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The doghouse

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Original poster

How can I ask my neighbour if I can walk their dog?

54 replies

kistanbul · 22/01/2021 21:49

Basically, I’d like to walk my neighbours dog, but I’m not sure how to ask without sounding weird or making them uncomfortable. It’s a standard poodle cross so I assume it would like the extra exercise.

They’ve fed our cat for us and we’re friendly, but not friends IYSWIM

I miss having a dog but I’m not in a position to get one now - mainly because the cat couldnt cope.

If your neighbour knocked and asked to take your dog for a walk, what would you think? Is there a right way to phrase it?

OP posts:
Gliblet · 22/01/2021 21:53

If a neighbour knocked and offered to take our horrible little yellow peril out for a walk I would think they were mad, but only because he's a toerag on the lead Grin

How about dropping them a note to say you miss walking a dog regularly and would be very happy to help out if they ever need an extra pair of hands/legs?

lpchill · 22/01/2021 21:54

If you asked me I would be fine with it. I loved many years not having a dog even though I desperately wanted one so I really do understand the want for one. My dog would absolutely love it (loves everyone and loves walks) I would put a few provisos on it or first few walks with me as well as dog then on lead only for a while etc. Worst that can happen is that they say no.

Cissyandflora · 22/01/2021 21:58

I’ve done that. I just asked if I can take the dog for a walk. It was lovely. Only once because I was at a hotel and the dog was the hotel owners. Might have been two of them now I think about it. But I digress- I think you can ask- because they’ve fed your cat so they know you a bit.

SatsumasOrClementines · 22/01/2021 21:59

There are a few reasons they might say no (eg if it doesn’t have good recall, if it’s reactive to other dogs, if they’re worried about it being stolen, etc) but they also might say yes! All you can do is ask!

Workyticket · 22/01/2021 22:01

Have you got their number? I'd message and say you have a weird favour to ask...

steppemum · 22/01/2021 22:02

Well, I wouldn't think you were mad, I would think it was nice actually, but I am not sure I would let you take him, unless you already knew him.

Some might depend on how well I know you.

This is because his recall is poor for a stranger, and there isn;t much point walking him on a lead - he is fine on pavements, but bored and pulls on a lead in fields/woods.

Hensintheskirting · 22/01/2021 22:03

I'd love it if my neighbour wanted to walk my dog!! Please just ask when you see them, in passing, then mention it again so they know you're serious. I would just be aware though, that they may say no - although I would love my neighbour to ask, I'd probably say no unless they're a professional, just because he's a crazy loon my dog. However, maybe theirs isn't and the worst they can say is no. Go for it

wibblewombat · 22/01/2021 22:03

Sign up to the Cinnamon Trust. They help people who can't walk their dogs due to illness.

Original poster
kistanbul · 22/01/2021 22:03

Maybe it’s not as weird a request as I thought! Thanks!

I’ll stick a note through the door.

OP posts:
Crocky · 22/01/2021 22:04

I would love someone to offer to walk my dog every so often but the reality is I would probably turn you down. She is scared of a lot of things including people she doesn't know so it wouldn't be in her best interest. What I'm trying to say is don't be afraid to ask but don't take it personally if they say no.

Ragwort · 22/01/2021 22:07

Just ask - years ago as a new mum struggling with a baby and no family or friends locally, a neighbour offered to take my baby for a walk (I did know her!) - I was delighted ..... obviously not the same as a dog but it was such a kind gesture Grin.

wibblewombat · 22/01/2021 22:08

Yep, I wouldn't let people walk my dogs just now. It's all a bit more difficult for lots of reasons.

Mammaaof · 22/01/2021 22:11

I would love it but then I would be wondering that your hinting that I don't walk the dog enough but that's just my anxiety 🙈

Floralnomad · 22/01/2021 22:13

No harm in asking , personally I wouldn’t let anyone else take my dog out .

MirandaGoshawk · 22/01/2021 22:18

@Mammaaof

I would love it but then I would be wondering that your hinting that I don't walk the dog enough but that's just my anxiety 🙈
Yes, me too. Get round it by saying that they would be doing you a favour. OP, you can only ask, and say you understand if it's not possible at the moment.
EggBobbin · 22/01/2021 22:25

I’d say no as I’d be worried my spaniel would lose her head crashing through woods and forget she was with you not me and get lost- and she pulls on the lead unfortunately. I wouldn’t be offended you’d asked though, and it’d be no judgement on you that I’d decline

Ajahd · 22/01/2021 22:29

If they say no, there's a website called borrow my doggy. Around 5 years ago I was in a similar position, really missed having a dog but we rented a small one bed house which was barely big enough for us. I had an arrangement with someone in my city, I would take his dog out every Sunday. She was a lovely husky and was glad of the extra walks.

Owners pay to advertise their dog and walkers have to provide ID and have their info vetted by the site to ensure they are who they say they are

Moondust001 · 22/01/2021 22:38

The Cinnamon Trust are always looking for volunteer dog walkers for the elderly and terminally ill.

toocold54 · 22/01/2021 22:39

Definitely pop a note through the door and say if you ever need someone to walk it for free you’d be more than happy to as you miss having a dog and enjoy walking but get bored walking alone or something.

Be careful not to make it seem like you’re asking because you don’t think it gets walked enough.

Thermalpants · 22/01/2021 22:40

I’d think it was a really nice gesture, but I wouldn’t let a neighbour take our dog out. My friend said she would love to have him stay with her if we ever want to go abroad on holiday. I trust her 100% with him, and she absolutely adores him, but I’d still struggle to leave him with her.

loveyouradvice · 22/01/2021 23:03

I would be so pleased! Absolutely love a neighbour like you!

I think Id find it easiest if you dropped a note through the door saying how much you miss walking dogs and would fancy doing it once or twice a week if they thought their dog would enjoy it. Let's chat about it next time we cross paths - or just let me know!

And I'd definitely want to do the first walk with you so you could understand where my dog was good at things and where he's hopeless and what commands he knows and obeys....

MissDollyMix · 22/01/2021 23:06

Just ask! If someone asked me I would be super touched. I’m not sure if I’d say yes because my dog isn’t always the easiest so it would depend on who was asking, but I absolutely wouldn’t mind people asking.

captainprincess · 22/01/2021 23:10

Another vote for The Cinnamon Trust, brilliant support that they offer.
Equally if you happen to be near me please come and walk my dog Grin

Mrgrinch · 22/01/2021 23:17

Seeing as dog thefts are absolutely everywhere right now I would say absolutely not. And to be honest I'd think the person was a complete weirdo and tell them to get their own dog. That's my honest opinion.

Oliphanto · 22/01/2021 23:53

Complete weirdo?! That made me laugh out loud.

I’d love it, but not this dog cos she’s young and bonkers and I’d be amazed if anyone wanted to, having seen me in the street! The last one though I’d have bitten your arm off.

Borrow My Doggy is good, or you can volunteer eg with your local good neighbours type association, or Cinnamon Trust as others have mentioned. Lots of shielding people are having dogs walked, and it helps elderly and immobile people keep their dogs during a change of circumstance. Lots of options if it’s not for your neighbours- but yes I’d ask - I think most people would be happy to get a note like that through.