A trial run for Reuben

[kateincornwall]

I have been thinking and worrying a little recently , about how we would cope with Reubens walks if I am poorly and unable to take him . Nelly loves a long walk occasionally but does not need his level of exercise . There are loads of dog walking services in our area, but one in particular has been highly recommended by two people , one being a very good friend who adores her Golden ,walking her daily but likes her to have an extra good walk every so often . Got me thinking that maybe I should let the lady dog walker meet Reubs ( she will visit homes for no charge , to evaluate the dog and become familiar ) and then let him have the odd walk with her , hopefully this will mean that in the event of illness, it wont be strange to him to be taken by someone else xx

 

[Shaz82]

I think that is a really good idea, it will also give you time to get used to someone else being with him which might add to the stress if you are unwell.

 

[snowbunny]

I think that's a great idea! Very forward-thinking. Even if it's not illness, there may be days when you'd find it a struggle to walk him for one of many other reasons, so having a plans for those contingencies is ideal

 

[Candy]

I did this with Daycare when Joy was younger and Trevor was starting to be a bit in and out of hospital. I used to take her there one or two afternoons a week, just so that she knew them and they knew her. It proved invaluable and was one less thing to worry about in times of stress.

 

[Jacqui-S]

Excellent idea Kate. Good to have a contingency plan x

 

[Boogie]

Good idea.

Funnily enough I’ve been thinking similar this morning. Mr Boogs goes away quite a lot and I can’t walk the pup with Tatze at all until he’s 17 weeks old, and then only puppy sized walks.

He’s away again this weekend and I’ve got puppy sitters coming each day so that I can walk the other two (Yes, Zaba is with us again - his Mummy and Daddy are globe trotters) but I can’t rely on puppy sitters every time Mr Boog takes it into his head to go on another bike tour.

So I think I’ll do the same - some trial ‘runs’ with a local dog walker.

 

[FayRose]

Good thinking indeed x

 

[Atemas]

I think it’s an excellent idea @kateincornwall

 

[SwampDonkey]

I need to do this but I put it off its a big thing for me

 

[kateincornwall]

I need to do this but I put it off its a big thing for me

Its a big thing for me too, almost like I am admitting that I cant cope, which is ridiculous , and also trusting someone else with my dog but I have now spoken to her and feel happy about the decision . She owns a Labrador and walks several Labs too, but never more than four at any given time , or one dog on it own if preferred . She has a large paddock at her home and suggests that for the first couple of times , she will have a new dog in this enclosed field , she has some agility stuff there , and so the newcomer can become accustomed to her in a controlled environment . She is coming to visit Reuben next week , this is her website www.canine-ventures.co.uk xx

 

[Cath]

I think its a great idea @kateincornwall

 

[Atemas]

We all find these things really difficult but so much better to be proactive than reactive

 

[Naya]

My dog walker is a godsend. Ok, I work so it’s a necessity, but there are times I can’t walk and he’s always there to help out. I don’t see it as giving in, more of relieving the stress I already put on myself.

 

[Ashley]

This is a great plan - we have always had a dog walker as our back up plan. It gets rid of the stress of something coming up and not having any friends/family that can help out at short notice. We rarely use the dog walker anymore, but it's nice to know we have someone who Quinn knows and likes.

 

[kateincornwall]

I love walking , really love it but also have to consider the fact that I am 72 years old , not ready for the rocking chair yet , but bones break more easily , things go wrong as I know to my cost ,so yes, it will take a massive worry from my shoulders xx

 

[Oberon]

Fantastic idea. We all need back up plans.

Hope the trial run goes really well

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Very good plan! I don't think age is an issue here - it's always better to have Plan B be an actual plan than emergency.

 

[Xena Dog Princess]

I think it's a great, responsible idea. You'll feel immensely relieved knowing that if you're unable to walk him, you have a capable back-up.

 

[Granca]

It’s good to have that peace of mind. You may not need it at all, but at least the plan is in place and you wouldn’t be sending Reuben into the unknown.

 

[MrChew]

It's a great idea Kate and you are being extremely conscientious about it. Our walker is brilliant. Because we live in an urban area (medium density) I'm not confident having Chewie off lead on days when OH works and I have to baby wrangle too (we have a small backyard), so we have a walker who takes no more than 4 similar size/temperament dogs for a play/swim. Chewie adores them and it helps take the pressure off, otherwise I would be trying to fit in a long lead walk around baby feedings, which is surprisingly difficult.