Going out on the town doesn't necessarily
mean you have to leave your beloved Fido at home. There are several
dog-friendly places in Chicago where you and your pet can socialize
together.
One of the most popular is Wiggly
Field at 2645 North Sheffield. Wiggly Field has a double-gated fenced
area where you call allow your dog to run off-leash that includes
an 18-inch high water fountain and even a fake mailbox. Two other
off-leash areas in Chicago are Wicker Park at 1425 N. Damen and
Hamlin Park at 3035 N. Hoyne.
If you're more of a beach bum looking
for some fun in the sand with your four-legged companion, don't
despair. The Montrose Dog Beach, located at the northwestern end
of Montrose Beach, has a dog-friendly area that allows dogs to play
in the sand, cool off in the shallows, and paddle in the waves.
The Belmont Harbor Dog Beach, located at Belmont Harbor Lincoln
Park, has been an unofficial dog park since the 1980s. Surrounded
by fence and water, it is the perfect place to let your dog frolic
in the waves.
For a list of more dog-friendly parks
you can call the Chicago Park District at 312-742-PLAY.
After playing in the park, you and
your dog will probably get a little hungry. Don't worry, you won't
have to go home: a number of Chicago restaurants have dog-friendly
terraces and patios.
For example, Brasserie Jo, located
at 59 West Hubbard Street, will serve your canine a free plate of
steak tartare and a bowl of water to wash it down with why you dine
on their exquisite French cuisine. If you're in the mood for Italian,
try Cucina Bella Trattoria located at 1612 North Sedgwick Street.
While you're trying dining on spinach lasagna, your dog will be
enjoying his own complementary bowl of pasta.
Close to Wicker Park is the Gallery
Café at 1760 West North Avenue, which offers everything from
fruit smoothies to toasted sandwiches. Other restaurants that are
reported to have dog friendly areas are Pauline's at 1754 West Balmoral
Avenue, Uncommon Ground at 1215 West Grace, and Joey's Brickhouse
at 1258 West Balmoral Avenue.
Remember to bring plenty of water
for both you and him when taking your dog out in the summer. Be
sure to bring the proper equipment to clean up after your dog. Failure
to do so can result in a five hundred dollar fine. Also, make sure
your dog is fully immunized, de-wormed, licensed, and wearing ID
tags. Female dogs in heat and puppies under four-months-old are
prohibited in most areas.
See also: Best
Dog Breeds for Seniors , Calculating
Dog Years , How to Pick
a Dog from a Shelter .
I am also potty training my new shih-tzu puppy, who is currently 3 months old and I've had her for a month. I started out with pee pads and an excercise pen attached to her crate but she went everywhere inside and rarely outside. I also bought an astroturf thing that didn't work as well. The only thing that is now working (and hopefully will continue to work..knock on wood) is the crate training. She won't go in her crate and I take her out immediately when I get up, get home & then several times in the evening and before bed. She gets a treat every time she potties outside and I praise her a ton. Also, really helps to take them for a walk - even if just around outside and the excercise helps to eliminate as well. I'm learning as well, but so far really taking her out often and leaving her in her crate at times, helps her to learn to hold it for short periods of time and she also is now !@#$$ociating outside w/potty. Oh and also - I tend to carry her outside and then set her down...she won't pee on me, but if I let her walk on her own, she tends to stop and just let it go.