Viva Dog Vegas
Dog Halloween Parade and Costume Contest
PAWS Fur Ball
Potential Fine for Barking Dogs
Posted by Dan P. Blake at 5:15 p.m.City pet owners would be fined up to $250 for having a dog that barks incessantly under a proposal introduced today by two influential Chicago aldermen.Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) said he's proposing the ordinance because of complaints he's gotten from constituents whose neighbors will not shut their dogs up."People have called our office and said, " 'Would you mind talking to the neighbor about the dog barking?' " Mell said. "Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't."Mell envisioned a situation where a police officer or city employee would respond to a call, and if a dog was in a yard continuously barking in the middle of the night, the pet's owner would be ticketed."I would hope they wouldn't call if a dog barked just once," he said.
The proposed ordinance now reads that he barking would have to be the type that "unnecessarily disturbs the comfort, quiet, peace or repose" of a person any time, day or night. But Mell said the ordinance could be changed when it's considered at the Police and Fire Committee.
Specifically, the noises he's targeting include continued habitual barking, whining, crying, howling, whimpering, crowing or other loud noises that are louder than two people talking at a distance of 100 feet or more.The fine would range from $50 to $250, Mell said.
Ald. Patrick O'Connor (40th), along with Mell, introduced the proposal at today's council meeting.
Dog First Aid Kit - A Must Have For City Dog Owners
- Antiseptic wipes
- Gauze bandages
- Gauze pads
- Flexible bandages
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic ointment pads
- Sterile eye wash
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Cotton swabs
- Sting relief pads
- First aid tape
Dog Kennel Review: Pooch Chicago Boarding
Paws-ilates - Pilates for You and Your Dog
Aggressive Dogs in Chicago
Environmentally Friendly Dog Boarding
Green Dog has an unusual marketing strategy - they are billing themselves as an environmentally friendly dog kennel.
Located in the Ukrainian Village at 2231 W. Chicago Ave., Green Dog is vying for your business by promoting their environmentally friendly practices:
- Their facility was built using eco-friendly materials including the paint, caulk and stains.
- Their kennels and floors are made from recycled materials.
- They also use only non-toxic cleaning supplies and all of their dog toys and beds are made from non-toxic materials.
Green Dog also has a big heart. The company donates 1% of their annual profits to local animal shelters.
To learn more about Green Dog, check out their website or give them a call at 773-772-4877.
Techniques to Reduce Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety in dogs results from a fear that the master will not return. Many dogs bark, cry or act out by chewing on furniture or causing other messes. While it may seem that there is not a cure for your dog, there are techniques and products that have the potential to reduce or eliminate separation anxiety.
The first technique to reduce separation anxiety is aimed at proving to your dog that you will always return. While your dog is watching, exit your house and close the door. Wait just a few seconds and then return. Go about your business in the house for a few minutes and then exit the house again. Once again, return in a few seconds. Continue to repeat this process but stay out for a bit longer each time. It may take several days or even weeks but your dog will begin to realize that you will always return.
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Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. They associate smells with people, other animals and even events. You can use your dog’s sense of smell to help reduce her separation anxiety. For a few days, spray a bit of perfume or cologne in the air when you enter your house. Your dog will begin to associate the smell to you coming home. After your dog becomes familiar with the smell, begin to spray the perfume right before you leave the house. The smell will reassure your dog that you will be returning since she already associates the smell with you entering the house.
Another way to use your dog’s sense of smell to reduce her separation anxiety is to leave an article of clothing with your scent. Leave a shirt that you wore the day before on her bed or in her crate. The scent on the clothing will provide comfort for your dog.
When you are getting ready to leave the house do not make a fuss or say goodbye to your dog. Dogs do not understand the concept of goodbye. Saying goodbye only makes the master feel better. Your dog will become excited and enter a state of heightened anxiety if you make a big fuss before you leave. Also, when you arrive home do not give your dog a lot of attention right away. Enter the house and go about your business. After a few minutes you can play with your dog. These techniques allow your dog to learn that your entering or leaving the house is a normal everyday occurrence.
D.A.P. Dog Appeasing Pheromone is a product that helps reduce separation anxiety for some dogs. This product imitates the smell of a dog pheromone. The smell relaxes many dogs and can be successful at reducing separation anxiety as well as stress induced by thunder or fireworks. D.A.P. Dog Appeasing Pheromone comes in the form of a diffuser, a collar and a spray, none of which can be smelled by humans.Do not become frustrated while trying to reduce your dog’s separation anxiety. Many dog owners try a few techniques before they see results. Some dogs respond quickly to these techniques while others take longer to show improvement. The key is to have patience and experiment until you find a technique that works for your dog.
Check Out Amazon for a Full Line of Dog Appeasing Pheromones
Dog Friendly Chicago River Cruise
Picking a Dog Kennel in Chicago
- Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Dog owners will be brutally honest about dog kennels that they like and dislike.
- Take a tour. Most kennels in Chicago are happy to give dog owners a tour of their facility. Check out the sleeping rooms and play areas.
- Give the kennel a test run. Most kennels also offer doggie day care. Let your dog try out the kennel by bringing him to doggie day care for a day or two.
- Make sure that the kennel offers drop-off and pick-up hours that are convenient for you. Some kennels allow you to pick up or drop off your dog 24 hours a day. Others have specific hours.
PAWS Chicago Run For Their Lives 8K Run / 4K Walk
It's not too late to sign up for PAWS Chicago's Run For Their Lives event. The event includes an 8K run and a 4K walk. Best of all you can participate with your dog! The event is on Sunday, September 27 at 9:00am and takes place at Montrose Harbor.
Dog Friendly Patios
Chicago's Dog Parks and Beaches
Chicago dog owners are required to keep their dogs leashed at all times while in public, even in most parks and beaches. If you don’t follow this rule you can face a hefty fine.
Luckily, we have 15 dog parks and beaches where we can let our pooches roam free. Remember, in order to take your dog to one of the dog parks or beaches you need to get a special license from your vet. The license is only $5 per year and it will save you from a big fine.
Here are the official dog parks and beaches in Chicago:
Belmont Harbor
Belmont and Lakeshore Drive
Challenger Park
1101 W. Irving Park Road
Churchill Park
1825 N. Damen
Coliseum Park
14th Street and Wabash
Grant Park
Columbus Drive and 9th Street
Hamlin Park
3035 N. Hoyne St.
Margate Park
4921 N. Marine Drive
Montrose Beach
Wilson Street and Lake Michigan
Park Number 511
630 N. Kingsbury
Park Number 546
450 E. Benton Place
Park Number 551
353 N. DesPlaines Ave.
River Park
5100 N. Francisco Ave.
Walsh Park
1722 N. Ashland
Wicker Park
1425 N. Damen
Wiggly Field
2645 N. Sheffield