10 Ways to Exercise Your Dog in the Winter

Are you looking for ways to exercise your dog in the winter? Keeping your pooch active in the winter can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many fun winter activities to get you and your mutt on the move, from hiking to art activities.

10 Winter Activities for You and Your Dog

1. Fetch
   Playing fetch or frisbee for a short time outdoors in the winter weather is a great way to sneak in a bit of exercise. Use a bright ball/frisbee to boost visibility, making sure to outfit your dog properly. During your playtime, pay attention to signs of hypothermia.
2. Hiking
   Give yourselves a change of scenery by going for a romp on a nearby hiking trail. Let your dog enjoy the new scents and views while you de-stress in Mother Nature.
3. Skijoring
   If you’re the active or adventurous type, skijoring may be for you. It’s a cross between skiing and dog sledding and is a fabulous way to take advantage of a snowy day.
4. “Doga”
   Find a local dog yoga center, or YouTube it, finding an online class and practicing “downward dog” with your best friend.
5. Hide the Treat
   Hide your pup’s treats (or meals) inside of a fun, interactive toy. There are many options available, from time-release treat dispensers to those that move and those that inspire problem-solving.
6. Indoor Dog Parks
   Get on the web and find a nearby indoor dog park where your pup can enjoy one of his favorite activities, swimming, jumping, and sliding off the calories.
7. Dog Daycare
   Doggy daycare offers a range of fun activities, inspiring your pup to exercise and socialize. Such enjoyable activities help banish the boredom that leads to trouble, ensuring a happier, healthier relationship.
8. Canine Cookie Making
   Make your dog a homemade treat, trying out a new canine cookie recipe – and perhaps finding a new cookie recipe you’d enjoy as well.
9. Pawprint Art
   Let your creative side shine, ordering some dog-safe washable paints, and creating art with your pup’s paws. A web search “DIY paw print artwork” offers loads of inspiration.
10. Shopping Spree
    If your doggy is a diva, go on a fashion spree. In addition to getting out and active, you can also use the experience to get a jump on purchases you’ll need to make later in the year, such as costumes, holiday wear, and clothing for photo sessions.

Don’t let winter stop you and your pup from having fun. Get out and get social with the help of DoGone Fun today!

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/daycare-for-dogs/10-ways-to-exercise-your-dog-in-the-winter/

 

Dog Boarding and Daycare to Reduce Holiday Stress

Could a day of doggy daycare be just what Santa ordered? Though you love having your precious pet around, with all the stress and obligations of the holidays, your pup may be feeling a little overlooked. Why not let your pet enjoy a safe, activity-filled day of doggy daycare while you focus on checking things off your holiday task list?

There are Many Benefits to Doggy Daycare & Holiday Boarding

 

• Less Stress and Complications
  Balancing work, errands, social events, and your two and four-legged family can be a tough task during the holiday season. When your home is as crowded as your to-do list, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Holiday boarding and doggy daycare can give you a little relief, taking pet-related tasks off the table and making things easier on you and your family. Tackle your shopping list, clean and prep, or host your party while your pooch is cared for and exercised.
• No Unexpected Surprises
  Your family and friends mean well, but during holiday events, they may not know how to best treat your pet. Your pet may be given access to dangerous foods or scared or shooed away by anxious children and adults unaccustomed to pets. When your dog enjoys a day of doggy daycare or boarding, during these events, you can rest assured they will be properly cared for by our attentive staff. Here they can get medications, much-needed attention, and enjoy a day of doggy daycare activities.
• Professional Care
  Though your family and friends may offer to take your pooch off your hands for the day so you can get things done, they’re not professionally trained to take care of your pup. Your canine companion needs someone with the experience to be on the lookout for doggy dangers, and the skills to handle them if they occur.

Why Book Daycare & Boarding at DoGone Fun?

At DoGone Fun, we banish the boredom of bargain boarding services, keeping your pet cared for and entertained while you tackle tough holiday tasks. Watch live via webcam as we pamper your pets with cozy kennels and over 5,000 feet of indoor and outdoor play space. Grooming and training services can also be scheduled. Experts in pet care, our staff is educated in dog behavior, training, and playgroup management.

Too pooped to party with your pooch? Book a holiday stay with DoGone Fun today!

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/daycare-for-dogs/dog-boarding-and-daycare-to-reduce-holiday-stress/

I have to Leave my Dog Alone A Lot- Is That Ok?

When you need to work during the day, is it ok to leave your dog alone? How long is too long when it comes to having dogs stay home alone? If you’re worried about the effects of leaving your dog alone, keep the following in mind and work out an alternative if needed.

Amount of Time Alone

Some dogs seem to do fine when they’re on their own for eight or more hours per day while their owners work. However, other dogs don’t do so well. These dogs can exhibit typical dog behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety, or damage items in the home out of boredom or frustration. The amount of time your dog should spend alone each day depends on how well she handles it and how often she needs to eliminate. If she’s acting up or having accidents, you should look into other options for her, so that she won’t be left alone all day when you’re at work.

Crating Dogs

If you tend to crate your dog when you leave for work, you should be aware that this can make behavioral problems worse. While some dogs don’t seem to mind being in a crate for a few or more hours, other dogs can bark excessively, have accidents or display other behavioral issues from being cooped up all day. In general, you should avoid crating your dog for more than a few hours at a time, especially on a regular basis.

Other Options

If you need to look into other options for your dog or if you’re uncomfortable with leaving her alone so long each day, there are different services to consider. Dog walkers can stop by your home a couple of times a day to take your dog for a walk and spend time with her. You can also look into using a dog daycare center for socialization and physical activity. These facilities give your dog a chance to run around playing with other dogs, which can help reduce behavioral issues that result from boredom or frustration at home.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your dog busy when you’re not home, consider dog daycare. At DoGone Fun, your dog can play with a lot of other dogs for several hours a day when you’re at work. Contact us for more information on our dog daycare services in the Chicago area.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/daycare-for-dogs/is-it-ok-leave-my-dog-alone-a-lot/

 

Your Yard Has Gone To The Dogs

When you have a yard, your dog has a good place to run around and explore. If you plan on letting your dog stay out there for long periods of time when it’s nice out, consider making some changes to it. You can make your yard more dog-friendly with the following ideas.

Shelter and Shade

Your dog will need areas of shade to escape from the sun’s rays when it’s warm out. Having a sheltered area also provides a place for dogs to go if it starts raining. Consider adding a gazebo to your yard, depending on how much space you have. A gazebo is a free-standing structure that your dog can go to for shade or shelter from the rain while he’s playing outside.

If space is limited, you can add an awning or canopy to the exterior of your home. This provides a covered spot for your dog to go for shelter and shade. Keep in mind that there are retractable awnings available if you don’t want an awning open all the time.

Trees and Plants

If you plan on using trees and plants as forms of shelter and shade, be careful about the types you plant. Avoid any plants that are toxic to dogs, especially if your dog spends time outdoors unsupervised. You should also choose trees, bushes and plants that can handle being bumped into while your dog is running around.

Other Options

What happens if you don’t have a yard to make more dog-friendly or if you work all day and can’t let your dog play out there for hours? Doggy Daycare offers a great solution to this problem. You can drop your dog off at doggy daycare for hours of fun and excitement with other dogs. This lets your dog burn off energy during the day when you’re at work while also getting to be social and make new friends.

If you’re thinking of signing your dog up for doggy daycare, contact DoGone Fun. We provide a safe area for dogs to play in with constant supervision.

This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-daycare/your-yard-has-gone-to-the-dogs/

 

Do Dogs Get Cabin Fever?

Chicago’s long, cold winters might leave you feeling eager to get out of the house. Does your dog feel the same way? Dogs can get cabin fever when they’ve been cooped up for long periods of time at home instead of being able to go outside and play.

Signs of Cabin Fever

Dogs tend to start acting up when they’re tired of being in the house. They might take their boredom out on objects in your home by chewing on them, such as furniture, shoes or other items. Some dogs will suddenly run around or jump up on furniture when they’re feeling restless. In some cases, dogs might become aggressive or urinate to mark their territory inside the home.

Reasons for Cabin Fever in Dogs

Dogs need to have regular physical activity and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and satisfied. Without these, frustration and boredom can build up inside them. When this reaches a certain point, dogs begin acting up in different ways. If your dog has been showing any signs of cabin fever, there are several ways to relieve this condition.

How to Handle Cabin Fever

Keeping your dog active and entertained are effective ways to deal with cabin fever. You can play games with your dog in your home if you have room. Fetch gives dogs opportunities to run around, while hiding toys or treats for dogs to find keeps their brain busy. When the weather is pleasant, you can also take your dog for longer walks or visit a local dog park to reduce the risk of boredom. If you have a fenced-in yard, let your dog run around and play to burn off energy.

If your dog is restless after a long winter, doggy daycare offers a great way to get rid of this boredom. DoGone Fun has half-day packages available that give dogs an exciting puppy playdate. Your dog can make new friends and get plenty of activity for a few hours or more per day. Contact us to learn more about our doggy daycare services in Chicago.

 

This article originally posted at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-daycare/do-dogs-get-cabin-fever/

 

Requirements Needed to Send Your Dog to Daycare

Sending dogs to day care isn’t as simple as finding the right place and signing up for it. Not all dogs are allowed to be part of a day care setting, which happens for different reasons. Some dogs show too much fear or aggression around other dogs, while some dogs have health issues that would put other dogs at risk. When you look into signing your dog up for a Chicago doggie day care, make sure you check the list of requirements. Reputable day care facilities have these requirements to ensure that all dogs are able to play and be around other dogs in a safe place.

Benefits of Doggie Day Care Requirements

Having requirements for Chicago doggie day care might seem like an inconvenience for dog owners, but it provides a number of important benefits. These benefits help keep dogs safe and happy, and they provide dog owners with peace of mind. The advantages they offer include the following:

• Lower risk of disease and parasites: Day care requirements reduce the risk of having illnesses and parasites in the day care facility. This makes it less likely for dogs to get sick or pick up fleas and other parasites during their stay.
• Lower risk of injuries from fights: Dogs that stay at Chicago doggie day care centers typically go through an assessment to determine their temperament. This prevents dogs who are aggressive from being able to participate, which reduces the risk of having fights break out. Dog owners can rest assured that their dogs can play safely with other dogs who will not lunge at them.
• High-quality facility: Dog day care facilities that strictly enforce requirements tend to be high-quality ones. Having a dedication to ensuring that these rules are followed means that the facility is committed to making sure that all dogs in their care stay as safe as possible during day care.

 Temperament Assessments

One of the most common types of requirements for Chicago doggie day care is a temperament assessment. This type of assessment determines whether or not certain dogs should be allowed into day care. Dogs that are generally excluded from day care based on assessment results include those that show signs of aggression toward other dogs or people, such as lunging or growling. These dogs cannot be trusted to play safely with other dogs in common play areas.

What can dog owners expect during an assessment? Temperament assessments generally require dogs to spend a certain amount of time at the day care facility. This gives staff members the chance to get to know dogs better and observe their behavior. Dog owners are usually asked to provide information about their dog during these assessments. Dogs are then slowly introduced to play groups to see how they behave around other dogs. After this initial assessment, dogs are usually required to come in for three to six hours for a more thorough assessment.

Dogs who pass temperament assessments are allowed to join play groups. However, dog owners should keep in mind that dogs typically need to be re-assessed when they have gone at least one year without day care or boarding services. This gives staff members a chance to see if anything has changed with the dog’s behavior.

Spaying and Neutering

Dogs who participate in Chicago doggie day care usually need to be spayed or neutered. These services are required in order to reduce the risk of conflict between dogs. In general, pets that are spayed or neutered tend to have fewer behavioral issues and are less prone to aggression than those that have not had these procedures done. Dog owners can fulfill this requirement by providing paperwork that shows proof that their dog has been spayed or neutered.

Vaccinations

Chicago doggie day care facilities are required to only accept dogs that are up-to-date on certain vaccinations. These requirements are based on state and city laws. Dogs in Chicago must have current vaccinations for rabies, distemper, parvovirus and bordetella, or kennel cough before participating in doggie day care. Requiring dogs to have updated vaccinations means that there is a lower risk of having these diseases around. Since distemper and other contagious diseases can be serious and even life-threatening, this requirement helps keep dogs safe and healthy. Dog owners can meet this requirement by showing paperwork with proof that their dogs are up-to-date on these vaccinations.

 Parasites

Internal parasites can make some dogs dangerously ill. In order to reduce this risk, Chicago doggie day care facilities require dog owners to provide a fecal exam with negative results for parasites. This test must have been done within the past 12 months in order to be valid. Although it is not a requirement, dog owners might want to ask their vet about flea prevention products for their dogs before sending them to day care. These products can lower the risk of developing a flea infestation, which can cause itchy skin and other reactions in some dogs.

Dog License

Dog owners who reside in Chicago must also show that their dog’s license is current. Those who do not have a current license can renew theirs or get a new one from the city clerk’s website or from the office of the Chicago city clerk in city hall. Dog licenses cost $5 per dog. Dog owners must provide proof that their dog has an up-to-date rabies vaccination, along with documentation from the vet that shows that their dog has been spayed or neutered.

How to Meet Requirements

Dog owners who plan on having their dogs stay at DoGone Fun should keep the following information handy. This information breaks down what dog owners need to do in order to meet the requirements for this Chicago doggie day care facility.

• Initial temperament assessment: Dog owners should schedule a visit for an initial assessment with a staff member. Although these assessments do not need to be scheduled, dog owners who meet all other requirements can bring their dog in as a walk-in. DoGone Fun attempts to conduct assessments for walk-ins Monday through Saturday, as long as they have met all other requirements.
• Follow-up temperament assessment: Dog owners should plan a day for their dog to spend three to six hours at DoGone Fun for closer observation. This can be scheduled for a time that is convenient for dog owners.
• Spayed or neutered: Dog owners should ask their vet for documentation that has proof that their dog has been spayed or neutered. This documentation can be shown to DoGone Fun to fulfill this requirement.
• Vaccinations: Dog owners should ask their vet for an updated record that shows proof that their dog is current on rabies, distemper, parvovirus and bordetella vaccinations. Rabies, distemper and parvovirus are typically given at annual wellness checks, but bordetella is usually not a routine vaccine. Dog owners should be prepared to schedule an appointment to bring their dog to the vet for a bordetella vaccine if it has not been given.
• Fecal exam for parasites: Dog owners should ask their vet for proof that their dog has had a fecal exam that was negative for parasites within the past 12 months. If dogs have not had a fecal exam in the past 12 months, dog owners should schedule a vet appointment to have one done.
• Dog license: Dog owners in Chicago should bring in proof that their dog’s city dog license is up-to-date. If it is expired or if there is no license, dog owners should order a license online or at the city clerk’s office. Keep in mind that proof of spaying or neutering and proof of a current rabies vaccination is required.

 Dogs That Don’t Meet Requirements

What happens if dogs do not meet Chicago doggie day care requirements? Dogs that do not pass temperament assessments will not be allowed to take part in day care activities. Dog owners should consider looking into working with a dog trainer or animal behaviorist if their dog fails an assessment due to issues with aggression. Dogs that are not current on vaccinations should go to the vet to receive updated shots. Dogs that have had a positive result for parasites on a fecal exam should receive veterinary treatment before being tested again. Those that have not had a fecal exam in the past year should visit the vet for an updated fecal exam. Dogs that have an expired license or dogs that do not have a dog license should get a current one from the city clerk’s office.

This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-daycare/requirements-needed-to-send-your-dog-to-daycare/

 

 

Tips for Choosing a Dog Boarding and DayCare Facility

Have you noticed how many dogs there are in Chicago? It seems more and more people are adopting or purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder these days. It is a huge investment of money and time and I’m sure you want the best for your new little furry family member. So the buzz around the city is “What is the best in Dog Boarding and Doggie Daycare”?

For some of us, choosing a proper Dog Boarding and Doggie Daycare facility can be just as stressful as choosing the right daycare for a child. Because let’s face it, our dogs ARE our children in many ways! They are a member of our family and we want to entrust them with someone knowledgeable and above all, kind.

Choosing a Doggie Daycare

• See how the dogs interact with the staff of the facility.  While you are at work, the last thing you should worry about is if your dog is lonely, ignored or worst of all, mistreated.
• Is the dog daycare or boarding facility prepared for any illness your dog might suddenly have while you’re away? As if knowing your pooch is sick is not bad enough, wondering whether the staff really know how to care for a sick pet can be REALLY frightening.
• Is the facility clean and free from funky smells? Aside from the fact that a dog’s sense of smell is up to 100,000 times that of a human, an unclean facility is a breeding ground for disease?
• Is there a schedule or routine that the staff follows so that all the dogs and puppies get fed and watered, walked or groomed (if that’s an option)?
• Is the facility equipped to administer regular medication if your child….I meant pup… requires it?
• What is the temperament of the dogs your baby will be interacting with? Do they have a plan of action if something  goes awry?  Consider replacing first sentence with:  Does the facility temperament assess every dog before accepting them to ensure that your dog will be as “safe” as possible?

We think we have everything you want in a dog daycare and boarding facility. The staff at DoGone Fun has a ball with all our dogs! We have a 20,000 square foot facility that provides indoor and outdoor fun for every shape and size dog.  We have toys and activities for dogs of all ages.  When you visit the facility, it is easy to see how much we enjoy what we do.

DoGone Fun provides a great atmosphere for all our dogs during the day, and at night we take extra care so the dogs feel safe and secure whether they’re staying for the day or the night.

Come see why DoGone Fun Dog Boarding and Daycare is heads and tails above the rest in Chicago.  Take a tour of our entire facility.  Talk to the staff and ask questions.  Your stress will melt away when you see all the smiling and happy faces on each and every dog!

This content was previously published on https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-daycare/tips-for-choosing-a-dog-boarding-and-daycare-facility/

How Can I Keep My Dog Sociable In The Winter?

Staying social is important for dogs, but this can be a challenge in the winter. Thankfully, there are ways to make sure your dog gets plenty of interaction with other dogs during this time of year.

Benefits of Being Social

Dogs need to be able to spend time with other dogs in order to build healthy socialization skills. Some dogs end up becoming fearful or aggressive around unfamiliar dogs if they’re not around other dogs much in general. Giving dogs plenty of chances to socialize helps them become more comfortable around other dogs. They learn how to behave appropriately while playing and interacting with other dogs.

Being social also provides dogs with opportunities to stay mentally stimulated while also getting physical activity. When dogs run around and play with other dogs, they’re burning off mental and physical energy, which helps reduce the risk of boredom. Dogs can develop behavioral problems, such as chewing household items, when they’re bored and don’t have enough mental and physical stimulation.

Ways to Stay Social in Winter

Although socializing offers important benefits for dogs, it’s not always easy to find ways to do this in winter. When it’s cold and snowy out, you’re not likely to find other dogs and dog owners at the local dog park. If it’s really cold, you also have to limit the amount of time your dog spends outside for safety reasons.

DoGone Fun provides convenient ways for you to make sure your dog stays social this winter. Our doggy daycare services offer a safe place for your dog to play with other dogs throughout the season. This is a great option if you have to work all day and can’t be around your dog. At doggy daycare, your dog can spend several hours a day interacting with other dogs in a supervised setting. No matter what the weather’s like outside, your dog will be able to socialize all season long.

You can also rent the playroom at DoGone Fun on Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm for special events. Whether you want to throw your dog a birthday party, schedule a play date or host a group event, you can rent the indoor playroom to provide dogs with a warm, dry area to burn off energy. When you rent this space, you’ll also have a staff member on hand to keep the dogs entertained with fun and games.

This article was originally posted at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-daycare/how-can-i-keep-my-dog-sociable-in-the-winter/

 

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 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/