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Original poster

Isolating and have a dog

153 replies

Didireallyjusthearthatcanthave · 19/12/2021 05:43

Both my husband and I and our two children have covid, we are all therefore isolating. It’s day two today. We have a dog to walk and can’t. Even if we can get a dog Walker (where we live they are so popular it’s hard to find one, especially this close to Christmas). Our dog is also in season so it makes it even trickier as it either has to be at 6am or 9pm when no one is around. How on earth are we going to manage? She is a high energy breed that is 9 months old and needs walking twice a day. Any suggestions please? We have no one near by to help, my parents are both frail and would be dragged along by the dog.

OP posts:
Whattochoosenow · 19/12/2021 06:03

You can still go out for a walk- just do it very early morning or late at night when you’re not going to meet anyone.

Original poster
Didireallyjusthearthatcanthave · 19/12/2021 06:07

Thank you for your reply. Is that legally allowed? I found on the PDSA website that it says you are legally bound to stay in your home? It’s all just a pile of 💩.

OP posts:
Stretchandsnap · 19/12/2021 06:09

I think this is one of those situations that you should ask yourself what would Boris do. Grin

Hothammock · 19/12/2021 06:12

You shouldn't be walking an in season dog around the neighbourhood anyway. Hmm

devildeepbluesea · 19/12/2021 06:12

I had covid back in November, and also have a very bouncy young dog who simply will not pee in the garden.

I took him out very early - 6.30am - and never saw a soul.

Not taking him simply wasn't an option to I assessed the risk and took him when there was no one else around.

Whattochoosenow · 19/12/2021 06:12

If you’re not comfortable doing that then you need to find other ways to keep your dog occupied. For example don’t feed from a bowl- scatter the food all across the garden and let her find it.

StarCat2020 · 19/12/2021 06:13

Where do you live and what sort of dog is it?

Perhaps someone might be able to help you (long shot but don't ask, don't know)??

StarCat2020 · 19/12/2021 06:14

The OP might not have a garden

Original poster
Didireallyjusthearthatcanthave · 19/12/2021 06:14

Indeed, what would Boris do! Thanks for the advise, I do enrichment with her so will perhaps up that and see how we get on. @Hothammock so she doesn’t get walked for 2 weeks or so? Ridiculous. That’s why I said we go early or late so we don’t see anyone.

OP posts:
Whattochoosenow · 19/12/2021 06:15

Why can’t you take an in season bitch for a walk? As long as she’s on a lead and you’re out at a time when no one’s around then I can’t see a problem.

myyellowcar · 19/12/2021 06:15

Just take them out at quiet times and avoid other people

Original poster
Didireallyjusthearthatcanthave · 19/12/2021 06:18

@StarCat2020 thank you, we do have a garden, it’s just not very big but we will be out there with the ball when it’s light throwing it about to try and burn some energy off! I’m sure some friends could help but she is very strong and it would need to be super early or late as she is in season but as you say if you don’t ask you don’t know. Thank you for your reply.

OP posts:
Original poster
Didireallyjusthearthatcanthave · 19/12/2021 06:19

@Whattochoosenow I agree, she is on a lead so she is not wandering off. I know dogs will be able to smell her from a long way off but we walk her on the pavements when she is in season so other dogs should be on the leads anyway by roads.

OP posts:
Hothammock · 19/12/2021 06:20

She is still scenting the entire area with herself and is vulnerable to pick up infections. You should not be walking her, it's really bad dog manners. Like slinging a poo bag into a bush and leaving it. You are winding up the local male dog population and seem completely oblivious. It's not just about keeping your pup safe from pregnancy. I appreciate it's tough to exercise girls when they are in season as I have been there. You can teach your dog to fetch items and extend that to scent tracking games both in the garden and in the house. It's a great way to exercise her when she is in season and can't be taken out and about. As you have covid anyway it's ridiculous to think you are still planning to take her out!

wetotter · 19/12/2021 06:26

No it is not legally allowed.

You might find a dog walker, as you want solo walks at odd times, but expect to pay a premium for it. Ask round all your doggy friends to see if there is anyone who can help (maybe a patchwork of paid walkers and sensible friends).

With the hours you want, a sensible teen should be able to cope (as it'll have to be an on-lead walk), so you could try through neighbourhood/babysitting sites and apps. But if you mean by strong 'has not yet learned to walk nicely on lead', then that might limit options

Also look at sites (as you are doing) as all the main pet welfare charities had pages of information on how to keep your dog happy and healthy during enforced periods indoors. Training tricks and scentwork are possibilities

Original poster
Didireallyjusthearthatcanthave · 19/12/2021 06:29

@Hothammock I appreciate your comments. I don’t get where you think I am still planning on taking her out? I would if I didn’t have covid, season or not, but as I have covid that’s why I asked for suggestions because we aren’t taking her out.

OP posts:
Whattochoosenow · 19/12/2021 06:30

@Hothammock pick up infections how exactly?

Original poster
Didireallyjusthearthatcanthave · 19/12/2021 06:31

@wetotter thank you, I will look at those websites. She is not bad on the lead at, however if she sees a bird or a cat or something like that she is very strong trying to get to them.

OP posts:
Thatldo · 19/12/2021 06:31

Please dont listen to ridiculous comments like you should not walk your dog at all(heat or no heat).A dog needs to go out to have a pee and poo.Please take your dog for a walk early in the morning and in the evening.try to go to an area with as little people as possible.it is perfectly ok!! Hope you feel better soon.

TedMullins · 19/12/2021 06:32

Honestly, I’d wear a mask and walk her at 6am and 11/12pm where you won’t see anyone. You can’t just not walk the dog. Getting a walker would be preferable but if you can’t, you’ll have to do a Boris

Thatldo · 19/12/2021 06:34

@TedMullins.you have to do a Boris 😂😂😂

Rainbowqueeen · 19/12/2021 06:34

Lots of enrichment. - there is a Facebook group called Canine enrichment that has ideas.

Don’t just feed any meals - make them all early with kongs, games etc.

recall practice
Lots of cuddles
Hope you get better soon

tangyandsalty · 19/12/2021 06:38

As a PP said, what would Boris do? Just go early and late, and (obviously) keep away from people. Nobody is going to leap out from behind a lamppost and arrest you.

AngryApple · 19/12/2021 06:39

Anti social hours for walks. Mask on. Go somewhere there won’t be many people. (Obviously don’t put yourself at risk!!!) I hope the time passes for you quickly. So sorry for anyone isolating this time of year with animal welfare worries on top! Take care OP.

Tashface · 19/12/2021 06:40

Do you mean you can't walk the dog because you don't feel well enough to do so?

Or do you mean that, because you're isolating, the rules say you're not allowed to leave the house to go out for walks? If so, I didn't realise that was the case Shock - I thought outside exercise was permitted even if you were isolating?