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From One Chelmsford Mum to Another—Let’s Make Dog Walks Easier!

Whether this is your first baby or you’re a seasoned mum, a new addition to the family always brings change and chaos. Your whole life, especially in those early months, is completely taken up by caring for those tiny tootsies, and you hardly have any time for yourself. If you have other children, you’re probably already familiar with mum guilt. During this sensitive time, it feels impossible to care for your older kids the same way as before. And in the midst of all this, it’s even harder to care for the other member of your family who never seems to grow out of the baby stage—your dog!

When I had my little one, I kept working as a dog walker and brought my baby along for the ride. It was no joke! I had to fit my work schedule between naps, feedings, and nappy changes, maneuver the pram on rough terrain, and deal with all weather conditions. I totally get how hard it is to juggle everything. The last thing we need is something else on our to-do list—and walking the dog is no quick task. It takes at least an hour of our already stretched-thin time and a ton of energy!

Sure, we could transform those brisk morning walks with our baby into an evening one-on-one session while our partner watches the baby, but the truth is, you can’t play fetch in the dark without losing the ball, the dog, or both. But waiting for the end of the day might mean actually falling asleep before you can even think “leash.”

Why Walking a Dog with a Baby is So Draining

Walking a dog is usually a moderate exercise that we enjoy, allowing our pups to burn off energy while we throw them a ball or accompany them on a sniffing adventure. But when your dog is young and high-energy, it becomes much harder to keep up!

With a baby, you’re already running on empty. You’re up multiple times a night, your arms ache from holding a little human all day. Between naps, feedings, never-ending laundry loads, and the annoying phantom baby cries that always seem to happen the moment you step into the shower, it’s a miracle if you even manage to wash up, let alone find 10 minutes for a walk around the block.

You might have tried to sync one of baby’s naps with a dog walk, only to discover that pushing the pram on grass or mud is a real challenge. So, you stick to the asphalted paths, at which point your dog probably gives you the side-eye.

You might have even considered putting baby in a carrier—but I’ve done it, and I don’t recommend it. The carrier itself is heavy and tough on your back, almost like being pregnant again, and when you add occasional tugs from the leash, you’ve got a recipe for a back spasm.

At this point, longer walks just don’t feel like an option anymore. There’s no time or energy, so you settle for a quick sniff and pee. But a dog that doesn’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation can quickly become bored, and boredom leads to destructive behavior and excessive barking—the last thing you need when you’re trying to settle a baby.

How I Can Make Your Life Easier

Your Dog Gets Their Exercise While You Rest: During your pregnancy, you might have heard people telling you to nap when the baby naps. But when you actually have chores piling up and a walk with your dog waiting for you, there is definitely no chance of that. You could let some dishes soak a little longer, or leave the laundry unfolded for another day in favor of a well-deserved nap. But delaying your dog’s walk might result in destructive boredom that, in the end, only makes your job harder. Hiring someone to walk your dog might actually give you the chance to nap without having to worry. Plus, with your dog outside, your baby doesn’t risk being woken up by barking.

No More Pushing a Pram on Muddy Paths: Whether on summer grass or winter mud, pushing a pram on rough terrain is hard work. When I had my little one, I remember the pram slipping now and again and struggling to go uphill. I remember the mud and grass stuck between the wheels and the skill required to push the pram, hold the lead, and give out treats at the same time. Hiring me means avoiding this struggle completely. I walk your dog where they want to go—without you having to compromise.

A Tired Dog = A Calmer Home: Getting professional help means having the ability to book the walk at the time your dog needs it most. Having a baby that doesn’t always nap or feed at the same times forces you to change your plans as you go, often leading to delayed walks. While waiting, your dog might become restless. Hiring a dog walker means less pent-up energy, fewer zoomies indoors, and fewer loud barks during nap time!

No Walks in Bad Weather for Baby: This is a big one! Babies are delicate, especially in those first few months. And as soon as they start daycare, they seem to be sick with colds more often than not. Keeping them indoors while I walk your dog is a great solution to avoid them getting worse.

No Forcing Yourself Outside if You Are Unwell: There are going to be days when you just don’t feel well. Maybe the baby didn’t sleep enough the night before, you caught a cold yourself, or you’re simply exhausted from caring for a tiny human. Getting my help means you can stay in and take it easy for the rest of the day.

It’s okay to Get Help – I’m Here for You

Being a mum is exhausting, and trying to do it all can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to struggle alone! Let me take one thing off your plate by giving your dog the walk they need while you focus on your little one (or yourself!). Send me a message to book a walk—I’d love to help!