Fun Winter Activities for Your Dog in Chicago
Snowy months are upon us, Chicago, and that means spending less time outside and more time inside, away from slushy streets, icy sidewalks, and unfortunately for our pets, the dog park. But even though going to the park isn’t as fun when its frigid outside, there are still some fun winter activities that you can do with your dog to keep him or her entertained and happy. It’s important to still make sure your dog gets enough exercise even if they aren’t going outside as much or for as long of walks, so be sure not to spend the cold months cuddled up under blankets—at least not all the time. Skijoring Skijoring is best for big dogs. It’s a growing sport in which a dog equipped with a harness pulls a cross-country skier along trails. It’s a great way to tire out your large dog while still having fun (and getting a bit of exercise) yourself. Agility Classes Though not outdoors, agility classes are a great option for something to do during winter with your dog. You’ll work with your pet as a team, and together you can teach your pooch to channel his or her energy into running through a timed course. This is great for keeping your dog mentally stimulated even though it’s cold outside. Play in the Snow Grab a brightly colored tennis ball or some snowballs and the kids, and head out to the yard. Plenty of dogs love playing in the snow, since they don’t get to see it that often. Make sure your dog’s paws are protected and that he or she is warm enough, though—even if that means you have to make your dog wear a sweater or coat. Volunteer Many nursing homes or hospitals love having pet visitors to brighten the mood. If your dog is very friendly and gets along with other people well, consider calling around to local facilities and finding out if they allow such a thing. Just imagine the joy that your pooch brings to you—wouldn’t you love giving that experience to someone else? Sledding Of course, sledding is always fun for the whole family—and this time, that can include the dog. Protect your pup’s feet with paw covers of some kind—boots or rubber mittens are great—and make sure your dog is protected from the cold, as well. You may think having a dog wear a coat is silly, but they’ll be a lot warmer if the coat is shielding their (fur) coat from getting soaked with snow. As always, make sure to wipe off your dog’s paws with warm water when you come in from the cold—salt on sidewalks can dry out their paw pads and make the skin crack.
How to Find the Best Dog Walker in Your Neighborhood
When you’re looking into different dog walking services in your area, you’ll probably find that there are a few different companies that will be able to provide you with the service you need and expect. When it comes down to narrowing your choices, there are a few different things to look for to ensure you make the best decision. The More References, the Better As with many other services—think hairdressers or doctors—the easiest way to find a great dog walker is to get references from someone you know. If someone is happy with their dog walker, they’ll want to offer up the information. If you don’t know anyone who uses a dog walking service, many companies are happy to provide you with a list of reviews, testimonials, and references. You can also check online reviews to learn more about certain companies. Security and Safety Concerns Ask a potential dog walking company about what their policies are about insurance, both for if they get bitten or scratched by the dog as well as if something happens to the dog when the dog is in their care. Make sure they have policies in place regarding what to do about lost keys—will they change the locks on your home if that happens, or is that expense passed on to you? Find out what their skills are regarding first aid—if they are trained for minor issues, this can save a trip to the vet. Friendliness Of course, it’s important to actually like the person who will be walking your dog—or at the very least, be able to trust them with both your pooch and your house keys. Make sure to meet with the walker or walkers who would be dealing with your pet, and see which person or company you like the most. It may also be possible for you to bring your dog along for a meet and greet. Your dog may warm up to one walker but not the other and if you’re given the choice between one or the other, you can choose the walker your dog likes more. Cost and Services Last but not least, you’ll want to weigh the cost of the dog walkers against the service they provide. For example, if they charge extra for training, you’ll want to verify that they are qualified or certified to train dogs. If they aren’t, they could just be trying to overcharge clients for a sub-par service. In general, it’s best to get referrals and also meet with a dog walker before you hire one, and also check out their prices, services, and certifications. By simply doing a bit of research, you’re sure to find the best dog walker for your pup.
October dog of the Month is
Octavia! Breed: Great Dane Age: 5.5 Where I live: East Lakeview Joys in Life: Sleeping, Eating, Cuddling, Walking, and Dancing (see the picture below!) Cruisin’ Canines Chicago Dog Walker: Tim Chicago Dog Walking Buddies: just Tim!
Dog Walkers in Lincoln Square Are Perfect for Pet Owners
The summertime is often regarded as an ideal time to get a dog. It’s nice out, so housebreaking it isn’t as frustrating—you don’t have to stand out in the cold waiting for your dog to do his business. Many people also have jobs that allow them more time off during the summer months—teachers and telecommuters, for example. Kids are also home from school, so it’s a great time to get the dog acquainted with the family. But for pet owners who get a dog during the summer and can’t be home all the time, Chicago dog walking services are a perfect way to supplement your time with your new pet. Whether you need help once or twice a week or want someone to visit your dog every day, a Lincoln Square dog walker from Cruisin’ Canines will happily hang out with your pooch. Walkers in a Variety of Neighborhoods Dog owners know how tough it can be to leave their pet at home all day while they go to work—even grown dogs can show off those puppy-dog eyes. You don’t have to feel bad about leaving them alone, though, if you live in any of the neighborhoods our dog walking service in Lincoln Square. Whether you need an Uptown, Buena Park, Logan Square, Ravenswood, or Lincoln Square dog walker, or if you live in one of other neighborhoods we service, you can take advantage of competitive rates and multiple-dog discounts. Summertime Services If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog now that the weather is warming up, but you’ve been worried about leaving it alone while you’re away at work or school, you can trust the reliable Chicago dog walking services from Cruisin’ Canines. In addition to offering visiting services, we also offer boarding and cat visits—perfect if you go away for vacation. When you need a Lincoln Square dog walker, don’t fret—help is closer than you think.
What To Look For In A Chicago Dog Walking Service
Have you ever felt uneasy trusting a stranger with the responsibility of caring for your dog? If so, don’t worry; it’s only natural to feel that way. If you’re leaving your dog in the hands of other people while you’re away from home, it’s important to know whether or not they are qualified to properly handle your pooch. At Cruisin’ Canines, we make sure that all our walkers are qualified to handle your dogs, whether it’s one of our Ukrainian Village dog walkers or one of our seasoned managers. To gain the trust of our customers, we make our qualifications and paperwork available to all. Below are some of our Chicago dog walking service’s qualifications: Essential Dog Walking Qualifications Fully insured & bonded Workers compensation insurance – protects you from anything that happens to the dog walkers while they tend to your dogs Certificate of Liability Insurance Properly trained dog walkers Registered with the National Association of Pet Sitters (NAPPS) Vet recommended Personal Qualifications for Dog Walkers Although it’s important to have necessary, professional qualifications for staffers like our Ukrainian Village dog walkers, it’s also vital that they meet some personal qualifications as well. We don’t allow people to walk your dogs if we wouldn’t trust them with our own dogs. Therefore, we make sure our walkers are 100%, canine-enthused, puppy-loving, paw-pampering dog lovers! Our Chicago dog walking service is full of people who naturally want to go out of their way to take care of your pooch. These are the people you see playing with their own dogs in their front lawns every day, walking them on the sidewalk with a big smile on their faces and playing fetch with them whenever they get the chance. Trust Your Instincts If you do not use our Chicago dog walking service to help care for your dog while you’re away from home, we ask that you use your own good judgment. Find someone you know and truly trust to take good care of your canine. Also, check and see if the person you’re relying on has the proper qualifications; it will help you rest at night to know that your pup is in good hands. As always, Cruisin’ Canines is willing to help care for your animals, so feel free to contact us at any time. Our Ukrainian Village dog walkers and other walkers are constantly happy to meet new friends!
Chicago Dog Walkers Spice Up The Day
A Dog’s Point Of View Have you ever thought about what it must be like for your dog to have an East Village dog walker or any of our walkers stop by on a regular basis? Since you have daily obligations that potentially keep you from spending most of your days with your pooch, people like us have the privilege of playing with dogs like yours all the time. Therefore, we all know how lucky we are and how much we love our jobs here at Cruisin’ Canines. But, what about the other side of the story? What do the dogs think about us being their pals? To paint a better picture about how Chicago dog walkers like ourselves help your dogs, let’s talk about how dog’s must feel having daily visits from professional canine enthusiasts. We like to think that there are three different emotions a dog must feel when we come over to play and walk with them, such as: Anticipation Whether it’s our East Village dog walkers or our other walkers closest to your house, our canine clients typically look forward to our arrival. They know that their friends are coming over to play and take care of them, so they usually wait anxiously by the door. After several play dates, the dogs almost expect our arrival on cue. We like to think of this as mutual anticipation. We get just as excited to take our furry friends on walks. However, the thing that excites us the most is knowing that we are helping your dogs. They need that mid-day attention in order to be happy and healthy dogs, so why not let our Chicago dog walkers lend a helping hand? Relief Another positive feeling we like to give our doggie patrons is a sense of relief. We like to think your dogs are relieved, knowing that there are people like East Village dog walkers to help look after them while you’re away. They know that after you leave the house, they won’t be alone for too long. Before they know it, they’re relieved and excited to get out of the house and play for awhile. Entertainment Finally, the best emotional gift that we like to think we give to your canines is pure joy/entertainment. If the dogs are not having fun, we are not having fun. We take time throughout our walk to play with the dogs, keep them active and give them the attention that they need. Even though we like to assume that the dogs become sad once we leave for the day, we know that they’re looking forward to their owners coming back home. Our Chicago dog walkers ensure your pets are healthy, and happy.
The Importance of Regular Walks
If you think that taking the dog out for a walk amounts to little more than a bathroom break, think again! Your dog relies on walks for plenty of reasons other than eliminating, so whether he’s a big dog and you think he can “hold it” or he’s a tiny one that needs frequent potty breaks, he has to go outside several times a day to stay physically and mentally fit. Canine Social Networking Every dog walker in Chicago knows the value of socializing a dog—and the inevitable trouble if you don’t. Dogs need to be socialized frequently from a young age, learning how to behave around people and other dogs. If they don’t start when they’re young, they may grow up to be fearful, aggressive or over-excited at the sight of other animals or strangers. If your dog doesn’t get out of the house frequently, you’re breeding trouble. Dog Walking and Fitness Whether your dog is big or small, he needs regular walks to stay in good shape. That doesn’t mean taking him out for one extra-long walk a day, either—imagine if you sat on the couch from morning to night, only getting up to take a jog right before bed. Your muscles wouldn’t take to it, and your body wouldn’t necessarily benefit much from the exercise. Just like you, your dog needs to be active throughout the day, stretching his legs, working his muscles and keeping his metabolism going. If you have to leave him at home alone throughout the day, a quick mid-day visit from you or a local dog walker can make a world of difference in his physical health. Walking for Emotional Well-Being Dogs can get bored and lonely when left alone for too long, which is why Chicago dog walking services are so popular—they make sure that your little buddy has the companionship he needs and the activity that keeps his mind sharp. If he doesn’t, he can become restless, even developing a sense of separation anxiety that kicks in whenever you leave for the day. If you can’t make it home during the day to give him some attention and a few minutes of exercise, consider contacting a local dog walker that can stop by to show him some love.
Chicago Dog Walkers On-the-Go
Unexpected circumstances pop-up when we least expect them to, whether it’s because of our jobs or the random events that life solemnly sends our way. Sometimes we have to travel away from home in order deal with these circumstances and leaving behind our obligations can be a hassle. These times are never amusing, especially if you have a pet. That’s why there’s Cruisin Canines! Our dog walkers in Chicago help make your life is a little bit easier, knowing that you have someone to rely on for the care of your pet while you’re away. If your schedule is ever changing or has you traveling regularly, you should consider using our Chicago dog walking service, which can help you at the last second. It takes time calling friends and neighbors to see if they can take care of your pet during your absence, especially when it’s a late notice. Having a service that will be available at any moment will put your mind at ease during these hectic moments. Last Minute Help Our dog walking services in Chicago are ready whenever you need them. We offer the best treatment for your canine and make sure they’re safe while you’re gone. Here are some basic services we provide for you and your dog: Ready to go service Dog walking (15 & 30 minute sessions) Making sure your dog is properly fed Boarding Visits and house checks Our Dog walking service prices usually vary, depending on the amount of pets you have, how long you’d like your walks to be and the length of time you’re gone. Our services are also flexible, working with your specific requests to make sure that you and your pet are content. Regardless of your needs, every service is affordable and helpful. Let our Chicago dog walkers help you out. There’s no need to waste time worrying about who’s going to take care of your pet during your travels. Our professional pet sitters can assure that your animals will be taken care of and that by the time you get home, they’ll be as happy as a clam (or canine)!
Convenient Dog Walking Service in Chicago
As dog lovers, most of us wish we could spend more time at home with our canines, however, our jobs usually prevents us from doing so. Even when we try our best it’s difficult to stop by home for a bit to let our dogs out or take them for a short walk. Worrying about whether or not your dog is getting enough exercise or attention should never be a problem. Using a dog walking service like Cruisin Canines can allow you to get through your day worry free. Just Like Us Much like humans, dogs enjoy their lunch break or mid-day walk. They need their afternoon exercise and snack as much as we do. That way, they’re cheerful as can be by the time you get home. By letting one of our professional Chicago dog walkers take care of your fuzzy friend during the day, you can be at ease knowing they’re getting their daily dose of love. Daily Walks We love taking our furry clients for daily strolls, that’s why we offer either 15 or 30 minute walks for our customers. Our dog walking service prices are affordable and open to working with the specific needs you have for your dog. All of the dogs we care for get excited about their mid-day walk, especially the ones we watch on a regular basis. Sometimes, they’ll be waiting by the door before we even get to the house! Don’t believe us? Here’s what one of our clients had to say about our dog walking service: “For the past three years, we have depended on Cruisin’ Canines to walk our dog, Sherman. They are reliable and trustworthy. Sherman waits by the front door every morning for his daily walk and especially for his chance to be among the other dogs he walks with. Pam and Paul are always accommodating and flexible and have been there for us whenever we have needed them. It’s so nice to know that our dog is in such good hands when we can’t be with him.” – Becky Foersterling Keep you and your dog content during the day allowing a Chicago dog walker care for your pooch. Keeping your dog busy and active during the day is essential to having a happy friend. The moment you come home from work and open the door, you’ll both feel like you just saw each other!
Holiday Donations
Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! The third organization we will donate to this season has been chosen! In addition to Red Door Animal Shelter and Best Friends Animal Society, the Chicago Canine Rescue will receive a donation this year in lieu of us giving out gifts to your pups. Thank you all for your nominations, there are so many wonderful rescues and shelters in our city. Enjoy the rest of the year with your loved ones, furry and otherwise!