Thinking about trying to arrange a dog share ... does this sound viable?

[NotQuiteCockney]

I keep thinking I want a dog, but I'm not really sure.

So I'm thinking about putting a notice up in the local vets (or maybe on gumtree? Or a note in the local park?) looking for someone locally who wants help with their dog. I'd be happy to take a dog out for walks, and to take it for their holidays. It would be a trial thing - if they weren't happy or we weren't happy, we'd stop it.

I'll obviously be looking for someone with a very well-behaved child- and cat-friendly dog. Ideally someone without kids themselves, as we go away for some of the school holidays, so wouldn't be as good for cover for those.

Does this sound like something a dog owner would be interested in? I'm figuring maybe a dog share might be enough dog for me, or maybe I'll decide I want a dog and could cope with one, but then this dog share thing could turn into a dog swap for holidays.

(I've had a dog before, but am not an expert with dog handling - I'd be following the dog owner's rules about their dog re: lead use etc etc)

if you possibly can i'd say get the dog yourself. otherwise you will miss all the fun stuff of settling in, potential puppy etc. also i think the point of a dog is that it is part of your household.

Well, I'm not sure I want a dog. A dog seems like a big decision, you know? This seems like a good way to try it out. If I don't like it, I can stop. I cannot stand the idea of getting a dog and then changing my mind.

Obviously I'll care for a dog that's ours more a rental. Obviously it won't be the same.

sounds like a very sensible idea to me, if you can find someone. Any little old ladies about your neighbourhood whose pooches would appreciate a walk?

There are lots of little old ladies, there are lots of people generally. Lots of dogs.

Lots of professional dog walkers, too.

Obviously I couldn't take a hard dog, not least because I'm not a professional about these things.

Actually, I might ask my neighbour, who has a great weimariner, but I think he takes his dog everywhere with him.

no point in putting notices up on trees, either people will be too precious with dogs or too keen to offload.

word of mouth is best, gumtree possible but really you need some quality control, how do you know woofikins won't chomp the children?

No way I'd be leaving the dog alone with the kids until I knew the dog well.

Good point though.

I can ask the vet, that makes sense, right? (We have cats, so do use a local vet.)

I can ask my neighbour. He may be interested, or may know other good dogs? His dog is so well behaved.

I can also post a notice on the local mums mailing list.

Another reason why I want to do this is because DS2 is afraid of dogs and getting worse. He keeps freaking out around dogs, and it's driving me mad . He bikes on ahead of me in the park and then cowers on a bench if a dog is around, and then freaks out if the dog comes nearby, or (worst) is a bit interested in him.

But of course because of this, the dog has to be really well behaved, not even a jumpy licky dog.

I'd absolutely be meeting up with the owner, dog and kids at the park first. Too.

could you ask at the school gate?
parish magazine/local vicar?
volunteer bureau?
sounds a great idea btw

Hmmm, DS2 will be at the local independent in September. But I'd rather it wasn't a family with kids, for the holiday reason. (Longterm, the swap thing would be practical, if we do get a dog, and if we don't, then we can be their holiday cover.)

I do know someone at one of the local churches. I don't really do churches myself, but I'm sure we'd cope with a Christian dog.

There's an old age home next to us, actually, but I don't think there are any dogs. (I was thinking about getting a spare granny from there, but actually, our neighbour is already a spare granny. Plus the place is horrific, although that's not the old people's fault.)

Definitely the local vets would be a good place to start. The vet nurses on reception would know as much as the vet about local dogs

I wonder if you could look in to fostering for Guide Dogs? Essentially, you keep them, train them (by which I mean expose them to every day things) and then hand them back at a few months old; all the fun of a dog/partial responsibility, no long term commitment?

You could talk to your local animal rescue if they have any older dogs that need fostering? They usually pay their vet bills, and it means dogs who otherwise stand almost no chance of getting adopted can live with a family, and if it doesn't work out then they'll be understanding. I'm sure they'd love to have such an offer from such a responsible owner - saves them having to take a dog from someone who changed their mind after a year or so. And they will be able to make sure you only get a stable, calm dog whose owner has died or emigrated, not a problem child.

Fostering is a much better thing to do and far more useful. Contact all you're local rescues, sanctuaries, SPCA and dog pound and let them know that you are willing to foster dogs in need.