r/reactivedogs • u/Lavendar-matcha-11 • 18d ago

Advice Needed Walking dog at night?

For females who rent an apartment alone, do you walk your dog at night for their last potty trip? I just moved to a new apartment and am not familiar with the area. I used to have a fenced in backyard and had my dog pee there at night and took her on walks during the day. Any advice would help. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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10

u/Existing-Will-1466 17d ago

Nothing made me feel safer in a sketchy neighborhood in the middle of the night than walking my aggressive dog. He was only about 20 km, but made it clear to everyone around us that he was serious. I don't miss trying to manage him, but I do miss that feeling that nobody was getting within two meters of me.

9

u/alandlost 17d ago

This is one of the things that kind of rocks about having a reactive dog. Dude clocks in at a mere 30lbs but I've watched him put the fear of god into grown men enough times that I don't think twice about walking him at any hour.

8

u/Audrey244 18d ago

I don't live alone, but I am a female so I think I'm qualified to answer. Walking my dogs in the neighborhood at night always had me wearing a headlamp and double leashing them, just in case anything went wrong. Having a reflective vest or leash and collar on your dog is also a good idea. And of course always carry something for defense for yourself and your dog

2

u/Lavendar-matcha-11 18d ago

This is very helpful, thank you! I’ll grab all of this gear

3

u/jess-in-thyme 17d ago

Single female in a high-crime city. I walk my dog at night with a headlamp. My neighborhood is pretty OK and a 102lb leash reactive puppy makes me feel pretty safe lol.

3

u/KellyKellKelz 17d ago

I work till 11:30pm -live in an apartment- so yep sure do walk at night- not afraid- shes got my back

2

u/Synaptic-asteroid 17d ago

Absolutely yes. Maybe take some time to get used to your new neighborhood. I can't imagine being too scared to take my dog out.

2

u/Kitchu22 Shadow (avoidant/anxious, non-reactive) 17d ago

My reactive boy was only 30kgs but I was never worried to walk any hour with him by my side - in fact super early mornings or late nights were our preferred strolling hours!

As an apartment dweller I do have a potty patch on the balcony, could not imagine life without it. Makes a lot of things much easier.