A Little Of That Human Touch

Man’s best friend deserves more than a circular running path in a backyard laden with patio furniture and kids toys. Fido and Fiona need to stretch their paws, cavort and socialize with other pups. Owners agree on a few areas of importance when selecting a dog park:

• Availability of a fenced in area to allow for leash-free enjoyment
• Ease of parking and
• Established guidelines to protect their dogs in terms of safety and health.

Pooch Park in Skokie

A 2.7 acre park, jointly operated by the City of Evanston and Skokie Park District that serves as an off-leash fenced recreational dog facility.

• There is a separate “agility” area and designated puppy/small dog area.
• Parking is available in the lot for the Dammrich Rowing Center, which is just south of Pooch Park.

The park celebrates “Woodstock” annually in June, boasting dog acts, demonstrations, music, food, exhibits and family/dog activities and contests. 2009 date to be announced.

Skokie Park District: 847.674.1500
Evanston Recreation Division: 847.866.2900.

Prairie Wolf Dog Exercise Area in Lake Forest Voted “Best Dog Park of Chicago 2008” by Chicago Reader Magazine.

The 44-acre off-leash area praised for its well-kept amenities and clean up station, offers fenced locations where dogs can play, swim and socialize. *Insider tip: Prairie Wolf does get muddy. Waterproof boots are a must for humans; towels for the dog before returning to the car. Praire Wolf is one of five designated Lake County dog areas managed by the county’s Forest Preserves.

Permits are available at the Lake County Forest Preserve Office. Phone: 847-367-6640

Canines at Play (C.A.P.) offers these helpful tips to ensure a safe time with your pooch:

• Before entering a dog park, familiarize yourself with the site, read the posted rules, and observe the dogs present to determine if they are likely to get along with your dog. Make your initial visit when the park is quiet, generally midday on weekdays and late weekend afternoons.
• Know your dog! If your dog has had little interaction with other dogs, he or she may lack the social skills for a safe, enjoyable visit to the dog park. If necessary, find a trainer who will work on your dog's social skills and be there with you during your first visit.
• Let your dog off-leash as soon as you arrive within the boundaries of the fenced park. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs commonly causes problems. Leashed dogs often feel threatened by the free dogs and will display provocative body language and defensive behavior.
• It's common dog park courtesy to call your dog away from the entrance gate when other dogs are entering or leaving. This gives arriving dogs a chance to enter as calmly and quietly as possible, and helps keep dogs from breaking free of the park's fenced boundaries.
• Keep moving! Walking, rather than sitting or standing, will help minimize defensive and territorial behaviors. If you do stand and visit, please do so in the middle of the park. This will help keep the main entrance free of disturbances and reduce the "packing" instinct in that area.
• Be cautious with children. Not all dogs are socialized to children. Keep children close and allow no running, screaming, food, or toys. Do not allow your children to approach a dog without permission from the dog's handler.
• Be courteous. Dogs have different play styles, temperaments, and physical abilities. Always respect the wishes of the handler, and be prepared to move to another area of the park if your dog is too wild or rambunctious. Leash up and leave if your dog becomes aggressive.
• Pick up poop and other litter. A clean park benefits owners and dogs alike.
• Have a great time. Remember that this is free playtime for the dogs - and for you! As long as they play and interact in a friendly manner, let them play!

Laura Folkl