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?!
I have a dog and always take him for a walk, often in a quieter area or at quiet times of the day. I often see other dog walkers on my walk, I will wave to say hello or acknowledge them. I understand why you felt overwhelmed and perhaps 'snapped' at a family, but to be totally honest with you, when you are walking in a public space (i.e. a park or housing estate), you must be prepared to come across other people, they have the right to be in that space as much as you do. What I do when I am trying to 'avoid' people and have a quieter walk is when I see people approaching or in the near distance, I cross the road or change the direction of my walk. Dog's do not care where they are walking, in terms of the route, they are just happy to be outside. I understand changing your walk may mean a change in routine but you need to be prepared to change your walk, especially if you are wanting to avoid other people or busy places.