and on facebook in the dog groups i'm in so many people were asking for advise on keeping dogs sane as they wouldn't be getting walks due to the bad weather!

Dogs thrive on being outside and need to run, sniff and interact with other dogs. I understand there are exceptions to this, elderly/sick or nervous dogs but generally they need to get out in all weathers.

Just put a fucking coat on and walk them, it's only rain and then the dog will settle. Hiding dry dog food in a toy is no substitute! 🙄

I know i'm not being unreasonable but want to know why you are if you don't walk in the rain?

See, I find this really bizarre. Why would you make your dog do something (non essential) that they don't actually enjoy?

My dog isn't a fan of going for a walk in good weather but she absolutely hates going out in the rain.

I agree with you and have two large lively dogs BUT they both absolutely hate going out in the rain! I have to force them in the garden for a wee! I think it’s dog dependent. I’ve tried on occasions to get them out but they are just depressed the whole way round and keep pulling towards home. I guess it’s dog dependent.

@Getonwitit I agree re. the extendable leads but people are so stupid when it comes to them! Someone (a total stranger) tried to advise me today to get one for my young greyhound so he could dash around the park while not 100% secure yet on his recall. This is my first dog but even I can see that has disaster written all over it!

They're fine as long as you're not an idiot 🤣 I've used one for the last 2 years because one of mines recall is not reliable, tested in a secure field, popular with rabbits and well, the recall is great until there's a rabbit!
Managed not to trip anyone up, wrap anyone up, or clothesline any human or dog yet, because I'm aware of my surroundings and what my dog is doing.

I've taught her 'go back' if she gets tangled on something and she goes back the way she came to untangle herself. I keep the lead short around other people, or blind corners etc, it's good for her to come back and walk on a short lead at times anyway, so.she doesn't associate being reeled back in with distractions, and it's only extended when there's no one around. I bought a wrist attachment so if I do let go by accident, she doesn't get away.

I do agree about the thin, wiry ones though, I use one designed for a larger breed with flat tape. The thin ones wrapped around a leg could cause a nasty injury.
And unfortunately some people seem to think they're a magic cure for a dog with zero training and that as they're on a lead, it constitutes under control. They're not.

For some it's probably because the dog has fucked off a few times and would be off the lead if they hadn't had to go looking for it when it has been, so it's a way of keeping hold of the dog while not actually having to do anything in the way of actually controlling the dog or training it.

When used properly they allow dogs like mine some freedom without risking them buggering off after a small furry - but you still have to be responsible and aware of your surroundings and where the dog is and what it's doing.

Extendable leads or long lines? Long lines are fine and a good training tool (although I'd use in a quiet field rather than a busy park), but extendable leads are a menace.

There is a massive difference, I agree.

We use long webbing training leads for our giant breed dog but not in a million years would we trust an extending lead! We've also heard of a lot of injuries to dogs and owners from that type of lead.

Hmm, long lines. Doesn't anyone else have the sort of dog that whizzes three times round your legs with a long line before you can untangle yourself?

Or worse, does it to some innocent bystander? (Previous dog, complete sweetheart but also a complete chump)

Yes, but you have to train recall somehow. We've not used the long line in years, but I'd use it again with a new dog.

Extendable leads are fine if used correctly in the correct place. In an open space used by owners with their wits about them and with the manners to make sure their dog doesn't get in someone's way. You still need to have reasonable recall to use these or you're just yanking the dog every time someone else needs the space

Should I Use A Retractable Lead? - Positive Pet Training

Long Lines - Positive Pet Training

A game changer for me enjoying long walks in the rain with the dog was getting fleece lined waterproof trousers - makes like trespass, mountain warehouse, craghoppers etc all do them and the difference having warm cosy legs makes vs just wearing a waterproof coat or crappy overtrousers is phenomenal!

Very useful links, thanks, Piccolo

We are at that point where teenage pup has apparently forgotten everything it ever knew about recall, and starting again with the long line business.

@HospitalitySux my dachsund is exactly the same- but with squirrels.
Extendi leads have their place as long as they're in the hands of a sensible owner.

My golden retriever refuses to go out in the rain. He’s very large and I’m a small woman. I probably could drag him out if I used all my strength, but it wouldn’t be much fun for him or me. And since the walk is supposed to be for his enjoyment, what would be the point?

I really cant be arsed to walk mine when its baltic and tipping down but you put your coat on and do it because he loves it, and his life deserves to be a happy and fulfilled one.

Cant stand people who get dogs and then give them shite lives.

For some dogs a 'shite life' would be being dragged out in the rain...

The problem is, we all have a different idea of what a shite life is.

I think being shut in a crate for hours on end is a pretty shite life for a dog and no amount of long walks in the pouring rain can really make up for that.

It is for mine. She crosses her legs all day rather than nip out for a wee in the rain. She’d regard it as an act of cruelty to be forced to walk in it.

Why do you think walking a dog when it's "baltic and tipping it down" is automatically giving them a good life?

DDog will nip out into the garden. Then do zoomies when she back in out of relief.

She doesn't like getting wet.

Unfortunately she does like rolling in cr*p. And that needs to be washed off. When is a cruel and un-canine punishment, according to her...

That having been dealt with this morning, plus managing to steal the butter from the worktop, she is now tucked up in bed and snoring happily!

God yes!

When did a cage become a 'crate'???

I don't know. I can't get my head around it at all.

It's a more 'palatable' word I guess.

Both of mine are trained to go in one, having both had to have operations they needed enforced rest and separation when recovering and it wasn't a strange and stressful experience, one also travels in one in the car. They get fed in them as well because one takes longer than the other. Other than that the doors are constantly open and they are simply just a bed really.

It's very similar to keeping a horse in a stable, cruel when it's 24/7 with no outlet unless for medical reasons, but can actually be beneficial when used appropriately - pretty much like anything.

I mean there'd be no point in having a dog to my mind if you're just going to stick it in a cage and ignore it, but I feel the same about those who 'walk' their dog without interacting with it and have their faces in their phone, or open the car boot at the edge of a field and let it out for half an hour. I enjoy waking, training and interacting with my dogs, wouldn't see the point of having one if I didn't 🤷🏼‍♀️.