dog walker but boyf is being a dick

[starodyssey2015]

I've just started a new job and for 2 days a week my dog is on his own all day. 8-6. I think it's totally unfair, no matter how many kongs/bones/toys and tvs on. He needs some company.

I've just rung up a woman who is a dog walker, she's got excellent reviews and I'm meeting her on Saturday. I never thought this was an issue until I told my partner who's now being so ridiculous about it. He says that the dog will be fine for 2 days and he doesn't want some strange woman walking the dog and having access to the house.

I called him selfish and he's said that he's not having it. And I said well I would just do it behind his back (very childish I know but I was very riled at the time) and he snapped fine at me and now we're not talking.

A dog walker would be so good for my dog. He has lots of energy and an hour walk during the day would cut down the walk I have to do on an evening so I can relax after work. My dog would be so much happier as he's an people dog.

Advice? Am I being selfish?

No your not your boyfriend is being a dick. You can't leave your dog alone all day. Get the dog walker in.

Dog definitely needs company! If you wanted a compromise, how about 'doggy day-care' type place? That way you dont have a stranger in your house?

Was going to suggest daycare too. It's been excellent for building social skills in our puppy but I wasn't too comfortable with having to leave keys out or give a stranger a set. So we just drop him off arounf 9am and pick him up around 5. Sometimes we even get a little report about him and some photos through facebook. It's lovely, just like if he was a kid at nursery haha!

I agree that he's being a dick but I do think just because he's getting an hour walk in the day, that doesn't mean he shouldn't get one on a night, especially as he has loads of energy.

I take my dog out first thing at 5.30 for half hour/hour before I leave for work at 7.15. Mum picks her up at 8.30 and she stays there until I pick her up after work. Mum walks her twice, an hour in morning, an hour in afternoon, and I take her out for half an hour on my way home with her. She's also charging around all day with mum's dog.

Thanks everybody. And he will be getting a walk at night too but just for half an hour rather than an hour and a half :)

Only problem with doggy daycare is that I have a son in nursery too and I find it hard getting him to nursery on time (getting up at 6 and starting work at 9). Also there's only one doggy daycare by me and that is at the opposite side of our town (9miles from me, 5 from where I work) and the other half has the car most days and is in the total opposite direction. They also charge a fortune! And paying £39 for nursery a day too. I just can't afford it :*(

Have you got a neighbour or friend who lives close by who could help you out?

Most of the professional dogwalkers near us and ones we've previously used have had CRB (or whatever it is called these days) checks, and have professional liability and 3rd party insurance. I would suggest asking for this.

Unfortunately, this doesn't alter the fact your DP is a dick.

In all seriousness, your DP needs to understand that dogs are social creatures and need both physical exercise plus the mental stimulation they derive from a walk. Failure to provide this is cruel and also raises the possibility of your dog becoming stressed or bored in the house and becoming self employed. Don't think knobhead would be too happy to get home to shredded furniture or irate neighbours complaining about day long howling.