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Chicago’s Most Valuable Real Estate

Roger — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:12:21 +0000

: Image by xelcise via Flickr

Chicago’s most valuable real estate is it’s Lakefront. I am so happy that the early settlers & developers of Chicago had the foresight and vision to protect the most precious and irreplaceable real estate, the lake front.

One of Chicago’s official dog parks is Montrose Beach Dog Park, see video to appreciate how dogs and dog owners enjoy a sunny summer afternoon.

A volunteer group known as Mondog, has been very instrumental in helping to keep the beach clean, safe and user friendly. This past Saturday, 6/5/2010 they did a fund raiser/bake sale to collect some money to help with the upkeep and continued improvement of the dog park. Next Saturday, 6/19/2010 there is a volunteer clean up secheuled from 9am to 12pm at Montrose Beach. Again coordinated with the efforts of the Mondog.org group. They could certainly use your help so if you enjoy the beach with your pooch, might be a good idea to give a helping hand, contribute to community and the facility you use. If you don’t have a dog, I suggest you adopt one from a local shelter or just come out to help MonDog clean up our area known as Chicago’s Montrose Dog Beach. Free Parking.

Chicago Real Estate Going To The Dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roger — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:06:49 +0000

As reported by Leslie Mann in a recent Tribune article http://tiny.cc/07ml1 many Chicago Buildings are going out of their way to put “friendly” into pet-friendly living. Most estimates have the percentage of pet households in the United States at 60%+, that equals a lot of people and a lot of pets. As a country, we spend $45 billion a year on our animals and that number is expected to rise by 5 percent this year, according to Fast Company magazine. It’s become a common site to see a large van wrapped in pet aimed advertisements parked in front of condo buildings to pick up and entertain our pouches while we’re gone for the day and to return them at the end of the day. Dog care has become big business in Chicago. Some trainers are now specializing in working with specific behavioral problems and will come to your home to help with what ever the issue may be. Dog trainer Fran Barry of gofidogoodfido.com says that business is good due in part to the large number of households with dogs. She goes on to say that although people tend to treat their pets like children, dog owners don’t understand that a dog’s thinking processes are drastically different than humans however most dog’s behavior problems can be resolved with the help of a professional trainer.

Retractable Leash—A Cautionary Tale

Marianne — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:40:34 +0000

by Marianne Sackett
Trainers have long argued against retractable leashes because they teach dogs to pull on the lead instead of walking next to you. Vets don’t like them because when you are distracted (perhaps picking up after your dog) you can easily find the dog in the street chasing a squirrel and subsequently getting hit by a car. There are some that argue that their dogs are little and/or it gives them freedom when playing to run around the dog park or other area without being off the leash. I’ve even heard some say that injuries occurred because people weren’t using the leash properly.

Here’s my experience. You decide if you, your children, or your dog is worth using the leash.

It was a friendly interaction between 2 dogs, both under 20#s. Matilda and Dottie were running playfully in front of my home. Matilda was wearing a regular leash, Dottie, a retractable. After we detangled the dogs a number of times, the accident happened: Matilda ran behind my 11 year old son, Dottie followed her. The retractable leash was like a razor cutting the back of my son’s leg right at the spot where your leg bends. The wound was about 1/8″ deep and 6″ long. It wasn’t the type of injury that could be stitched or glued. There wasn’t too much that could be done except keep it clean and immobile since normal walking would cause the wound to open again. It took several weeks to heal.

About a month later, we encountered a young couple walking their small dog with a retractable leash. We kept walking backwards as they approached. They assured us that the dog was friendly. My son said, “We’re not afraid of your dog, we’re afraid of the leash. Those things are dangerous.” They both rolled their eyes and kept walking.

Seeing the damage the leash could do just running against the skin I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if it wrapped itself around any part of my son or either dog for that matter. There are decapitation warnings on the leash for a reason. Here’s a Consumer Reports story about said leash http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2009/03/retractable-leashes-pose-problems-for-people-and-their-pets.html.

Even if you don’t use the leash beware of encounters with dogs who do.

Bark in the Park

Roger — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:02:25 +0000

It’s time for the Anti-Cruelty Society’s 16th annual Bark In The Park, a 5K (3.1)mile walk with (or without) your dog, to benefit The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago’s comprehensive, open-door, unlimited stay humane society.

On Saturday, May 1st, Chicagoland animal lovers will hightail it to Montrose Harbor. After the walk visit participate in some of the fun-filled activities including an agility course, sampling free sponsor products or check out the interactive fun in the Family Fun tent. If your dog is an Anti-Cruelty Society alum there will be an opportunity to meet other Anti-Cruelty Society alumi.

Here’s a few notes before you head out.

Only one dog per registrant.

All dogs must remain on a leashes throughout the event.

Retractable leashes must be LOCKED in a manageable position.

No aggressive animals or animals in heat.

Be sure your dog wears current rabies and I.D. tags.

No cats or other pets, skateboards, bikes, or rollerblades allowed.

Event officials reserve the right to refuse entry.

Please pick up after your pup. Bags will be available throughout the event site.

Spring has Sprung

Roger — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:25:49 +0000

Okay. When you live in Chicago you have to rely on a calendar to remind you what month you’re in. Yes, despite the fact that the thermometer outside reads 30 degrees, it is spring in Chicago. I thought I’d share a photo of my friends to cheer you up.

Dogs and People Helping Dogs and People

Roger — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:27:46 +0000

Dogs and People Helping Dogs and People

March 10, 2010, 6:57AM MT

By Sandy Miller, Best Friends staff writer

Best Friends-sponsored Safe Humane Chicago recruits volunteer dog-handler teams to help with animal-friendly programs.

When it comes to pit bull terriers, Roger Lautt has his own translation for what the letters “PIT” stand for — “Princess In Training.”

That’s how he refers to his beautiful Emma, the pit bull terrier he adopted four months ago after seeing her photo and biography on petfinder.com.

“She’s like the princess of the house,” Lautt says. “I’m doing a little training with her using treats. If it’s not the right treat, she’ll just sort of look at it, compared to Tucker who will eat anything put in front of him.”

Tucker, a Labrador-golden retriever mix and certified therapy dog, is the other canine member in the Lautt family.

Emma might be picky when it comes to treats, but not when it comes to other dogs and people.

“She likes to give kisses and she’s just a cuddly sweetheart,” says Lautt, who decided to get a pit bull terrier after friends told him what great pets they make.

“I’d heard wonderful things about their personalities from friends who have them,” Lautt says. “And there are so many of them in shelters.”

Emma’s friendly nature makes her an excellent candidate for volunteering with Best Friends-sponsored Safe Humane Chicago programs. Emma makes up the dog part of Lautt’s dog and handler team, one of many teams that came to an informal Safe Humane Chicago Meet and Greet event held March 5 at the Windy City K-9 Club, a local pet boarding and daycare facility.

“Emma did really well,” Lautt says. “She’s just a joy to be around.”

The Meet and Greet events accomplish many things, says Cynthia Bathurst, national director of Project Safe Humane for Best Friends Animal Society and principal director and co-founder of Safe Humane Chicago.

“They help determine, with the help of professional trainers and programs specialists, how they (dog and handler teams) might best find a spot for volunteering.” Bathurst says the latest Meet and Greet went “very well.”“We had 23 dogs and 32 people and we expect that almost all of the dogs will be approved pending receipt of vet records and review of their volunteer paperwork.”

Finding the best fit
One of the people observing the dog and handler teams at the Meet and Greet was Best Friends Community Training Partner Janice Triptow, a nationally certified dog trainer with Dog Behavior Solutions in Chicago.

“We observe the dogs in the presence of other dogs and in the presence of adults and children,” Triptow says. “We have to make sure our dogs are comfortable with our target populations.” The dog and handler teams attended an orientation the following day and the next step for them is for the handlers to shadow Safe Humane Chicago programs without their dogs to learn more about the programs. And Safe Humane Chicago has a number of wonderful programs. Kids, Animals and Kindness teaches children proper techniques for approaching and handling animals, about the humane treatment and proper care of animals and why dogfighting and other forms of animal abuse are bad. The Youth Leaders program certifies high school students to mentor their peers and younger children in Chicago’s public schools about kindness and compassion toward animals. The Lifetime Bonds program includes pit bull terrier training in at-risk neighborhoods, presentations for juveniles on probation and dog training for the residents at the Illinois Youth Detention facility in Chicago.

“Lifetime Bonds encourages people to develop bonds with their animals that will last a lifetime,” says Triptow who oversees Lifetime Bonds’ programming.

Lautt thinks he and Emma might like to volunteer with young people at the local detention facility.

“The program that really appeals to me is going into the juvenile detention centers and working with kids there to help them learn how to train shelter dogs,” Lautt says.

Shiela Dietz also attended the Meet and Greet event and orientation. She first heard about Safe Humane Chicago from Stacey Hawk at Hawk City K9 where she does agility training with her dog, Frisco, who was rescued from a puppy mill.

“He was shipped at four weeks from Budapest to Missouri and rescued at six months by the Havanese Angel League Organization (HALO),” Dietz says. “I’ve learned so much about rescue through this wonderful group that I wanted to find a way to give back to my own community. I’m also a former special educator and I appreciate the connection between children and animals through compassion.”

Frisco, whose nickname is “King Baby,” still has a little more work to do to gain the confidence he’ll need to be a Safe Humane Chicago “ambassador dog.” “Frisco is still very timid, and although the work with Stacey has been remarkable in his adjustment and self-concept, he’s not yet a good candidate for work in the program,” Dietz says. “I’ve volunteered to be a facilitator and to work in the shelter dogs manners classes. I’m very excited about Safe Humane Chicago and am looking forward to my future involvement.”

Safe Humane Chicago is all about a community coming together to make itself better, and safer, for all living creatures.

“We’re all responsible for our own safe humane communities,” Bathurst says.

How you can help:

Read more about all of Safe Humane Chicago’s programs.
Safe Humane Chicago plans its next Meet and Greet event in early May. For more information, e-mail getconnected@safehumanechicago.org

Safe Humane Chicago’s programs are helping Best Friends move closer to its goal of No More Homeless Pets. Read more about Best Friends’ No More Homeless Pets campaigns.

Photos courtesy of Priscilla Kienzell, Odessa Cody and Shiela Dietz

Welcome To Dog-Friendly Chicago

Roger — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:29:51 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

by Fran Berry

Chicago is known by many names: The Windy City, the City of Big Shoulders, and the Second City, but did you know that Chicago is fast becoming the Dog-Friendly City too? Even the city’s auto sticker for 2009-2010 has a Yellow Labrador Retriever carrying the city flag in his mouth!

Walk up and down the city sidewalks in Chicago and you’ll find dozens of restaurants that proudly display signs that read “Dogs welcome on the patio.” Many retail establishments allow fido to accompany their owners and you’ll typically find water bowls and treats at the entry way. Want to take a tour of the Chicago River? From July through September, the Mercury Cruiseline Company has a special Canine Cruise at 10:00 Sunday mornings where you can enjoy a scenic boat ride of the city’s wonderful architecture, while the 4-legged one enjoys a tasty biscuit provided by dog-loving docents! If baseball is your thing, Chicago boasts two teams and in April the Chicago White Sox have a Dog Day where you and your fido can share a bleacher seat, while enjoying a brat and a beer!

One of Chicago’s best-kept secrets is the W Hotel, located at 644 Lake Shore Drive. Not only does this boutique hotel allow dogs in the guests rooms, but you can also sip a cocktail and dine in the bar lounge with Fido by your side; they’ll even provide him with a bowl of kibble if he’s hungry!

In addition, Chicago boasts acres of beautiful dog-friendly parks, beaches, attractions, and yearly events. To check out the growing list of Chicago’s dog-friendly places click: www.dogfriendly.com

If you and your dog like the social scene, our Tails Magazine www.tailsinc.com is available at various locations around the city. Pick up a copy or view it on-line to find up to the minute dog-events, ‘yappy-hour’ locations, pet boutiques, veterinarians and informative articles to help keep your pet happy and safe, especially during our unpredictable weather conditions!

And what dog friendly city would be without its dog-friendly guidebook? Just click on www.chicityclerk.com/licenses/dogs.html where you will find answers your dog questions, learn how to register your dog for his license and dog park tag, where you can have him ‘fixed’ and even what to do if he’s lost.

Chicago is a great city that we hope you and your dog-pal will have many enjoyable times exploring. And if you discover something that we haven’t covered, we’d love for you to share it here for other Chicago dog- eccentrics!

By the way-Our friendly Chicago in-home dog trainer is only a click away if you have any questions about your dog’s behavior or would like help getting him adjusted to his new home. www.gofidogoodfido.com

January Training Challenge

Roger — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:37:33 +0000

Beginning in 2010, we will kick of our series of the Monthly Training Challenge! January’s inaugural challenge is from Chris Dignan*.

Beginner:

“Go Home” Teach your dog to RUN to a mat on cue.

This behavior is completed when the dog runs to the mat and then automatically goes into a sit or down stay (trainer choice) for a minimum of 10 seconds. Extra points given for adding in distractions and changing the mat location.

Even if you have trained a behavior like this with your dog, do it again! We want a clean cue and a clean history with this behavior.

Advanced:
Turning a distraction into a cue for a behavior: if you have already trained for a go home or go to your kennel, great! Let’s put it to the test. People knocking on our doors or ringing our doorbells can cause some of our dogs to lose their minds at times. What if a ringing door bell signaled an opportunity for reinforcement as opposed to an opportunity to bark and run around like a mad dog?

Your challenge: teach a dog to RUN to their home, kennel or place when they hear a doorbell or knock. The doorbell or knock MUST be the cue for the behavior without any additional prompting. You can buy a cheap, remote doorbell for under 20 bucks.

Dog must stay in a sit or down stay for 1 minute after the cue was given. Extra points given for distractions on this one as well.

*Chris Dignan
Chris Dignan has been a professional trainer since 1997, of dogs and marine mammals alike. He is the founder of the Dog Saving Network, author of several training manuals and the creative influence of Life’s Ruff, a theater production designed to educate the public about the plight of shelter dogs. He was featured last fall on The Nightly News With Brian Williams and is now using his wealth of knowledge and experience to educate the dog-training public at the new DSN Learning Center. Chris lives in the suburbs with his wife Jill, also a trainer, and their four dogs. They are expecting their first child in June.

Lake Shore East Dog Park, Chicago

Roger — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:45:53 +0000

(West of Lake Shore Drive, south of Wacker Drive, and North of Randolph Street.)
Chicago, IL 60611

Lake Shore East Dog Park serves the residents of the New East Side of Chicago and is one of the nicer dog parks I have visited. Picturesque and just a great place to hang, it is like an island in the middle of skyscrapers and has a pleasant relaxing feel, kinda nice to sit out in the open in a beautiful park and enjoy to greenery and landscaping.

It rates a “4 Paw” signature by me. The dog park part of the park is relatively small, but then I have a big dog….

Margate Park

Roger — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:43:30 +0000

4921 Marine Drive, Chicago

This is one of the nicest Dog Parks I have visited, have visited 12 so far & have 3 to go before I will have visited all 15 of the City of Chicago Park District Dog Parks.
Margate Park, AKA PupTown has a tree protected by a circular fence that allows for a wide circular path should your dog want to run in circles chasing or being chased. They also just planted a River Birch in a corner of the park, one of my favorite trees.
A weather protected bulletin board shares information about requirements to be in the park as well as signs to watch for in the dog interaction. Nice surface with adequate gravel areas for our pups. Overall this has been one of the cleanest and most cared for City of Chicago Dog Parks I have visited. This gets a four paw rating from Tucker.
There is a volunteer organization that meets and cares for this park and it shows, this should be a model for the other 14 Dog Parks in Chicago.