4 Top Ways to Keep Chicagoland Dogs Fit During Canine Fitness Month

April is Canine Fitness Month, the perfect time for pet parents to focus on their dog’s health and exercise routine. For dog owners in the Chicagoland area, opportunities to stay active abound, whether it’s attending events, training classes, or exploring the city’s many outdoor spaces. Here are 4 top ways to keep Chicagoland dogs fit during Canine Fitness Month and beyond!

1. Attend Local Pet-Friendly Events

Chicago is known for its vibrant pet community, and spring is full of pet-friendly events that promote fitness and fun. Events like these are an excellent way to bond with your pup while enjoying exercise and time outdoors.

Keep an eye on pet expos, charity walks, or dog-friendly farmers’ markets like the one at Green City Market in Lincoln Park, where leashed pups are welcome to join the outing. These events give both you and your dog a chance to move, socialize, and explore the best of the city together.

We will be hosting a vendor table at several pet-friendly events this spring. Make sure you and your pups stop by and say “hello!” if you attend any of the following events:

• Tails on the Trails on Sunday, May 4th
• Spring Road Pet Parade on Saturday, May 17th
• La Grange Pet Parade on Saturday, May 31st

2. Hire a Professional Dog Walker

Long commutes and busy schedules can sometimes make it tough to give your dog the daily exercise they need. Delegating your dog’s walks to a professional dog walker or dog walking company is not only great for your dog’s physical health, but also help reduce boredom, anxiety, and unwanted behaviors.

Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood or a longer walk along a local park, a professional dog walker ensures your pup stays active even when life gets hectic. At Floofins & Co., we tailor each walk to your dog’s fitness and activity levels, ensuring he or she gets an adequate and age-appropriate walk every time we come over to play.

3. Join a Dog Agility or Training Class

Dog agility and training classes are fantastic ways to keep your pup physically and mentally stimulated. Chicagoland offers plenty of options, including beginner agility courses or trick training classes at places like Zoom Room Chicago or Urban Pooch Training & Fitness Center.

Agility training strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and builds confidence while fostering a stronger bond between you and your pup. Bonus: it’s a great way for dogs to burn energy, especially for highly active breeds!

4. Explore Chicago’s Beautiful Outdoor Spaces

Chicago may be a bustling city, but it boasts an array of dog-friendly outdoor spaces. Leashed dogs can enjoy the breathtaking views at . Parks like Grant Park and Horner Park provide large open spaces perfect for a game of fetch. Spending time in these outdoor areas allows your dog to stay active, explore, and enjoy the fresh air.

On-Leash Trails & Parks

• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien
• Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook
• Illinois Prairie Path in Elmhurst

Yorktown Center in Lombard isn’t exactly a green space, but it’s fun! This dog-friendly shopping mall welcomes canine companions into stores and some restaurants year-round. Just make sure you follow the rules!

Off-Leash Dog Parks

• Oldfield Oaks Dog Park in Darien
• Spring Avenue Dog Park in Glen Ellyn
• Katherine Legge Memorial Park Off-Leash Area in Hinsdale
• Mayslake Forest Preserve Dog Park in Oak Brook

For more off-leas dog parks in Chicagoland, check out this list on BringFido

Canine Fitness Month

Canine Fitness Month is a great opportunity to focus on keeping your dog healthy, but these habits don’t have to stop when April ends. Whether you’re joining local events, exploring Chicago’s green spaces, or enlisting professional help, there are countless ways to help your furry friend stay fit in the Chicagoland area.

At Floofins & Co., we believe that a healthy floofin is a happy floofin! We encourage you to reach out if you are having a hard time staying on top of your dog’s fitness needs. We’re happy to help!

Join the Floofins & Co. Family

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. Please give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Learn more about our in-home pet care new client onboarding process here. If you are an existing client, please schedule services here.