Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello. I've not long come back from walking my two chihuahuas and having to hide under a blanket for an hour. Yes, it's Easter Sunday so everyone is out and to make matters worse we live on a holiday park so we are suddenly invaded by families.
In short, by the time we completed the shortest version of our familiar routes round the Park I ended up swearing and shouting at a family because passing them on a narrow path led to my small dogs getting dragged to one side as their child refused to pass by and went red in the face and crying. It was just the final straw!
It's not an option not to go out for a walk, both for the dogs' sakes and mine, as we all get really antsy if the routine is upset and we don't get exercise/fresh air. I try really hard to mentally bubble us so other people don't affect me too badly, but any kind of unexpected event - like today a kid wanting to pet the dogs as another dog walked right past, meaning my two freaked out - just throws me.
It doesn't help right now that we don't have a car, but even when we do the same issues can happen and I don't want to drive out every day in any case.
So how does anyone else - dog walkers or otherwise I guess - cope with trying to stay calm in busy places, or even just being outside (overwhelming in itself)? Is there something I can do so that I feel more resilient and don't end up hating that I've been aggressive to others, especially my poor dogs?!
Yes, it can be awkward sometimes. Dog walking involves unexpected encounters and sometimes these are unpleasant. My dog is medium size and I had to pick him up yesterday during a walk because a larger animal that was out of control was monstering him. I had words with the owner. I put my own pooch on the lead and change my route if I think we're about to run into trouble (toddlers he might scare, big dogs who might scare him, people eating food on the move etc) but know that isn't always possible at busy times. I also tend to go out at quieter times as I'm semi-retired/self employed but that isn't possible if you're working full time. The upside is that a dog provides the uncomplicated love and support humans can't always be relied on for!