Finding a Reliable Dog Walker
Regardless of how big of a backyard you have, for your dog to stay healthy and happy, they need regular exercise and daily walks. With busy work schedules and daily responsibilities, most of us cannot meet this need on a daily basis, unfortunately. That’s why most of us turn to professional dog walkers. They make our lives so much easier, and our pooches so much happier, but it can be difficult choosing the right one for you and for your best friend. Let’s see what you can do to make this choice easier for yourself. Ask for Recommendations You might see a lot of ads by dog walkers around your local dog park, but you can’t really know how reliable they are. So, it’s always best to check with other owners. You’re not the first person to need dog walking services and asking around about the most reputable walkers is always going to be helpful. You’ll usually get a lot of information, and people will most likely be more than happy to share their own experiences with specific dog walkers. Your veterinarian might have some inside information as well, so don’t be shy to ask around. Do Your Research If all else fails, you can always turn to the internet. Check online reviews and read up on other owners’ experiences. Take this information with a grain of salt, however. New dog walkers might have amazing reviews online, but that could be because it takes time for people to have subpar experiences and share them online. On the other hand, amazing dog walkers with years of experience and an army of happy clients behind them might still have some negative reviews. Schedule a Visit Once you’ve gathered some information and have a few phone numbers, schedule a visit. This will give you an opportunity to meet your potential dog walker and form an opinion for yourself. The dog walker will spend a lot of time with your pooch, so observe the interaction between them. Most dogs are shy when they meet new people but look at the walker’s reaction. You want an assertive, yet friendly person. You might also want to join them on their first walk. You’ll see how responsive they are to your dog, and how they handle him or her. A Reliable Dog Walker A reliable dog walker will have enough experience to provide your dog with the best care, and they’ll be licensed and insured. Companies like Cruisin’ Canines give you a clear insight into their business, and you have all the information necessary about their dog walkers, pricing, and more. You can check their reviews, choose the walker that you like the most, and since they’re insured, you can rest easy knowing your pooch is in good hands. Dogs are more than just pets, they’re our family members, and you want to give them the best care possible. Leaving them with companies like Cruisin’ Canines will ensure that your best friend is well taken care of. Find your perfect dog walker with Cruisin’ Canines today!
5 Tips for Spring Dog Walking
Spring is officially here, but winter didn’t get the memo yet. As a result, you can still be surprised by a sudden rainfall or get ankle-deep in mud. The temperatures in Chicago can drop without any warning throughout March and April, and rain can come at any moment so don’t get excited too soon. This can be a nuisance for pet owners across the city, mostly because wet weather and misbehaved dogs don’t go well together. Potential health risks are an even greater cause for concern, as your furry friend can easily catch a cold while walking home all wet from the rain. But you can prevent all this with the following five tips for spring dog walking: Keep Your Dog Warm & Cozy We’ve mentioned previously how sudden rainfall can be dangerous for your dog’s health, especially in combination with low temperatures. If you’re a proud owner of a fashionable pooch who enjoys strutting around in little jackets and boots, then you can skip to the next tip. If not, you should at least have a dog raincoat that you can wrap your pup in as soon as you notice the first rain cloud. You should still insist on boots, though, since having a raincoat alone cannot protect your dog from getting wet from melting snow and ice. Set Up a Quick Cleaning Station You’ll need a solid mat, a dog towel, and a damp cloth. Use them to set up a quick cleaning station at the entrance of your house before you leave for a walk. That way, you’ll have everything you need to clean your dog’s dirty paws at hand and you won’t have to scrub the mud off the porch steps every time you return from a walk. Avoid Unfamiliar Walking Spots Though spring is a great time to start exploring the city, the melting snow can leave streets and parks brimming with trash. For dogs, few things are more exciting than piled up garbage and stale food. Spring lawns are then a smorgasbord of unauthorized snacks. Because of this and also because of all the potentially harmful objects that can hurt your dog’s paws, it may be best to postpone spring excursions for a couple of weeks until the snow is gone, and the trash is cleaned up. Stick around your block, where you know what to expect. Have Water & Treats on You For the same reason, but also because street puddles can be full of mud and salt from the melting snow, don’t forget to bring fresh water and some treats for the walk. When it comes to avoiding risky distractions, there isn’t a more effective trick than this one. Curb Your Dog’s Hunting Instinct The treat bag may fail to do the trick if your dog picks up a squirrel smell, though. Spring is a hunting season even for domesticated animals, as prey drive can never be fully eliminated. This is another reason why you should avoid unfamiliar walking spots. Have fun but stay alert! Find the best and most prepared dog walkers with Cruisin’ Canines today!
4 Must-Visit Chicago Spring Dog Walking Spots
After a long and harsh winter, the weather is finally almost perfect for catching a few sunrays with your best friend. Dogs enjoy the endless splendor of springtime as much as humans do, but finding a nice place to kick back and relax in sun-kissed Chicago can be a problem. If you and your pooch are both bored with the same old walking route, these amazing Chicago spots will help you keep it fresh and interesting. Here are our top 4 picks for the best spring dog walking spots: 1. Montrose Beach Montrose Beach is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset, in accordance with Chicago’s own Park District nine-to-nine schedule. This makes it perfect for just about any kind of a whole-day outdoor adventure you’d want to share with your dog. And need we mention… Montrose Beach is the city’s first off-leash beach zone! This exciting news means that there’ll be plenty of friendly faces and wet snouts for both of you to spend your day with. Other dog owners will keep you company while your pooch is busy hanging out in the sand and splashing in the water. 2. Navy Pier An amazing place for humans and dogs alike, Chicago’s Navy Pier provides ample opportunities for a spring excursion down to the Lake Michigan. This is especially true for the south dock, which provides additional walking space and is always packed with canine lovers. The best thing about this beloved Chicago walking spot is that it boasts a myriad of dog-friendly restaurants and shops, in addition to the amazing view of the city skyline. You don’t even have to bring any snacks – there’s something for every dog’s taste. 3. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is an off-leash walking zone as well, though it’s significantly smaller than Montrose Beach. But just like the smallest pups are traditionally the cutest, this beach is an adorable little playground for dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes. If your pup likes to get silly with his friends, then this is the place. On a typical Saturday morning, you’ll find at least ten to fifteen dogs at Belmont Harbor Dog Beach, so make sure to pick your timing. Bring your dog’s towel and some spare clothes as well, as it is usually a splash fest. You won’t be needing any toys, that’s for sure. 4. Magnificent Mile On the other side of the spectrum is the Magnificent Mile, a posh promenade for well-behaved and fashion-forward dogs. Known for high-end window shopping, this luxury Chicago district is brimming with Miniature Bull Terriers, Italian Grayhounds, and frisky Maltipoos. You won’t be able to browse all the stores, though. The Magnificent Mile is still a picturesque walking spot for dog owners who want to spend an afternoon strutting down the city’s busiest street. If you don’t care for crowded places, we recommend taking your furry buddy someplace else, as the Magnificent Mile attracts locals and tourists alike. Have a nice walk and a frolicking afternoon! Find an adventurous spring dog walker with Cruisin’ Canines today!
Our APRIL Dog of the Month is
Milly! Breed/s: Mix! Age/Birthday: 9 years old. November 1, 2009 Where I Live: Roscoe Village Joys in Life: Being outside. She loves camping, hiking, fishing, and being by the lake. She has learned what it looks like to land a fish and will try to get to the fish before you reel it in. (See photo below!) Favorite Food/Treat: Anything that smells like salmon. It’s hard to eat sushi or cook salmon at the house without her going nuts. Favorite Toy/Activity: Milly has several toys that she spreads equal love to. She likes showing visitors her toys and then whipping them around her head. Cruisin’ Dog Walker: Katie Dog Walking Buddies: Milly loves walking with Franklin, but she’s a pal to anyone! Fun Facts: Milly has lived in 5 states and has hiked two 14ers in Colorado. Celebrity Look Alike: Dobby from Harry Potter