As we all know, Cleveland is full of more bad weather days than good ones, which can make it hard for those who like to keep their dog active. Since I got a dog I have wished Cleveland had an indoor play option. Thankfully, my prayers were finally answered in July with the opening of The Canine Country Club in North Olmsted.
The Canine Country Club offers an indoor activity room for your dog to play in, as well as an indoor swimming pool. In addition to those services, the Club also offers massage (with Hunter’s favorite masseuse Diane Pekarek) and reiki services and hosts various training classes and seminars. In order to use the facilities, you have to show vet approval (they have a form on their site), so any dog entering the facility has to be up to date on shots — making it a much more appealing option than a dog park.
The Club is not to be confused with an indoor dog park as the activity room is really designed for you to play with your dog one-on-one. You can sign up with a friend though, to give your dog some play time with another buddy. You can also drop off your dog for a half hour of play time with one of the Club’s staff members. A great option if you are running errands but want to get your dog out for some fun.
You can register on their site to sign up for a half hour of swimming or to have your dog play in the activity room. Hunter and I went last week to try out the swimming and check out the facility. We signed up for the swim orientation, which all dogs must compete first. Although Hunter has been to various dog swim events over the years and loves a good kiddie pool romp, he hasn’t really done a lot of swimming. I was excited to see how he would do.
At the swim orientation, they help you determine your dog’s life jacket size and will assess their swim ability and decide what the next steps for future swim sessions are. Your dog can continue with full assisted swimming after the first lesson, or if they are very comfortable, they could move on to independent swim. The key lesson they focus on in the orientation and future assisted swim sessions will be getting the dog to use the ramp in and out. Once a dog is comfortable with that, it’s likely they’d be good with an independent swim.
Multiple dogs can also use the pool, as long as the owners all agree, and they’ve completed the swim orientation and are good independent swimmers.
It took Hunter a little while to warm up to it, but once they broke out the hot dog, he was all in. The staff was so kind and patient, really focusing on making it fun and low stress for him. It was really fun to see Hunter get comfortable enough to doggie paddle around the pool.
We also checked out the activity room, which has lots of balls to play with and some agility equipment. Hunter loved having a big open space to run around and he got lots of attention from the staff, which is his favorite thing.
Lakewood dog-friendly retail store, Milo and Me, will be celebrating its first anniversary next month, capping off its first year of bringing fashionable clothes to Cleveland women and their dogs. The store offers a unique experience for the fashionable dog owner – a chance to shop with your dog, as well as lots of fun events for people to get out with their dog, my favorite thing of course!
Jessica Smith opened the store last April and has been hustling ever since, attending dog-friendly events and markets as well as being a regular vendor at the Cleveland Flea. The store offers a stylish collection of women’s clothing and accessories, as well as dog clothes, accessories and treats. And, thanks to the many dog socials she hosts, it has quickly become Hunter and Roscoe’s favorite place to go to try fun doggie treats like pumpkin spice lattes and shamrock shakes.
We love when a dog-centric business opens in CLE, so we wanted to hear from Jessica on how she got started and what she is planning for the future. Read on to hear more:
What were you doing before starting Milo and Me?
Back in 2012, I graduated from the Fashion School at Kent State University with my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. I was hired at Heather Moore Jewelry right out of college doing marketing and even designing jewelry. A few years later I decided to work at a boutique in Rocky River to see if I’d enjoy running my own small business. When I felt ready to turn my passion into a real business, I just went for it!
Why did you want to open a store like this?
Growing up, my parents had always owned their own businesses. So becoming an entrepreneur was always part of my plan. I fell in love with Cleveland and decided I wanted to serve the women here. I knew that breaking into the industry as another women’s apparel boutique would be hard, so I paired it with my love for dogs! My goal is to bring a higher end, fashion-forward selection of products to the area that cater to both women and their dogs!
Tell us about your dogs, especially the namesake of the store, Milo.
Well of course I have lots of dogs! Three to be exact but I would have more if I could! Milo, the namesake, is my oldest. He just turned 7 years old, is a Maltese and loves to greet our customers at the door. When he comes to the shop he isn’t bothered by his siblings and knows he’s King here! He loves people but tends to get overwhelmed during our doggie social events and will keep to himself. Milo is a bit large for his breed, weighing a whopping 15 lbs, but I say it’s because he has such a huge heart!
My other two dogs are a 5 year old Pomeranian named Thor and a 3 year old Goldendoodle named Stella. Stella is super shy, so you won’t see her at the shop too often. Thor makes appearances on Thursdays – It’s been dubbed THORsday! He loves coming in and giving his brother the day off.
Any upcoming plans or events you want to share?
Yes! April 6th is our 1 Year Anniversary Bash! (FInd out more info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/382844055599895/?ti=ia) It’ll be running all day, from 11am-7pm, with special giveaways and tons of treats & refreshments for both humans and their pups.
Also, we love throwing social events for the dogs on Saturdays (usually twice a month!) These always involve delicious treats for the dogs. Think ice cream, cupcakes… we’ve even served doggie pancakes! You can find all of our upcoming events on our Facebook page.
What advice do you have for others looking to start a dog-centric business?
Being only one year into my business, I still learn new things every day. So don’t expect to be perfect. And do not be afraid to let your original ideas evolve. I look back at my original plans for the shop and realize I was crazy to think that I could do it all at once! Seriously, you’d laugh! Just start somewhere – and add on as you go to build it up. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take that leap! “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.” – Mark Twain
What do you think of the dog-friendly community in Cleveland?
I think we are extremely lucky to have great outdoor spaces for our dogs. The metro parks and Edgewater are my two favorites places. I’ll sound like a broken record by saying that I crave an indoor dog park! We have some temperamental weather in Cleveland, so one of those would be quite valuable to dog owners in the area.
Where is your favorite place to take your dog?
Whenever I can bring along my dog to a bar/restaurant, that’s a plus! I enjoy going to McGinty’s in Lakewood during the winter because they allow dogs inside. During the summer, I attend a lot of baseball games at the Lakewood parks, so I love taking them along for those. Other than that, Edgewater Park is my other favorite and I love that we have a dog beach there.
Will you be at any upcoming events (Cleveland Flea, other markets)?
Yes, of course! You can find us at the Spring Flea on May 4 & 5. We always serve free scoops of doggie ice cream at our booth 😉 We love how dog-friendly the Flea is – such a great summer activity! We also plan on being at the Mutt Strut and Woofstock later this year.
Milo and Me 18117 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
(216) 860-4008 https://shopmiloandme.com (you can shop online too!)
The results are in! You voted on the best places in Cleveland for dog lovers, and we have the winners. Although there were a few surprises, in most cases, the places that are most involved in the dog community, with events and promotions aimed at dog lovers, ended up winning out.
The awards had a great response, so thank you to everyone who voted. I love how much the Cleveland dog community has grown and I am excited to see some local businesses that have really embraced dog lovers and gotten involved in the community receiving recognition.
So, without further ado, here are the winners:
Best Dog Park – Lakewood Dog Park
Lakewood Dog Park has always had a strong connection to the west-side dog community, so it’s not surprising to see it take the top spot. Although not technically a dog park, Edgewater Beach got a lot of votes as well, making it a close second. Read our dog park tour of Lakewood Dog Park here: http://dogsinthecle.com/cleveland-dog-park-tour-lakewood-dog-park
Photo courtesy of the Lakewood Dog Park Facebook page.
Best Patio – Luxe
Cleveland has a lot of great dog-friendly patios, so it’s not easy to just pick one. I think Luxe takes the top prize, not only because they do a dog-friendly “Bow Wow Brunch” every Sunday during the summer, but also because it’s just a really pretty patio, and it’s just nice when dogs are allowed on a patio that is one of the best in Cleveland. Visit their website here: http://luxecleveland.com
Photo courtesy of the Luxe Facebook page.
Best Hike- Rocky River Reservation
This was a tough call, as many people just put “Metroparks” or “Cuyahoga Valley National Park” as their answer. I guess I should’ve been more specific about naming trails or specific areas. Rocky River Reservation got the most votes for a specific part of the Metroparks, so it is the winner. With the Fort Hill stairs and the dog-friendly nature center, the North Olmsted part of the trail is one of Hunter, Roscoe and I’s favorite.
At the Rocky River Reservation, Berea Falls Scenic Overlook
Best Dog-Friendly Brewery – Terrestrial Brewing Co.
It was a close call between Terrestrial and Sibling Revelry Brewing in Westlake. But with its numerous dog-friendly events, dog bowl promotions and generally being known as a place to bring dogs of any size, Terrestrial took the top spot for dog-friendly brewery. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with all of the dog events they host: https://www.facebook.com/terrestrialbrewing/
Photo courtesy of the Terrestrial Brewing Facebook page.
Best Dog-Friendly Store – Milo & Me
Happy to see Milo & Me take the top spot as this new business venture is really picking up a following among dog and fashion lovers in Cleveland. Jessica, the owner, hosts a lot of fun dog-events so this is definitely a top store for CLE dog lovers to visit. Follow on Facebook to find out about events : https://www.facebook.com/shopmiloandme/
Photo courtesy of the Milo and Me Facebook page.
Best Day Care – TIE -Camp Bow Wow and Inn the Doghouse
This tie is probably more indicative of where people live than anything else. Since people tend to pick daycares close to where they live, the answers can really vary for what is the best. Camp Bow Wow has a lot of locations around the city (Strongsville and Westlake got the most votes individually), and Inn the Doghouse is located in Lakewood and just opened a location in Mentor. Check them out at www.campbowwow.com and https://innthedoghouse.com/
Photo courtesy of Camp Bow Wow Facebook page.
Best Trainer – Fortunate Fido
I was happy to see Fortunate Fido win as I have taken Hunter there for several classes and love all of the trainers there. Fortunate Fido does a lot of fun classes, including Rally, Parkour and Scent Games. Hunter got his therapy dog certification done through them and is now taking Rally. See their upcoming classes at: http://www.fortunatefido.com/classes-training-all
Photo courtesy of Fortunate Fido Facebook page.
Best Photographer – Greg Murray Photographer
An active member of the Cleveland dog community and pit bull advocate, it was no surprise to see Greg top the list. You may know him from his Peanut Butter Dogs book which gained national attention in 2017. Greg is not only a great photographer and a genuine dog lover, but just a really nice person overall. Check out his website at http://www.gmurrayphoto.com
Greg’s book, Peanut Butter Dogs.
Best Local Dog Instagram – Sweet Life of Rudy
Ok, so this one was funny. I really didn’t know what to expect, but since I love IG so much so I wanted to see what accounts others love. Pretty much everyone just voted for their own dog’s account (which hey, I would’ve done the same, no judgement), so there wasn’t a big standout winner. Sweet Life of Rudy did get the most votes, followed closely by Disco the House Elf. Give them a follow! @SweetLifeofRudy and @Disco.the.House.Elf
What CLE needs – Indoor space for dogs
I kind of figured this would be the answer, but always like to hear what other people think we need Cleveland. I totally agree we need more indoor spaces to take dogs during the winter. We live in a city with winter for six months, how do we not have an indoor park or activity center for dogs? CLE Run, which I recently wrote about, is the closest we have for now. Read about them here: http://dogsinthecle.com/the-cure-for-your-dogs-winter-blues-cle-run
Cover image photo collage: Soza Fitness and Wellness (middle left), Rescue Village (middle right)
Introducing the first ever Dogs in the CLE Dog-Friendly Cleveland Awards!
Since I started this website almost six (!) years ago the dog-friendly scene here in Cleveland has grown beyond my wildest expectations. The number of dog-friendly patios and dog events has grown exponentially over the last couple of years. And, it’s officially legal now in the state to take your dog to a patio! (So glad I am no longer aiding and abetting a crime.)
Since Cleveland has become so dog-friendly, it’s time to hear from you – CLE’s most engaged and active dog lovers – what the best places and activities are. From patios to trainers and dog parks, this is your chance to shine a spotlight on the best of the best.
I will keep the poll open for the next two weeks. Make sure to share with any local dog lovers in your life so that I can get a lot of feedback to determine the winners.
Shhhh don’t tell anyone, but one of the best patios you probably haven’t been to yet is Banter Beer and Wine in the Detroit Shoreway area. As much as I’d like to keep it a hidden secret, I couldn’t keep such a great spot from all my fellow Cleveland dog lovers!
Banter was already one of my favorite spots in Cleveland, because, really, who doesn’t love poutine?? So I was extra excited to learn they have a dog-friendly patio. Tucked away behind the restaurant, the patio is surrounded by plants and has a casual, peaceful vibe that makes it a great spot to relax and grab a bite with your dog.
The patio is also spacious enough to bring dogs of all sizes. I brought both of my dogs and my friends brought their dog too, a pit bull, so that tells you how much room there is on the patio. Large picnic tables line both sides of the patio, so I guess on a more crowded day you may have to share space with others. It’s casual enough though that it shouldn’t be an issue (depending on your dog’s personality). I often don’t bring Roscoe to patios because I don’t want him to be forced to interact with people or dogs (since he is very shy), but based on the size of the patio and the fact it wasn’t crowded, he was ok.
Where’s my poutine?
Final bark: 4 out of 5. Since the large patio tables might mean you have to share space, I can’t give it a perfect score. Pretty close though!
The Details:
7320 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
Hours:
11 am to 12 am Monday through Thursday
11 am to 1 am Friday and Saturday, 12 to 8 pm Sunday
2018 marks the fifth year of this list! Woohoo! Even though it’s always a monster to complete, I have so much fun compiling the list every year. I love to see all the new events and dog-friendly places that are added, as well as the events that the dog community continues to support each year. Since I started this blog in 2013, Cleveland’s dog-friendly community has grown so much. I think we are well on our way to becoming one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country!
So, once again, whether you have an active dog, a lazy dog or a somewhere-in-between dog, there’s something on this list he or she will enjoy. Check it out:
Winter/Spring
Participate in the puppy bowl – Cleveland will have its very own first-ever puppy bowl, thanks to newish dog-friendly brewery Terrestrial Brewing Company. On Feb. 4 from 1-5 stop by for a football themed doggy-costume contest, a Limited Edition Terrestrial dog collar and $1 off full house beers for all dog bowl club members (they have a dog bowl club, how cool is that?). Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2007755742846036/
Attend a winter yappy hour – A winter happy hour you can take your dog to! It’s a miracle. This shows me how truly dog-friendly Cleveland is becoming. This Saturday, Jan. 20, visit Bottlehouse Brewery for a yappy hour to benefit Rescue Me Ohio. You must get tickets in advance, find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/776086845909909
Schedule a photo session for your pet – You can’t consider yourself a true dog lover until you have professional photos taken of your dog! Trust me, it’s worth it. On February 3, Chewbone Studio will have “Sweetheart” mini sessions just in time to have your dog’s photo taken for Valentine’s Day. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/140810376631277/
One of my favorite professional photos, credit: Brittany Graham Photograph
See the Easter Bunny– Throughout March there will be a lot of opportunities to get your dog’s photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Just a few events already announced: on March 3, Mutts in a Rut will be hosting photos with the Easter Bunny at the Bark Club (https://www.facebook.com/events/534466863589782) and Alpha Dog Pet Center will be hosting the Easter Bunny for photos on March 18 (https://www.facebook.com/events/120042075342179 ).
Go to a hockey game with your dog – This season’s dog-friendly Pucks and Paws game will take place on Sunday, April 8th at 3:00pm at Quicken Loans Arena as the Monsters take on the San Antonio Rampage. Proceeds go to the Cleveland APL. Find out more info here: http://groups.theqarena.com/paws
Run a 5K with your dog – Many races organized by Hermes Cleveland are dog friendly, including the Siberian Husky 5k/1 Mile “Idid-a-Run” sponsored by the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland on April 7 and the Love-A-Stray Fur Fun 5K on April 29. Check out their website for more info on races: http://www.hermescleveland.com
Go see waterfalls with your dog – Chagrin Falls is one of the most dog friendly places in the Northern Ohio area. If you haven’t taken your dog there for some shopping and waterfalls viewing, you (and your dog) are missing out! http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-day-trip-chagrin-falls-main-street/ Spring is a great time to visit.
Visit a botanical garden – There really aren’t that many botanical gardens that allow dogs, so we should be very appreciative that we have the Holden Arboretum. This is a beautiful place to take a walk with your dog when spring is in bloom.
Teach your dog to use his nose – The only training class I would take my shy dog Roscoe to is a nose work class. Nose work is a great activity for fearful or aggressive dogs, since although it’s often done as a group class, dogs do the work on their own so they don’t have to interact with other people or dogs. Fortunate Fido has a class starting in February. Find out more here: http://fortunatefido.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/index.aspx?schedule=375
You can read about Roscoe and I’s experience with nose work here: http://dogsinthecle.com/doing-work-nose-work/
Summer
Take your dog to a baseball game –Even though it seems that Puppypalooza at Progressive Field is gone for good, you can still catch a minor league game with your dog. The Lake Erie Captains have already announced a couple of dates – April 21 is the first game. Akron Rubber Ducks and Lake Erie Crushers have also hosted dog-friendly game nights. Stay tuned for more details as they are announced. https://www.facebook.com/events/2025836000987345/
Visit a vineyard with your dog –I look forward to the summer for a lot of reasons, but one of the main reasons is that I can drink wine outside with my dogs! We are so lucky that several area wineries host yappy hours during the summer including Debonne Cellars, The Winery at Wolf Creek and Thorncreek Winery. Check out one of my favorite events Woof, Wag and Wine, Lake Humane’s annual dog-friendly winery event on June 16th this year. https://www.facebook.com/events/155346205095582/
Go to the ultimate dog park – If you haven’t visited Bow Wow Beach in Stow yet, this is a must do for any Northern Ohio dog lover. This huge park has a lake right in the middle and significant space for your dog to run around. There is a small dog area as well.
Enter your dog in a frisbee competition – As part of Lake Farm Park’s Working Dog weekend June 8-10, your dog can participate in the area’s biggest frisbee competition. There will be six major events that weekend, find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1996721460606302/
Go to an old dog party –Just because your dog is old, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t like to party! The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs holds their annual “Summer Scoop” also known as the “Old Dog Party” every summer offering activities for senior dogs, including the Old Dog Olympics, an agility course for older dogs. This year’s date is TBA (it’s usually held in August).
Visit a dog park – No matter where you live in Cleveland, a dog park should be nearby. The Downtown Dog Park, Canine Meadows Dog Park and Carolyn Ludgate in Medina are a few of the newer dog parks opened in the last couple of years. Most dogs enjoy a chance to run around with other dogs, so it’s a great way to have your dog burn off some energy. See my list of dog parks here: http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-cleveland/dog-parks. Take your dog swimming – If your dog likes to swim, keep your eye out for local dog swim events that occur near the end of summer. Lakewood Dog Park’s annual dog swim and Dog Paddle and Pet-a-Palooza are two fun events held every year. Also, Paws by the Lake, a doggie daycare facility in Avon, also offers pool passes for guests to come and take advantage of their lazy river. Contact them at (440) 933-5297 for more details.
Take your dog to brunch – A great spot to hit during the summer for brunch is Luxe in the Detroit Shoreway. They host a Bow Wow Brunch on Sundays in the summer, choosing a Dog of the Week each week to feature on their Facebook page. Other good brunch choices are Rocky River Wine Bar, Nighttown in Cleveland Heights and Lucky’s in Tremont. http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-brunches/
Have a drink on a patio with your dog – The list of dog-friendly patios is increasing every year. If you haven’t checked out my list lately, view it here: Where to Go page. My favorites are Nanobrew, Platform and Barrio in Tremont (the Lakewood location is not dog friendly) and Sibling Revelry. Tip – please call ahead and verify you can bring your dog. Policies are always changing.
Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Facebook page
Go to a dog fashion show – The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter hosts is annual Pawject Runway dog fashion show every summer where you can enter your dog to be a part of the show and dress him or her up in a costume or bathing suit. It’s usually held in August. Terrestrial Brewing Co. also hosted a dog show event last year, so stay tuned to see if they do one this year. Takeyour dog to the beach – Hunter, Roscoe and I are big fans of the lake. You can bring your dog along for a swim or to lay in the sand at Edgewater and Fairport Harbor beaches. A few other areas allow dogs as well, but are more under the radar (like Rocky River Park). Edgewater and Fairport have designated beach areas for dogs, so you always know it’s ok to take your dog there.
Take your dog shopping – I am always hesitant to name stores that allow your dog since that can change based on management and staff at each location. I do know that several stores at Crocker Park and Legacy Village including Apple and Barnes and Noble, and many shops on Main St. in Chagrin Falls, are dog friendly. Always ask before bringing your dog inside.
Get ice cream with your dog – Last summer Graeters at Crocker Park hosted a dog night on the first Thursday of every month (date may change this year) with special treats for dogs. Other good spots to have ice cream with your dog are any Mitchell’s location with outdoor seating and Mason’s Creamery in Ohio City (which often lets dogs inside, just ask first!). Mason’s Creamery loves dogs so much they even have an Instagram account – @PuppiesofMasonsCreamery to highlight dogs that visit. Your dog might get famous on your visit!
Put those jumping skills to use – Buckeye Dock Dogs offers dock diving classes for active dogs who love the water. Check them out at: http://www.buckeyedockdogs.com. You can usually find them at events throughout the summer.
Take your dog to a farmer’s market or Flea Market – During the summer we like to check out the farmer’s market near us, Frostville Farmer’s Market, which allows dogs. The Tremont and Gordon Square Farmer’s Markets are also dog friendly. Dogs are also allowed at the Cleveland Flea to accompany while you shop local vendors and eat local food. Check out @dogsoftheflea on Instagram to see pups enjoying the Flea Market.
Go Paddleboading and/or boating with your dog – Everyone should try paddleboarding or boating with their dog at least once. Here in the Cleveland area you can take your dog to Hinckley Reservation, where dogs are allowed on row boats. Portage Lakes near Akron is another good spot for water activities with your dog. You could also borrow a paddleboard and take your dog paddleboarding pretty much anywhere. Read about our paddleboarding adventure here: http://dogsinthecle.com/paddleboarding-pup
The last two summers Lake Metroparks hosted a few canoe/paddleboard with your dog nights at Fairport Harbor. Hopefully the event will be brought back again this summer!
Go to a summer festival with your dog – Clifton Arts Festival, The Taste of Tremont and The Warehouse District Festival are common dog-friendly festivals. If you have a calm dog that is good with crowds, this is a fun summer activity.
Do Yoga with your dog – Exercising is so much better when you can bring your dog! At Your Yoga in Hinckley you can do “Doga,” ie: Yoga with your dog. Check out their site for upcoming dates and time: https://youryogacleveland.com/services/doga-yoga-pooch/ Last summer there were also several different dog-friendly yoga events throughout Cleveland during the summer. Stay tuned for dates!
Get a cup of coffee with your dog – Lucky’s, Civilization, (both in Tremont), and Rising Star Coffee and Gypsy Bean are all good dog friendly spots for coffee lovers. So bring your dog along next time you want to sit outside with a cup of coffee.
Go camping with your dog – Many area campgrounds are pet friendly including Country Acres Campground in Ravenna. Bring your dog along on your family’s next camping trip.
Go to a drive- in movie – Aut-o-Rama Drive In in North Ridgeville hosted a few pet nights last year to raise money for local rescue groups. The drive-in is always dog-friendly though if you have a quiet, laid back dog who wants to go sit and watch a movie outside with you.
Fall
Fundraise for a local rescue group –There are a lot of fun events in the fall hosted by rescue groups to help them raise money for the dogs in their care. Woofstock, Rescue Village’s annual fundraiser held in September, is a fun event held every fall which includes a dog walk and fun activities and vendors for dogs. Date TBA.
Join a pack with your dog – Cleveland Metroparks hosts a number of dog-friendly walks every year as a great way to get out and explore a park you might not regularly visit. Visit the Cleveland Metroparks website to find out dates. There are also many local hiking groups to get your dog out and enjoying the company of other dogs. Elite K911, The Doggie Inn and NEO Dobes all host pack walks throughout the year. Check them out on Facebook to find out dates and locations.
Go to boot camp with your dog – One of our favorite Northern Ohio dog-friendly activities is Thank Dog NEO Bootcamp, and I don’t even like to work out! Working out is just so much more fun when you can do it with your dog. The bootcamp goes all year round (moving indoors during the winter), and now there is also a boot camp on the far west side in Amherst, Thank Dog Fit. Find out more here: http://www.thankdogfit.com/ Read about Hunter and I’s first experience with it here: http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-workout-thank-dog-neo-bootcamp /
Dress your dog up and go to a Halloween party –Monster Mutt Dash, hosted by Berea Animal Rescue Fund, is a fun annual Halloween event to check out. You can dress your dog up in a Halloween costume and run a 5K or participate in a 1-mile walk. Monster Mutt Dash also includes a Halloween after party with vendors and activities for dogs.
Hike in a National Park – We are so lucky to have the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in our backyard. Believe or not, a lot of national parks aren’t dog friendly (crazy, I know). And fall is definitely the best time of year to visit. Hunter, Roscoe and I love exploring the area around Peninsula and enjoy checking out the waterfalls at Blue Hen and Buttermilk Falls.
Dress up your dog and join a parade –One of the best Halloween events every year is the Spooky Pooch Parade in Lakewood. Held in early October, it’s a must do event for anyone who likes to see dogs dressed up in costume strutting their stuff through the streets of Lakewood. Date TBA.
Winter
Go see Santa Paws! Don’t miss your chance at the end of November and early December to get your dog’s photo taken with Santa. I try to compile a list every year, so stay tuned! Here’s my favorite picture of Hunter and Roscoe with Santa Paws: http://dogsinthecle.com/category/santa-paws/
Go to a brewery with your dog – With the influx of new dog-friendly bars, there’s so many more indoor spots you can take your dog in the winter. Two of my favorites are Sibling Revelry Brewery in Westlake and Terrestrial Brewing in the Edgewater area. Dogs are always welcome at both places, so either is a great place to visit during the winter months when your dog is tired of being trapped inside.
Put your dog through an obstacle course– If you have an active, energetic dog, you may want to check out Agility. Canine University of Ohio and Cleveland All Breed Training Club are two area training facilities that offer classes. Find out more here: http://www.cabtc.org/agility
Go to church with your dog – So now there’s really no excuse not to go to church! Good Soil Lutheran Ministries in Lakewood allows dogs on the first Sunday of every month at 2pm for its Pets are Welcome Service (PAWS). Although the church is Lutheran, all faiths are welcome. Visit them online at http://www.goodsoillutheran.org
Join an indoor playgroup – PetPeople hosts playgroups for small and large dogs at different area stores. Check out their calendar for dates: https://www.petpeoplestores.com/calendar.html I only see a large dog playgroup coming up in Hudson, but check back for more dates. Also, Grateful Dog Bakery hosts a small dog play group at their North Ridgeville store.
Visit a nature center with your dog- Most Cleveland Metroparks that have nature centers allow dogs inside. Hunter and I like to make a stop at the Rocky River Reservation Nature Center on really cold days to get out from the cold for a little bit. Brecksville Nature Center also allows dogs inside to check out their nature center.
Teach your dog a new trick– Dogs get bored in the winter. Especially when we have a month of days with below freezing temperatures. Getting your dog out to learn some new tricks is a great winter time activity. Fortunate Fido, Canine Affair and North Coast Dogs offer a variety of classes to work on everything from puppy socialization and behavior issues, to new tricks.
Go to an art gallery with your dog – Did you know the 78th Street Studios are dog-friendly? You can bring your dog along while you visit the studios on the third Friday of every month when they open up the studio for an art walk with gallery exhibits and shopping. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/140425613315912/
Go swimming at an indoor pool – At the Barkley Pet Hotel you can reserve time in their pool to take your dog swimming. Another option for those who are further south is Healing Waters Canine Experience, which does water therapy for dogs but you can also schedule time to just have your dog swim in their indoor pool. Find out more at http://www.healingwaterscanineexperience.com
Certify your dog as a good canine citizen – I was so proud of Hunter when he got his CGC certificate through Fortunate Fido in Columbia Station. It’s a great course to take to teach your dog manners if you like to take him to dog-friendly patio visits, or if you want to find out if your dog has what it takes to be a therapy dog. Most area training places offer classes to earn the certification.
Please note that some cities have Breed Specific Legislation in place. As ill conceived as this law is, I would advise you not to bring a Pitbull into a city with this ban in place. Lakewood (being lifted soon), Warrensville Heights, Parma and Brook Park all currently have BSL laws in place.
For those of us who loves dogs in costumes (and really, who doesn’t?), Halloween is one of the best times of year. There will be so many chances this October to dress up your dog and go to a dog-friendly party. From parades and 5Ks to costume contests at breweries, it’s going to be a busy month for Cleveland dogs.
Here are some of the parties to check out this month:
Oct. 7, 2017 3rd Annual Dogtoberfest
Stautzenberger College in Brecksville hosts its 3rd annual Dogtoberfest on Saturday. All proceeds will go toward benefiting a variety of local non-profit animal welfare and rescue partners. There will be a “Mutt Struttin’ Costume Contest” and an ice cream social. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/348453475601251/?hc_location=ufi
Oct. 7, 2017 Bark Boo-Nanza
Bring your dog for dog-friendly trick-or-treating around Sunny Lake in Aurora. The first 125 dogs registered will recieve a Boo Treat Bag. There will also be rescues, vendors, prizes, raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. All breed are welcome! More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/910786965756359/?hc_location=ufi
Photo credit: Freedom Greyhound Rescue of Aurora
4th Annual Howl-O-Ween Party
Oct. 8, 2017
Golden Retrievers in Need (G.R.I.N.) will be hosting a Chili Cook Off at the 4th Annual Howl-O-Ween Party on Oak Grove Pavilion. Bring a six quart or larger crock pot of your chili and you get into the event for free. There will be human and dog costume contests, doggie ice cream and bobbing for hot dogs, raffles and all the other fun events. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502187833173266
Photo courtesy of G.R.I.N.
Oct. 14, 2017
Monster Mutt Dash
Berea Animal Rescue’s annual 5K and dog walk is always a popular Halloween dog event. Dress up in costume and run or walk with your dog, and then enjoy the fun afterparty! Held at the Cuyahoga Country Fairgrounds, there will be vendors, food, entertainment, raffles, a “boo-tiful” Beer Garden, plus dog games and a costume parade and contest with prizes. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/315246198937087/
Halloween photos Oct. 17, 2017
Oct. 21, 2017
Lakewood’ Spooky Pooch Parade
Join in the parade, or just observe from the sidelines, as dogs dressed in some of the best Halloween costumes you’ve ever seen walk down Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. There will be awards given out in a variety of categories for the costumes. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1446680005342069
Oct. 21
Howl-o-Ween 2017
Hosted by B.A.R.C Akron Dog Park, this annual “Howl-O-Ween” event will feature a costume contest for both dogs and humans, plus food, vendors, photos and raffles. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1453106384805221
The Ashtabula County APL will be hosting a Boo Wow Walk featuring an “enchanted” walk along the Maple Ridge Golf Course with 13 “frightful” stops for both you and your dog. Each stop includes a prize for your dog. After the walk, there will be food, costume contests with prizes and photos! Find out more here: http://acapl.org/boo-wow-walk-2017/
Oct. 27, 2017
SRB Halloween Costume Party
The always dog-friendly brewery, Sibling Revelry will be hosting a Halloween party that includes a dog costume contest. There will be costume contests for humans as well, including the chance to win a best “couples” costume for dog/human combos. And, the Barrio food truck will be there! Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1934145906825058/
Crocker Park’s Tricks and Treats
Oct. 28, 2017
Crocker Park’s annual event features Trick-or-Treating at stores around the shopping center as well as a Pet Costume Contest. (many Crocker Park stores are dog friendly!) There will also be vendors and exhibitors, food trucks, live music and entertainment. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/692940410897089
Oct. 31, 2017
Barks and Brews Halloween Bash
This dog-friendly event will include live entertainment, food and drinks and a contest for best dressed dog. Winner will receive a $50 gift card to Petco. The Grateful Dog Bakery Inc. will be here with their homemade dog treats. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/135524447181009
The Cleveland brewery scene is growing and the best part about it is that so many of the new breweries opening are dog friendly. Considering the amount of dog-friendly places that have opened up in the last two years, you have no excuse anymore not to bring your dog with you when you go out for a drink. Because what goes better with a locally made beer than your dog? I can’t think of anything!
A few of our local breweries are even dog friendly inside, making it a great rainy or cold day activity. Usually it depends on if the brewery serves food whether you can bring your dog inside. Hunter and I have hit up Sibling on multiple occasions, so I can let you know dogs are definitely always welcome there!
Here is a listing of all of the dog-friendly breweries in the Cleveland area:
Platform Brewery 4125 Lorain Ave, Cleveland
Dogs are allowed on the patio of this Ohio City brewery.
Photo credit: Ali Candelaria
Terrestrial Brewing 7524 Father Frascati, Cleveland
Dogs are allowed inside and out of this Battery Park brewery.
Photo courtesy of the Terrestrial Brewing Facebook page.
Sibling Revelry 29305 Clemens Rd, Westlake
Dogs are allowed inside and out of this Westlake brewery. This is one of Hunter and I’s favorites, especially in the winter! A patio will be coming soon as well!
Great Lakes Brewery 2516 Market Ave, Cleveland
Dogs are allowed on the patio of this Ohio City brewery.
Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Facebook page
Market Garden Brewery 1947 W 25th St, Cleveland
Dogs are allowed inside and on the patio of this Ohio City brewery.
Photo credit: Kendra Williams
Brick and Barrel 1844 Columbus Rd, Cleveland
Dogs are allowed on the patio of this Ohio City brewery.
Photo courtesy of Brick and Barrel’s Facebook page.
Bottle House Brewery 13368 Madison Ave, Lakewood and 2050 Lee Rd., Cleveland
Dogs are allowed on the patio at both the Cleveland Heights and Lakewood locations. (The Lakewood location lets well-behaved dogs inside, call ahead to check to confirm though)
Photo courtesy of Bottlehouse Brewery Lakewood
Nano Brew 1859 W. 25th, Cleveland
Dogs are allowed on the patio of this Ohio City brewery. Hunter and I love Nano Brew!
Photo credit: Missy Krause.
Forest City 2135 Columbus Rd, Cleveland
Dogs are allowed in beer garden of this downtown-area brewery.
Photo courtesy of the Forest City website.
Railroad Brewing Company 1010 Center Rd., Avon
Dogs are allowed inside and on the patio of this Avon brewery.
Goldhorn Brewery
1361 E. 55th St.
Dogs are allowed on the patio of this new Cleveland brewery.
Photo courtesy of Goldhorn Brewery.
HEADS UP – I will be covering dog friendly patios for the June issue of CLE Dog Magazine so I am looking for photos of you out of the town with dog at one of Cleveland’s dog-friendly patios! Email me at contact@dogsinthecle.com or post on my Facebook page. Also, let me know if I am missing any patios from my list: http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-cleveland/patios/
Your official list of what to do with your dog is back! Sorry it’s a little late. I was hoping to get more updates on exact dates for events by doing it later. This year you’ll see many of the same events, but most updated with info for 2017. A few fun CLE events have dropped off, but we have some new things to do added to the list this year to make up for it.
This year there is something for every dog – from the active, social pup to the lazy, lounging pup. Take a look and mark off your favorites!
Spring
Run a 5K with your dog – Many races organized by Hermes Cleveland are dog friendly, including the Siberian Husky 5k/1 Mile “Idid-a-Run” sponsored by the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland on April 2 and the Love-A-Stray Fur Fun 5K on April 30. Check out their website for more info on races: http://www.hermescleveland.com
See the Easter Bunny – Over the next month there will be a lot of opportunities to get your dog’s photo taken with the Easter Bunny. On March 19 Pet’s General Store will be hosting pet photos with the Easter Bunny from 2- 4:30 p.m.( https://www.facebook.com/events/1232910503457858/) and on April 1 and 2nd you can visit Elite K911 Warehouse in North Ridgeville for photos with the Easter Bunny from 11 am to 4:30 p.m. (https://www.facebook.com/events/792629050893495/)
Hunter and Roscoe love the Easter Bunny! (Maybe)
Go to a hockey game with your dog – The Cleveland APL’s Annual Pucks & Paws event will be Sunday, April 9. The Monsters will be playing the Grand Rapids Griffins at 5 p.m. Find out more info here: groups.theqarena.com/apl
Visit a botanical garden – If you are looking to take a fun walk with your dog, the Holden Arboretum is a great choice. And there’s no better time to visit than in the spring!
Sign your dog up for a flyball class – Flyball is a competitive sport for dogs that involves jumping hurdles and retrieving balls. The Cleveland All Breed Training Club offers flyball classes, contact them for more details: http://www.cabtc.org/specialty/flyball-class
Visit a dog park in a State Park – The Northern Ohio area has three state parks that also have dog parks with lake access – Mosquito Lake, Portage Lake and Wingfoot Lake. For more info, visit: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/petfriendly
Go see waterfalls with your dog – Chagrin Falls is one of the most dog friendly places in the Northern Ohio area. If you haven’t taken your dog there for some shopping and waterfalls viewing, you (and your dog) are missing out! Hunter and I love to go there! http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-day-trip-chagrin-falls-main-street/
Go to the ultimate dog park – Bow Wow Beach is basically a dog’s dream. With a lake right in the middle and tons of ground to explore, your dog could spend hours here (if you let him).
Go to boot camp with your dog – Hunter, Roscoe and I love Thank Dog NEO Bootcamp so much that we make a 40 minute trek over to the east side to work out! But it’s worth it! It’s a fun way to get your dog out and get some exercise in our beautiful parks. And, it goes all year round (moving indoors during the winter). There is also a boot camp on the far west side, Thank Dog Fit. The classes are held in Amherst. Find out more here: http://www.thankdogfit.com/
In May, Chewbone Studio will have a “Mom and Me” photo special for all of the fur moms to get their photo taken with their pup(s). Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1105922869535334/
One of my favorite photos from my professional photo session with Boots & Bee Photography.
Summer
Take your dog to a baseball game – I think Puppypalooza at Progressive Field is gone for good, so to catch an Indians game with your pup you’ll have to stay at home or visit a dog-friendly bar. However, you can still catch a minor league game with your dog! Last year, the Lake Erie Captains, Akron Rubber Ducks and Lake Erie Crushers all hosted dog-friendly game nights. Stay tuned for more details as they are announced.
Enter your dog in a contest– A variety of Cleveland dog events hold cutest dog contests throughout the year. The annual Warehouse District Festival holds a Cutest Dog Contest in the summer and last year the Plain Dealer held a contest as well. Stay tuned for more details as these are announced!
Take yourdog to work day – This year’s “Take Your Dog to Work Day” will be held on Friday, June 23. Start petitioning at your work for this now!
Visit a vineyard with your dog – Some area wineries that hold yappy hours during the summer include Debonne Cellars, The Winery at Wolf Creek and Thorncreek Winery. Other events to look out for: Woof, Wag and Wine, Lake Humane’s annual dog-friendly winery event, will be held on June 17th this year and Rose’s Rescue will hold a Wine and Dogs event at Barrel Run Crossing Winery in Rootstown on June 24th.
Go to an old dog party – The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs holds “Summer Scoop” also known as the “Old Dog Party” every summer offering activities for senior dogs, including the Old Dog Olympics, an agility course for older dogs. Date for 2017 TBA (it’s usually held in August).
Visit a dog park – The Cleveland area has a lot of great dog parks, so no matter where you live one should be close by. The Downtown Dog Park, Canine Meadows Dog Park and Carolyn Ludgate in Medina are a few of the newer dog parks opened in the last couple of years. Read more about them here: http://dogsinthecle.com/new-cleveland-area-dog-parks/
Take your dog swimming – Lakewood Dog Park’s annual dog swim and Dog Paddle and Pet-a-Palooza are two fun annual events to take your dog swimming. The Lakewood one is always held the Tuesday after Labor Day, so Sept. 5th this year. Stay tuned for more dog swim dates this summer. Also, Paws by the Lake, a doggie daycare facility in Avon, also offers pool passes for guests to come and take advantage of their lazy river. Contact them at (440) 933-5297 for more details.
Take your dog to brunch – Luxe in the Detroit Shoreway area is a popular place for dog lovers who also love brunch. The restaurant hosts a Bow Wow Brunch on Sundays in the summer, choosing a Dog of the Week each week to feature on their Facebook page. Other good brunch choices are Rocky River Wine Bar, Nighttown in Cleveland Heights and Lucky’s in Tremont. http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-brunches/
Have a drink on a patio with your dog – There are so many great patios to hang out and get a beer with your dog in the Cleveland area. My favorites are Clifton Wine Bar, Nanobrew, Platform and Barrio in Tremont (the Lakewood location is not dog friendly). Check out the Where to Go page, to find one near you. Tip – please call ahead and verify you can bring your dog. Policies are always changing.
And if you enjoy having a drink with your dog, mark your calendar for one of the first Yappy Hours of the season on May 22. R.E.A.L Rottweiler Rescue will be hosting an event on Hofbrauhaus’ dog-friendly patio to raise funds for the rescue.
Go to a dog fashion show – One of my favorite events every summer is the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter’s Pawject Runway dog fashion show. You can enter your dog to be a part of the show and dress him or her up in a costume or bathing suit, or just go to watch cute dogs strut their stuff. I don’t see any dates for this yet, but it is usually held in August. Here are some photos from the event to tide you over: http://dogsinthecle.com/dogs-on-the-runway/
Takeyour dog to the beach – We are so lucky in the Cleveland area to have a lake nearby! Spending a day at the lake with your pup is a great summer activity. You can bring your dog along for a swim or to lay in the sand at Columbia Rd. Beach, Edgewater and Fairport Harbor. All of these beach areas have designated spots for dogs to enjoy the lake.
Take your dog shopping – Crocker Park and Legacy Village and many shops on Main St. in Chagrin Falls are all dog friendly. Crocker and Legacy are mainly just for window shopping, but several stores at Crocker and on Main St. do allow dogs inside. Always ask before bringing your dog inside.
Get ice cream with your dog – One of the best things to happen last summer was a Graeter’s opening at Crocker Park. I am so excited they are in Cleveland now! And, as if I needed a reason to love them more, they do a special dog night the first Thursday of every month (date may change). Other good spots to have ice cream with your dog are any Mitchell’s location with outdoor seating and Mason’s Creamery in Ohio City (which often lets dogs inside, just ask first!).
Put those jumping skills to use – Buckeye Dock Dogs offers dock diving classes for active dogs who love the water. Check them out at: http://www.buckeyedockdogs.com. You can learn more about dock diving at the Dog Fest of Zoar this summer. Held on June 9 in Historic Zoar Village about an hour and a half south of Cleveland, this fun festival will feature a number of dog-friendly activities, including dock diving.
Take your dog to a farmer’s market – Tremont and Gordon Square Farmer’s Markets are dog friendly, so you can get your grocery shopping done and take your dog on a walk!
Go Paddleboading and/or boating with your dog – At Hinckley Reservation, dogs are allowed on row boats. You could also borrow a paddleboard and take your dog paddleboarding. Portage Lakes near Akron is another good spot for water activities with your dog. Read about our paddleboarding adventure here: http://dogsinthecle.com/paddleboarding-pup
Last summer Lake Metroparks hosted a few canoe/paddleboard with your dog nights at Fairport Harbor. Hopefully the event will be brought back this summer!
At Fairport Harbor
Go to a summer festival with your dog – Clifton Arts Festival, The Taste of Tremont and The Warehouse District Festival are common dog-friendly festivals. If you have a calm dog that is good with crowds, this is a fun summer activity.
Get a cup of coffee with your dog – Lucky’s and Civilization, both in Tremont, and Gypsy Bean are all good dog friendly spots for coffee lovers. So bring your dog along next time you want to sit outside with a cup of coffee.
Go camping with your dog – Many area campgrounds are pet friendly including Country Acres Campground in Ravenna, so you can bring your dog along for some hiking and star gazing.
Go to a drive in movie – Aut-o-Rama Drive In in North Ridgeville is always dog friendly, but for the last few summers they’ve hosted pet nights to raise money for local rescue groups.
Fall
Fundraise for a local rescue group – Rescue groups hold numerous events every year where you can help them raise money for their group and participate in a fun activity. Woofstock, Rescue Village’s annual fundraiser held in September and the Lake Humane Society’s Mutt Strut (Aug. 27th this year) are two good ones to keep your eye out for this year.
Join a pack with your dog – Cleveland Metroparks as well as many training groups hold regular pack walks. There are also many local hiking groups to get your dog out and enjoying the company of other dogs. Visit the Cleveland Metroparks website to find out dates. NEO Dobes hosts pack walks, find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NEOdobes/
Also follow Elite K911 and The Doggie Inn to find out about other pack events.
Dress your dog up and go to a Halloween party – Berea Animal Rescue Fund’s Monster Mutt Dash is your chance to dress up your dog up in a Halloween costume and run a 5K or participate in a 1 mile walk. Monster Mutt Dash also includes a fun Halloween after party. Here are some photos from the Monster Mutt Dash Hunter and I went to: http://dogsinthecle.com/monster-mutt-dash/
Get up to date on the latest in dog trends – The Cleveland Pet Expo will be Oct. 14th and 15th this year at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The event is dog friendly, so bring along your pup to see training demonstrations, try out new products and learn about local pet businesses.
Dress up your dog and join a parade – If you like to dress your dog up for Halloween, mark your calendar for the Spooky Pooch Parade in Lakewood in early October. People get very creative with the dog costumes, so it’s always an entertaining activity for you and your dog. Oberlin Doggie Doo and Pooch Parade is another fun Halloween event to check out this October.
Take a scenic dog hike – I love Cleveland Metroparks! There are so many great trails and the best thing is that the majority are dog friendly. Here are some of my favorites: http://dogsinthecle.com/cle-park-tour-part-1/
Go pumpkin picking with your dog – Szalay’s Farm and Pick n’ Save Orchard are a few dog friendly pumpkin patches in NE Ohio, so you can bring your dog along to pick out this year’s pumpkin. Hunter and I love to pick out pumpkins! http://dogsinthecle.com/dog-friendly-pumpkin-patches-in-northeast-ohio/
Take a walk in one the best National Parks in the nation– GoPetFriendly.com ranks the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as one of the best dog friendly parks in the nation and I agree! Make sure you and your dog take advantage of this NE Ohio treasure, especially during the fall when it is at its prettiest.
Visit a castle with your dog – Not only is the North Chagrin Reservation in Willoughby Hills a really beautiful park, but you can take a trail that leads to a castle! It’s definitely worth a trip to enjoy the scenery with your dog. The trails around the reservation also have dog water fountains, which is always great for long walks!
Winter
Events:
Go see Santa Paws! Don’t miss your chance at the end of November and early December to get your dog’s photo taken with Santa. Here’s my favorite picture of Hunter and Roscoe with Santa Paws: http://dogsinthecle.com/category/santa-paws/
Go to a brewery with your dog – The Cleveland brewery scene is growing, and even better than the amount of new breweries opening is the amount of new dog-friendly breweries opening! One you definitely have to hit up with your dog is Sibling Revelry Brewery in Westlake. Dogs are always welcome there, so it’s a great spot to visit during the winter months when you want to get your dog out to socialize. Another brewery opening up this spring near Edgewater Park, Terrestrial Brewing Co., is expected to be dog-friendly as well.
Roadtrip with your dog to check out an indoor dog park – I would love a place where I could go play with my dog indoors when the weather is crappy, but unfortunately Cleveland doesn’t really have any options (only day care drop off options at Double Dog Day Care in Stow or Dog Stop Plus just outside of downtown). For now, you’ll just have to make a weekend trip of it and road trip down to Columbus with your dog to visit Tail Wags Playground. Hunter, Roscoe and I visited recently and it was a lot of fun. The staff is very friendly. Because they require every dog to be up to date on vaccinations and monitor interactions between dogs closely, this is a great alternative to the “anything goes” dog park atmosphere. Columbus also has lots of great dog friendly places too, read up on them here: https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/columbus_oh_us/
Put your dog through an obstacle course – If you have an active, energetic dog, you may want to check out Agility. Canine University of Ohio and Cleveland All Breed Training Club are two area training facilities that offer classes.
Teach yourdog a new trick – Teaching your dog new tricks is a great winter time activity, and it’s even better when you can do it in a group setting with a trainer. Fortunate Fido, Canine Affair and North Coast Dogs offer a variety of classes to work on everything from puppy socialization and behavior issues to new tricks. Here are some fun trick ideas to try at home: http://dogsinthecle.com/category/trick-of-the-month/
Go swimming at an indoor pool – At the Barkley Pet Hotel you can reserve time in their pool to take your dog swimming! Another option for those who are further south is Healing Waters Canine Experience, which does water therapy for dogs but you can also schedule time to just have your dog swim in their indoor pool. Find out more at http://www.healingwaterscanineexperience.com
Certify your dog as a good canine citizen – If you are looking to teach your dog some manners, or maybe even want to find out if your dog has what it takes to be a therapy dog, sign him up for a Canine Good Citizen course. Most area training places offer classes to earn the certification. Hunter recently got his certificate through Fortunate Fido in Columbia Station!
I swear he did pass the class, despite not being able to sit nicely for this photo.
Teach your dog to use his nose – Roscoe and I did a nose work class and it was so much fun! This is a great activity for fearful or aggressive dogs, since although it’s often done as a group class, dogs do the work on their own so they don’t have to interact with other people or dogs. All Dogs Go to Kevin in the Akron and Kent area has nose work classes as well as Canine Affair on the east side. You can read about Roscoe and I’s experience with nose work here: http://dogsinthecle.com/doing-work-nose-work/
Visit a nature center with your dog- Most Cleveland Metroparks that have nature centers allow dogs inside. Hunter and I like to make a stop at the Rocky River Reservation Nature Center on really cold days to get out from the cold for a little bit. Brecksville Nature Center also allows dogs inside to check out their nature center.
What is your favorite things to do with your dog?
Please note that some cities have Breed Specific Legislation in place. As wrong-headed as this law is, I would advise you not to bring a Pitbull into any of these cities. Lakewood, Warrensville Heights, Parma and Brook Park all currently have BSL laws in place.
Who doesn’t love brunch? And, even better, who doesn’t love brunch with their dog? One of the best summer activities you can do with your dog is a dog-friendly brunch. Sipping on mimosas while petting your dog? Yes please!
Luckily CLE has tons of options, even a few places that cater to dogs specifically during brunch. Here are a few to check out this summer with your dog:
Every Sunday at Press Wine Bar in Tremont bring your dog to enjoy their dog friendly patio and their delicious brunch menu. To celebrate opening up their patio to dogs this year, every Sunday during brunch from 10 am to 3 pm they will be running a contest with Tito’s Vodka where if you order a Bloody Mary you’ll be entered to win this doghouse:
(Cute pom not included)
And get the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, so good! Press Wine Bar is now dog friendly all the time as well.
Luxe in Gordon Square also hosts a dog friendly brunch with special food options for your dog. They also choose a Bow Wow Brunch Dog of the Week, who they share on their Facebook page:
Wine Bar Rocky River also hosts a dog-friendly brunch on Sundays. This is the only time that dogs are allowed on their beautiful patio, so it’s definitely one you should add to your list!
A view of the gorgeous patio
Don’t feel left out Eastsiders, Nighttown in Cleveland Heights has a special dog-friendly patio and serves brunch from 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays.
What CLE needs – Indoor space for dogs
Dogs in the CLE 