Are There Any Dogs Out There for a Nocturnal Folk Who Walks Short Distances?
Walking at night with your furry companion can be a joyful experience. If you're a nocturnal individual who enjoys short walks, there are dogs that will happily accompany you regardless of the time of day. Even though it might be challenging to find a dog that is perfectly suited for this lifestyle, many dogs are adaptable and eager to explore the surroundings with their owners.
Most Dogs Love Night Walks
Many dogs, especially those with a more active nature, will jump at the opportunity to go for a night walk. Our bull-mastiff x St. Bernards was particularly fond of nocturnal strolls. They would nudge wild hares aside to check if the hares had left any droppings. Growing up with rabbits and other animals, our dogs were not inclined to chase hares. At first, the hares would run off in distress upon seeing or hearing us. Soon, though, they became more at ease and would sit still with their ears up, allowing us to approach.
Nocturnal Strolls with Hares
We would call out to our hares using the playful phrase, "I see you rabbity," as a way to lure them closer. Over time, the hares grew more comfortable and let us approach them. They would scratch the soil and dig, and we would follow the circuit, pointing out each hare. Once they realized we posed no threat, the hares would let us get close to them, even allowing our dogs to nudge them with their noses. They would quickly move aside to let our dogs inspect their resting spots.
We had many dogs before these hares-loving companions, and all of them enjoyed the cool of the night, especially during the summer months. Even in winter, our temperatures rarely dropped to freezing, so we would bundle up and take them out to exercise and warm up before going to bed.
Choosing the Right Dog for Night Walks
It's important to clarify your requirements. Are you looking for a dog that can protect you while walking at night, or a dog that stays up with you? For protection on nighttime walks, large breed dogs such as bull-mastiffs and St. Bernards, or other breeds like German Shepherds with pricked ears, are excellent choices. If you prefer a dog that follows the rhythm of your life, any breed will work. I had a dog that would go to sleep at 2 AM and stay there until I got back from work and went to school. If I stayed up past 10 PM, he would leave the room and go to bed himself.
When visiting a local shelter, make sure to ask about the behavior of the dogs. It can be challenging to find a dog that fits a nocturnal lifestyle, but many dogs are adaptable and can enjoy the night air with their humans.
If you're searching for a companion for your nocturnal strolls, start by visiting your local shelter or rescue organization. They can provide detailed information about the dogs available and help you find a perfect match for your lifestyle.