Isolating and dog walking

[fessmess]

Hi, thankfully no-one in my family has shown symptoms, as yet, and I know if they do then we all isolate for 14 days.

Who walks the dog then? TWO WEEKS with no walk my young, bouncy labradoodle will destroy my house. We have a tiny garden and a broken fence which we can't replace due to firms closing. No one local who can walk her, any experiences of this please?

We've had local volunteers walking dogs in our area. All on Facebook.

No one I'm afraid - unless you can find a volunteer locally.

It is tough and I am dreading it myself as I have a young and energetic spaniel but I think, if he'd had an operation that required cage rest etc, then I'd just manage that so should do similar here.

I really hope I don't have to, though

If you are well at the moment then you have time to make a reciprocal arrangement with another dog walker. All dog owners will be in the same boat if our households have to self isolate. I'm fortunate enough to live in a very friendly small town and several other regular dog walkers I know have already offered.

I prepared a box with everything my dog needs for walkies a few weeks ago and have put it in outside storage, I have included a small bottle of hand sanitiser, so that I know it is not contaminated and won't risk the health of anyone kind enough to walk my dog if I become unwell.

You will have to call for a volunteer, even if they have to come from a bit of a distance (maybe someone who has to pass by close to you anyhow, or someone local you don't know yet)

Yes, it's a good idea to have a lead just for the walker, plus separate supply of poobags and treats. Doorstep or front garden hand over and retrieve.

See if you can bodge a fence repair, or get a volunteer to buy a long training lead (not a retractable one) so your dog is safe in the garden

Try the Cinnamon Trust. They have volunteers all lined up who can walk your dog... They are all reference checked too!

Thanks. I will have to wrack my brains to think of someone who could help. I like the idea of a bundle all ready and outside.