The Dog Walking Dogma
Dog walking, learn more about dog walking.
We at Unleashed are dedicated to the safety, happiness, and development of your pet. We recognize the influence that an activity, which seems as elementary as dog walking, may have on your best friend. We also recognize the prevalence of unsophisticated dog walkers that seem hard to trust.
The truth is that there are many established daycare, boarding, and kennel facilities, such as Unleashed, that offer dog walking services in your community. But, not all dog walks or dog walkers are created equal.
Below you will find a list of thoughts to help ensure your best friend is getting the most out of her dog walk and you are getting the most out of your dog walker…
Your Time with Your Best Friend
When walking your dog, we believe it is important to know a few simple rules to ensure the safety and pleasure of your animal and yourself.
· Start slow. Especially if your dog is out of shape or during hot or cold weather. Keep dog walks under 10-15 minutes in length the first week. Over several months, gradually take longer, brisker walks.
· Watch your dog. Stop the dog walk if your dog shows signs of limping or trouble breathing, or is falling behind. If your dog wants to stop, don't force her to keep going.
· Keep safety in mind. When going for a dog walk, make sure your dog is wearing a collar and current ID tag and/or license. Always walk your dog on a leash. If you walk or run at night, dress in light colors and put reflectors on your dog as well as yourself.
· Hot Pavement. Paved roads can be too hot for your dog's paws. Try to stay on dirt or grass paths and schedule dog walks for early morning or in the evening during hot summer months.
· Wintertime walks. Road salt and ice melt chemicals can also injure your dog's paws or be toxic if ingested, so wipe his paws when you return home from a dog walk. Consider using ice melts with chemicals that are safe for children and pets at your home.
· Don't walk your dog in extreme weather. If it's too cold or too hot, don't walk your dog. Stay indoors and play a game or wait until the weather mild permits a dog walk.
· Water, water, water. Make sure your dog gets plenty of water before, during, and after your dog walk - at any time of year.
· No-Pull Harnesses To help get you started, consider trying a no pull harness.
For Times You Are Unable to Walk Your Dog….
…consider a combination of dog walks and dog daycare to help socialize your animal and ensure adequate physical activity.
Your dog walker must:
· Love animals.
· Be able to control the behavior of your animal around other dogs and people.
· Be responsible and trustworthy as they will have access to your personal belongings.
· Be reliable by showing up when requested and having a backup plan when they are unable to make a commitment.
· Be ethical-we often hear "I don't even know if my dog walker shows".
· Be willing to work hard for an unsubstantial wage.
· Be clean and leave your home and animal in good condition.
· Be able to deal with people (like other dog-parents while out on walks).
· Be willing to deal with an erratic and unreliable schedule.
· Be willing to work on the holidays.
· Be willing to work rain, shine, wind, or cold.
· Have dependable form of transportation.
· Be able to provide an endless amount of unconditional love to your animal.
Have Some Fun With It
There are many ways to explore and have fun while walking your dog. We know that time only permits a walk around the neighborhood for a majority of dog walks. But when you have some flexibility, we suggest some more adventurous dog friendly destinations:
Notes: The City of Chicago requires a special permit for your dog to attend “Dog Friendly Areas.” The tag can be obtained with most local vets who will do a general temperament evaluation and a health check.
Wiggly Field
2645 N Sheffield Ave
Dawn to Dusk
One of the most popular dog parks in the City Wriggly Field is usually crowded with dogs and people alike. The park is well-kept and dogs approve of the space. We suggest keeping a close watch on your dog since many of the owners are busy sipping coffee and talking while dogs bound about.
Dog Park
Blackhawk and Noble (around 1500 N Noble)
This small woodchipped fenced dog park is rarely busy, parking is easy and it’s a decent place to throw the ball with your pup!
Montrose Dog Beach
Wilson Ave at Lake Michigan
Sun up to 9pm
The City’s first totally legal dog beach this is a favorite of pooches and humans alike! It’s packed during the summer months but is also a favorite with snow on the ground.
Hamlin Park
3035 N Hoyne Ave
Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 9am-5pm
There’s a large park for humans with a decent sized fenced in area for the pups to play! Poop bags are provided which is a nice bonus.
Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
Belmont Harbor in Lincoln Park
Another area on the water where the dogs can play and swim. Some complain about the gas/oil in the water though, so be sure to check the water before Fido leaps in!
Churchill Field Playlot
1825 N Damen
This fantastic dog play area in Bucktown is often crowded but the pups have rock-filled areas to run in, jump in, and just be dogs! The only issue is many dog walkers show up mid-day with their pack…can be nerve-wracking.
Park Number 511
630 N Kingsbury
Sun up-sun down
This smaller triangle shaped park overlooks the river. Its visitors are nice dogs friendly people and most actually pay attention to what’s going on! It’s clean, too and there are often poop bags available.
Park Number 551
353 N Des Plains
Sun up-sun down
It’s small and often crowded but at least your pup can be off-leash playing!
Grant Park Dog Park
9th st at Michigan Ave
We think this is the largest park in the City! It’s green and wonderful, people clean up well. Rules are strictly enforced which is a pro, sometimes the regulars are clique-y which is a con.
Walsh Playground Park
1722 N Ashland
Sun up-sun down
A simple lot for the dogs to run in. It’s like a local dive/corner bar for the dogs where everyone seems to know one another. Some don’t like it but we love it.
Coliseum Park
1466 S Wabash Ave
Appears to be the only park in the South Loop but its never too crowded, parking is easy and it’s kept clean.
Challenger Playlot Park
1100 W Irving Park Rd
It may be small but this park is surrounded by running tracks and basketball courts and it’s rarely packed. We like it for one on one off leash play or for your dog family to play together.
Wicker Park Dog Park
1425 N Damen
This park is legendary, in some ways. Pools, lots of dogs, lots of fun.
River Park Dog Park
5100 N Francisco Ave
Though a bit north this large asphalt park allows dogs to play off leash.
SUBURBAN DOG PARKS
Du Page County Dog Training Area
Addison, IL
Open sunrise to sunset
Swift Road, about 1 mile south of Army Trail
Parking, water, trashcans; wonderful sandy bottom lake with nice open field.
Lincoln Park Dog Park
Aurora, IL
Phone: 630-897-0516
Website: http:www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
Dusk till Dawn
Tags are available at the Prisco Community Center.
Fees: $10/residents, $15/non-residents
Lippold Park/Hound Town
City: Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-459-0680
Website: http:www.crystallakeparks.org
Features: Parking is available at the Route 176 Entrance. Permits are available at the Crystal Lake Park District administration office.
Fees: $30/dog, $6/additional dog
Jaycee Memorial Park
City: Deerfield, IL
Phone: 847-945-0650
Location: 1050 Wilmot Rd.
E. J. Beck Lake
City: Des Plaines, IL
Phone: 847-635-7024
Website: http:www.becklakedogs.org
Location: 8939A Robin Dr.
Features: Permit required.
$50.00/per dog.
Evanston Dog Beach
City: Evanston, IL
Phone: 847-866-2900
Website: http:www.cityofevanston.org/departments/parks/beach_dog.shtml
Hours: 7am - 8pm May 1 - October 31
Location: At Church St. and Davis by the lake
Features: Fees:
Evanston residents: $40/season
Non-residents: $80/season
Tokens are required to enter the beach and may be purchased at the Dempster Street Beach Office (where Dempster St. meets the lake; 10am-5 daily between Memorial Day & Labor Day) or at the City Collector's Office in the Civic Center.
Forest Park Dog Park
City: Forest Park, IL
Phone: 708-366-2323
Website: http:www.ForestPark.net
Hours:
Location:
Features: Forest Park is home to one of the first dog parks in the western suburbs. Volunteers and staff keep the area clean and attractive making it an inviting park for you and your K-9 partner. Everyone is welcome however a license is required.
Licenses may be obtained at the Forest Park Village Hall.
Fees:
Residents: $10/ dog, $2/additional dog
Non-residents: $15/dog, $3/additional dog
Friends Forever Public Dog Park
City: Freeport, IL
Phone: 815-232-6164
Website: http:www.petfinder.com/shelters/friendsforever.html
Location: 966 Rudy Rd.
Features: We were just named one of the top ten dog parks in the USA by dog fancy magazine, we offer three parts to the park 1. a regulation size agility course(completely fenced) 2. a small park double fenced for dogs under 30 LB.(1/2 acre). 3. our big park is almost 8 acres of fun in the sun, with several resting area for the owners, picnic tables throughout, a warming hutch for cold days while the pups play. and we also offer a 40x60x 6ft deep pond treated like a swimming pool, with dock and water fall and soft water, just a great place to meet and let the dogs be dogs & have some fun. Open all year, sun rise to sun set 365 days(the whole park is kept mowed) also areas outside of the park to sit and have a snack(you bring) also a dog wash within the park. most of all we have great dogs & people here to greet you! So come on out see ya by the pond!
Fees:
1 year pass $25 first dog
$20 2nd dog
$15 each dog after
1 day pass $2.00 per dog
Glen Ellyn Dog Run
City: Glen Ellyn, IL
Phone: 630-252-2462
Website: http:www.gepark.org
Hours: Sunrise - 10pm
Location: North of Route 53, west of the I-355 Expressway
Mallard Lake Forest Preserve
City: Hanover Park, IL
Phone: 630-933-7200
Website:
Hours: One hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset
Location: Lawrence Avenue near Cloverdale Rd.
Features: Dog training area
Moraine Park and Beach
City: Highland Park, IL
Phone: 847-681-2189
Website:
Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Location: 2501 Sheridan Rd.
Features: Fees:
Residents: $40/ each dog
Non-resident: $120/ each dog
Katherine Legge Memorial Park
City: Hinsdale, IL
Phone: 630-789-7090
Website: http:www.villageofhinsdale.org/klm/dog.php
Hours: 5am - 9am and 7pm - 10pm
Location: 5901 S. County Line Rd.
Features: The permitted area of KLM Park is that portion located north of the creek; however, dogs may gain access from the parking lot located at the south end of the Park, as long as dogs are leashed and use only the area located to the west of the paved roadway or the roadway located immediately east of the adjacent area.
All dogs in the area north of the creek must be on a leash or be within physical proximity to and within sight of its owner at all times and come to its owner and heel immediately upon voice command of its owner.
All dogs must wear a collar, be appropriately licensed and wear a tag as proof of licensing or if not required in the dog's domicile, wear a tag with the owners name, address and phone number. Proof of current rabies inoculation must be worn.
No more than two dogs per owner.
Sunrise Park and Beach
City: Lake Bluff, IL
Phone: 847-234-4150
Website:
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Location: 1 E. Center Street
Features: Dogs are allowed to run off-leash on the north end.
Fees:
Residents: Free with beach pass and dog sticker
Non-residents: $150/pass and sticker
Prairie Wolf Dog Exercise Area
City: Lake Forest, IL
Phone: 847-367-6640
Website:
Hours: 8am - Sunset
Location: East side of Waukegan Rd. (Route 43) just south of Old Mill Rd.
Features: Fees:
Resident: $44/year - $18/additional dog
Non-resident: $120/year - $56/additional dog
Daily permits:
Residents: $5
Non-resident: $10
Permits are available at the Lake County Forest Preserve Office at 2000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
The Bark Park
City: Lake in the Hills, IL
Phone: 847-960-7400
Website: http:www.lith.org/Community/DogPark.shtml
Hours: Dawn - 9pm
Location: 9027 Haligus Rd at West Miller
Features: Annual permit required and entry key must be obtained at Lake in the Hills Village Hall
Fees:
Residents: $40/dog $6/ additional dog
Non-residents: $60/dog $10/ additional dog
Independence Grove
City: Libertyville, IL
Phone: 847-367-6640
Website:
Hours: 8am - Sunset
Location: On Milwaukee Ave. just north of Illinois Route 137 (Buckley Road)
Features: Annual permit required and entry key must be obtained at Lake in the Hills Village Hall
Fees:
Residents: $40/dog $6/ additional dog
Non-residents: $60/dog $10/ additional dog
Greene Valley Forest Preserve
City: Naperville, IL
Phone: 630-933-7248
Website: http:www.dupageforest.com
Hours: One hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset
Location: Greene Rd between Hobson and 75th St.
Features: Shelters located on Greene Road (first light west of Rt. 53), 1/3 mile north of 75th Street.
Fees:
Residents: $5
Nonresidents: $15
Paws Park
City: Park Ridge, IL
Phone: 847-692-5127
Website:
Hours: dawn - dusk
Location: 2800 W. Oakton
Features: On the east side of the indoor ice rink building
Pooch Park
City: Skokie, IL
Phone: 847-674-1500
Website: http:www.skokieparkdistrict.org
Hours: 5am - 10pm
Location: 3220 Oakton Street
Features: Permit is required
Gilson Park Dog beach
City: Wilmette, IL
Phone: 847-256-9656
Website:
Hours: Vary by season
Location: Southeast corner of Gilson Park, east of Sheridan Rd., north of Linden Ave.
Features: Fees:
Resident: $25/year $5/additional dog
Non-resident: $150/year $50/additional dog
Centennial Park Dog Beach
City: Winnetka, IL
Phone: 847-501-2040
Website:
Hours: 6:30am - 10pm
Location: one driveway south of Elder Land
Features: Fees:
Resident: $30/year, $10/additional dog
Non-resident: $160/year, $35/additional dog.
Non-residents must also have a parking sticker which is an additional $100
· To view Chicago Park District dog friendly areas as well as rules and regulations visit the following: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/dog_friendly_areas/
· Off leash dogs parks are a great way to provide your dog with exercise and an opportunity to meet other dog owners in the city. Click below to find out about local off leash dog parks (in Chicago and around the country!): http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/?page=off_leash_dog_parks#Illinois
· There are a few dog beaches in Chicago however the only legal "off leash" beach is the Montrose Dog Beach. Learn more about the beach by clicking this link: http://www.dogster.com/local/IL/Chicago/Dog_Parks/Montrose_dog_beach-57722
· If you're looking for a beach a little closer to downtown, Belmont Harbor is another option. But beware as having a dog off leash could result in a fine and the beach is considered dirty by many visitors. To learn more and read reviews visit: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dog-beach-at-belmont-harbor-chicago
· Work up an appetite while out on your dog walk? Check out these pet friendly eateries. We have attached a couple links with dog friendly restaurants and dog friendly bars:
http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/pet_dog_friendly_restaurants/US/Illinois/IL
http://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/roundup/dog-friendly-dining-outdoors/443031/content
· Feel like taking your best friend on a cultural adventure? Why not try a self guided walking tour of Chicago landmarks? Click below for a lengthy list of things to see in Chicago:
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/Tours/Tours.html
|
