Local Dog Parks Near The South Loop

Chicago offers a number of local dog parks  where dogs can burn off energy and socialize. Learn more about some of these parks, so you can plan your next outing with your pup.

Grant Bark Park

Located on Columbus Drive and 11th Street, this 18,000 square foot park is fully enclosed and features drinking fountains for pets and people.

Fred Anderson Park

This dog park on S. Wabash Ave. also provides dogs with 18,000 square feet of space to play. There’s also a separate area for small dogs, as well as water features and fountains.

Logan Square Dog Park

This newer dog park is located on N. Western Ave. near the Kennedy Expressway. The park features drinking fountains for dogs and separate play areas for large and small dogs, as well as benches for dog owners who need a rest.

Ohio Place Dog Park

Ohio Place Dog Park is the place to go if you have a larger breed. This park provides bigger dogs with a lot of space to roam around and stay active. Since there aren’t any water fountains at this park, you should bring water with you.

Ohio Street Dog Park

This is a triangular-shaped park that gives dogs plenty of room to run around or play with other dogs. Located on Kingsbury St., this park doesn’t have water fountains, so you’ll need to bring water for your pup.

Skinner Bark Park

Located on W. Monroe, this former parking lot now offers over 17,000 square feet of space for dogs to run around in. Skinner Bark Park includes water for dogs, but keep in mind that you’ll have to bring your own bags for cleaning up after them.

The Park at Lakeshore East

This is a smaller and somewhat more secluded dog park that offers over 6,000 square feet of space. This dog park uses specially designed K9 grass to provide a safe and comfortable surface for dogs.

Wiggly Field

Wiggly Field, located on W. National St. in Reed-Keppler Park, is a park that includes a separate area for smaller dogs to play. The park also has dog agility equipment.

Dog parks are great fun for everyone. However, sometimes, it’s rainy, muddy, cold and can be generally miserable for the humans. So on days when you can’t take the dog to playgroup, but still want them to have fun and get their energy out, consider bringing them to dog daycare for ½ or full days.  

This article was originally posted at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/south-loop-chicago-dog-parks/

Dog Park Safety

Dog parks can provide a place for dogs to burn off energy and be social, but there are certain potential dangers to watch for. Since your dogs will be around unfamiliar dogs and people, it’s important for you to take steps to ensure their safety. Keep the following dog park safety tips in mind anytime you decide to visit one of these places.

Work on Obedience Training

Before heading to the dog park, go over a few basic obedience commands, such as “sit.” Your dogs should be able to follow these commands in an environment that is distracting, which helps ensure that they’ll listen to you in a hectic dog park. Consider taking obedience training classes before bringing your dogs to the park if they haven’t learned these commands yet.

Go During Slower Times

Dog parks can become packed with pups during peak times. This can make it much more difficult to keep an eye on your dogs at all times. If possible, plan on visiting your local dog park when it isn’t as busy. This might mean bringing your dogs there in the morning or afternoon during the week or in the early morning on the weekend.

Always Watch Your Dogs

No matter how much you trust your dogs at home, don’t assume that they’ll behave at the dog park. Be ready to step in and prevent dangerous situations from occurring if your dogs don’t seem comfortable with certain other dogs at the park or if they’re making other dogs nervous, such as when they’re overly excited. Remember that dogs who are nervous or fearful can snap or lunge at other dogs. Watch other dogs for signs of aggressive behavior as well, and leave immediately with your dogs if you see it.

Clean Up After Your Dogs

Bring bags with you to clean up after your dogs whenever they leave feces behind at the dog park. This helps curb the spread of germs that can make dogs and people sick. This also lowers your risk of having you or your dogs step in feces and track these germs into your car or your home.

Dog parks are a great opportunity for your dog to socialize. But dog parks aren’t for every dog. That’s one reason some people bring their pooches to doggy daycare. DoGoneFun provide  both ½ day and full day daycare so your dog get the socialization they need.

This post was originally posted at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/dog-park-safety/

Dog Daycare and Dog Parks

Getting out of your apartment and being around other people and pets is beneficial for both you and your dog. Local dog parks and dog daycare both offer places for dogs to socialize and get some fresh air, but which one should you choose? Keep the following information in mind when you’re deciding where to bring your dog for fun and excitement.

Dog Parks

Dog parks in the area provide enclosed outdoor spaces where dogs can roam around and play. While your pup is getting some exercise and making new canine friends, you can meet fellow dog owners and spend time socializing with them. These parks offer a great way for dogs to burn off energy and learn to behave appropriately with other dogs and people.

Dog Daycare

What happens if you aren’t able to get out thanks to bad weather, an illness or a busy schedule? When you can’t head to local dog parks with your pup, consider looking into dog daycare. These facilities also give dogs an enclosed area to play and meet other dogs. They also provide some important benefits for dogs and their owners.

Dog daycare facilities only accept dogs who have updated vaccinations. You don’t know the vaccination status of dogs at the dog park, but you can rest assured that dogs at a dog daycare facility are up-to-date. This helps lower the risk of your dog getting sick from diseases that other dogs can spread. Keep in mind that Chicago area has had problems with canine illnesses, including the past flu outbreak. Being around vaccinated dogs helps your dog avoid these diseases.

Bringing your dog to a dog park means that you have to keep a very close eye on her. This can be hard to do at times, but at a dog daycare facility, it’s not something to worry about. Dogs undergo temperament testing before being allowed to participate in playtime, and all dogs are closely monitored at all times. This helps keep all of these dogs safe from injuries and ensures that they have an enjoyable time playing rather than a stressful one.

This was originally posted at 

https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/dog-daycare-vs-bark-parks/