Are you walking your dogs in this weather?

[loveawineloveacrisp]

Just that, really. We have lots of snow and it's due to get colder. He didn't get walked yesterday. Seems perfectly happy but I feel bad. Has access to garden for toilet, obviously.

Bless her 😂

@LolaJ87 this is what mine does but he's a healthy 3 year old!

I agree with you.

But sometimes, life happens, and it's really not the end of the world if an otherwise well-exercised, well-stimulated dog doesn't get a walk occasionally.

@loveawineloveacrisp she's always been like this in very heavy rain but it's only this year the cold has lead to refusals! Some dogs just aren't into extreme weather. Once they're given the option and given lots of other attention, I wouldn't worry about it. They're sentient creatures and we have to work with what they want too 😊

Sounds like our cat

He yowls and yowls to go out, lasts about two minutes then yowls to come back in again, lol.

I agree that it's fine for a dog to miss a walk occasionally and of course life makes it impossible occasionally.

But when it happens fairly often, like every time we have bad weather which is common in this country, then I feel it's sad for the dog.

Oh, me too, but I don't think that's what's happening with anyone posting on here.

I just don't feel like a lot of posts about how awful it is for dogs to miss a walk are necessary. They're really common on these threads.

Although the title of the thread "Are you walking your dogs in this weather?" does not seem to be referring to one or two missed walks.

Yes always. She is a greyhound if very cold I'll put two coats on her. To be honest it's as much for me as her,love my walks.

My working-line labrador hates the rain, hail, wind and snow. I take him out regardless. He probably hates me too.

Sorry but a certain poster seems determined to surmise that our dog doesn't get walked at the slightest excuse. Not the case at all. But I don't need to justify myself to randoms on the internet.

Thanks to those who gave helpful responses.

Well, considering the weather is unlikely to last longer than 3-4 days, I wouldn't say it was a big deal even if the dog didn't get walked that entire time.

I know MN is very against anyone admitting to their dogs not being walked 3-4 times a day though, so I'm prepared to be shot down in flames

You are talking rubbish and clearly don’t have a broad knowledge of dogs and their welfare. Very small, lightly built dogs can become dangerously cold when taken out in temperatures under about 4c, even when they are wearing a coat. Fine bodied, thin coated breeds like Italian Greyhounds can also be at risk. Larger, and/or heavier built breeds cope much better. Breeds bred to deal with very cold conditions and those bred to enter water (Labs and some other gundogs) do well with it, so long as they are not left cold and wet when they have finished running. Very young and elderly dogs and those with some health problems can also be harmed by being taken out in very cold conditions.

Your supercilious judgement has basically just shown-up your lack of knowledge.

I'm not determined to at all. You yourself said 'it's not getting above freezing here for the next few days and everywhere is very icy. Don't think it's safe to be honest. Sofa cuddles and indoor games it is'' which seemed to suggest he wasn't getting walked for a few days as it was not getting above freezing which lets face it is common for Jan.

I just think barring an elderly ill dog or elderly ill owner they should get exercised daily but if you're happy with your choices then fine.

Given the number of dogs who literally never get a walk, even though I’m a rigourous daily walker whatever the weather, I find it very hard to pass judgment on a dog owner skipping a few days here or there.

You've made your point - those of us who don't risk breaking our necks on black ice are terrible owners. You can stop now.

Yes, thick warm coat, shorter walks.

Bet it's a big deal for the cooped up doggies.. It's been like it for a over a week here, not improving for another 4 days. I'll have my thermals on Fri 🥶

Maybe folk could try professional dog walking services? they'll be more prepared for the cold weather walkies!

I am a professional walker, lol, and I know that lots of us have cancelled various walks this week due to the weather conditions. I personally cancelled three clients today and lost a fair chunk of money. Not ideal, but better than me injuring myself because I've been pulled on my arse.

And no, it's really not a big deal. Lots of people have gardens for the dogs to sniff and play in, and they can have plenty of mental stimulation indoors.

Is it ideal? No, and nobody is saying it is, but it's also not something that people should be made to feel horrendously guilty over either.

There's a huge difference between never walking your dog the second it starts drizzling or drops below five degrees, and deciding that, for a handful of days a year, it's actually not very safe to be out walking.

I think some people don't realise how bad the ice is in some areas. It is thick ice on all the pavements and roads here and we can't get out anywhere. All the schools are closed this week. We are high up next to the moors in Yorkshire and it's very treacherous. I've never known it to be so bad that I can't walk anywhere in my usual walking boots without it being dangerous. I looked at buying some Yaktrax but they won't arrive until next week, so I'm going to get some in case this happens again.

I don't care about walking my pup in torrential rain, gale force winds, snow, and I have done exactly that over the past few months but I literally cannot stop outside onto the pavement without risk of falling. And with a dog who pulls from excitement for the first 5 minutes of his walk then we are royally screwed.

We've been doing a lot of brain games and training this week to tire him out. My DH walked him on Tuesday before it got really bad but he wont get walked again until Saturday morning when DH can walk him again. It's honestly not the end of the world.

You've made your point - those of us who don't risk breaking our necks on black ice are terrible owners. You can stop now.

But she just keeps going....

Yea of course. Although she is a working border collie. Our ancient lab isn't always having three walks a day now, he's down to one or two in this weather

@snoopysnoooper same here - very thick ice which just isn't clearing. I'm in Yorkshire too.

It's awful isn't it. I've been here 15 years and have never known it to be this bad. I will have all the gear (maybe even an ice pick 😂) next time!!

Similar area but I find if you walk on grass, woodlands, parks etc it is actually quite nice instead of all the mud!
It can be slippy of course first thing in the morning 6amish but by the time the sun has been out a while the pavements and paths certainly easy to walk on with the correct footwear Perhaps you have thick snow where you are if very high up in the Dales or the moors maybe.