I’ve always been curious about Doga (dog yoga). Dogs already have a natural inclination toward yoga poses, so of course, Doga should be something they would excel in. It’s typically been hard to find yoga places that offer this, but this summer, all of the sudden, there is an abundance of doga events in Cleveland.
Hunter and I attended our first doga class last month. Hosted by Milo and Me, the yoga class was led by Marcia at Pink Lotus Yoga. It was a very laid-back class focused on allowing you to spend some time with your dog while trying yoga poses. Really, it’s just nice to be able to bring your dog with you while you exercise, Hunter didn’t actually do any downward dogs — even though he could show us all a thing or two about the correct way to do one!
Look how excited Hunter is to be doing doga!
Photos courtesy of Milo & Me and Pink Lotus Yoga
Did I mention there was a Newfoundland at doga? See big dog owners, don’t be scared to take your dog out!
There are several other doga events to check out this summer, all hosted by Doga Love. The classes are more focused on bonding with your dog, not putting the dog into yoga poses, so it’s a good way to get out and spend some relaxing quality time with your dog.
Yoga with your dog at K9 Cleveland
Multiple dates
All levels doga class led by Doga Love. $10 for the session. K9 Cleveland members can pay there or others can pay the $10 to paypal.me/loveforanimals1. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1732545633514721/
Yoga with your Dog Terrestrial Brewing Company
July 28th , 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Not a doga event, but you can also attend a yoga fundraiser for R.E.A.L Rottweiler Rescue on July 14. They will host an all levels yoga class outdoors at Towpath Crossfit to raise money for their organization. There will also be dog vendors and adoptable puppies. Cost is $10 and you can find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/332530927631246/
You may think Easter egg hunts are only for kids, but lucky for us, this is a perfect activity for dogs too. This Easter season the Cleveland area has several fun dog Easter egg hunt events to get your dog out using his favorite sense – his sense of smell. Oh yeah, and his other favorite sense –taste, for all of the yummy treats he’ll find!
A couple words of caution: if you do have a dog that is very food aggressive, some of these events may not be the best for him. Dogs will be on the hunt for treats, so we want to keep things fun. Also, many of these events require you to register or purchase tickets in advance, so don’t delay.
Easter “Bone” Hunt
10am – 12pm
North Royalton Animal Hospital
This annual Easter “Bone” Hunt will also include a complimentary photo. The first hunt begins at 10:30 am, followed by another one at 11:30 am. This event is held indoors and all friendly dogs are welcome. Refreshments will be served. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/429880177555305/
Social Treat Hunt
2pm – 5pm
Terrestrial Brewing Company
Social Paws will be hosting this fun Easter event at Terrestrial Brewing Company. Dogs will search for eggs filled with treats and freebies including one “Golden Egg” with a special prize. Easter egg hunts will start after 2pm and there will also be local vendors you can also shop, as well as snacks and drinks of course. There will be two “hunting” sessions – small dogs at 2:30 and medium/large dogs at 3:30.
While it is a free event, they are requesting you pre-register your dog on Eventbrite so they know how many eggs to hide. Raffle baskets will also be sold at the event to benefit the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter and adoptable dogs will be on hand. Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/events/454602008640882/
A little farther out east, Duke’s K9 Splash will be hosting a dogs-only Easter Egg Hunt. There will be eggs scattered all around for dogs to find and some of the eggs will have different prizes and treats for humans too. There will also be pictures with the Easter Bunny and raffles. A $10 donation to Never Surrender Pet Pantry per dog will get you into the event, but you must register in advance. There will be a limited number of tickets available for each time slots in order to maintain everyone’s safety. Onsite tickets will not be available unless there is room to add more dogs. Each dog with a pre-paid ticket will receive a FREE water canteen with detachable water bowl and strap.
This Easter “Begg” Hunt hosted by the newly opened Three Dog Bakery includes a walk with your dogs through the Hingetown neighborhood to collect eggs filled with dog treats. The event starts at the Bakery where you will receive a bag for your goodies and a list of all participating businesses. At each business you’ll be given a plastic treat filled egg. Each dog needs their own ticket. You can find out more and get your tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/260068058279087/
April 14
Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs
11:30am – 3:00pm
B.A.R.K Akron Dog Park
For our furry friends a little south of us, don’t miss the “Eggciting” Easter Egg Hunt at Akron Dog Park. This event requires advanced online registration at https://www.akrondogpark.org/events-1/easter-egg-hunt-for-dogs-2 since a limited number of tickets will be sold. Walk-up tickets will not be sold. A $10 donation per dog (limit three dogs per human companion) is the fee. The park asks that you bring your own basket or container to collect eggs in. Visit www.akrondogpark.org/events for more info.
2nd Annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt
12pm – 3pm
Market Square at Crocker Park
This indoor/outdoor event will include multiple dog Easter egg hunts, raffle baskets, vendors, coloring table, photos with the Easter Bunny, and more, to raise funds for City Dogs Cleveland. Admission is free, but a donation to City Dogs at the door is strongly encouraged. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/412916069484131/?active_tab=about
Easter Egg Delivery
If you don’t have the most social dog but you want to have your own Easter egg hunt, Live Love Rescue can help you out. The rescue group will deliver 100, 50 or other quantities of treat-filled eggs to your home. Eggs will be delivered the night before Easter, and you have to order by April 10. You can also order candy-filled eggs if you want to get some for children, while supporting the rescue group (just don’t mix up the dog treats and kids treats if you are doing both!). Find out more information here, including what cities they’ll deliver to, here: https://liveloverescueohio.com/index.html
Oh hey, while you’re here – please stop by Twitter and give me a vote for best twitter account in CLE. I am losing bad to the NE Ohio Sewer District. Sewers or Puppies? Should be an easy choice! https://twitter.com/playcle216/status/1108807180789141504
Now that we’ve gotten through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s time to focus on a day that really matters – Giving Tuesday. I love that this event falls right during the busy holiday season because it gives us a chance to step back from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and do something good for others.
This Giving Tuesday I thought I’d focus again on some ways that you can help out local rescues and shelters. Here are just a few ideas to make an impact this holiday season:
Giving Tuesday events
Meet Tuna Melts My Heart
Instagram star @TunaMeltsMyHeart will be visiting the Cleveland APL for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27. Bring items to donate (food, toys, treats, beds) to the APL and get your picture taken with Tuna. He will be at the adoption center (1729 Willey Ave.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
@tunameltsmyheart
Holiday Hops for Hearts
On Nov. 27, the 4th annual Holiday Hops for Hearts benefitting The Plankton Fund, will be held at Forest City Brewery. The Plankton Fund was started in honor of a dog named Plankton who arrived at the kennel in 2014 and tested positive for late-stage heartworm disease. Tickets are $25 and include one drink ticket and two raffle tickets. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/249289622444677/
Upcoming holiday fundraisers:
Holiday Puppy Yoga
Join the Friendship APL and “animal Yoga pioneer” Julie VanMeter-Moffitt on Sunday, December 9th from 4 to 5:00 p.m. for a special holiday-themed puppy yoga event. Ugly Christmas sweaters are encouraged, and light drinks and snacks will be provided. This is a humans-only event, although there will be puppies there to do yoga with you. Tickets are $25 and space is limited, so purchase your tickets today. All proceeds from this event will support the Friendship APL. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2252497415027669/
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party
Hosted by Second Chance Animal Rescue, the 2nd Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2018 from 6 -9:00 pm at Scalpers Bar and Grille in Lyndhurst. Dress up in your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and enjoy dinner, drinks, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle. All proceeds benefit Second Chance Animal Rescue. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/556801858113157/
While doing your holiday shopping this year, why not throw in a few gifts for the local homeless dogs and cats in our community? It is so easy to purchase items that a shelter or rescue group needs by searching Amazon for their wishlist and purchasing items on the list. The best part is that you can ship the items directly to them.
You can also use Amazon Smile while you shop on Amazon this holiday season to donate a percentage of your purchase to the rescue group of your choice. Search for one here: https://smile.amazon.com/
Here are just a few Amazon wishlists for local rescues. Many organizations have wishlists on Amazon or have a list of items they need posted on their website.
Rescue groups always need volunteers to help with fostering, transportation, dog walking, events, and fundraising. If you are new to volunteering, the Cleveland APL is a great place to start. They always need more volunteers to keep up with the animals in their care. Check out more information about volunteering here: https://clevelandapl.org/volunteer/steps-to-become-a-cleveland-apl-volunteer/
The next volunteer orientation for the Cleveland APL will take place on Dec. 5 at 6 pm at St. Wendelin’s Parish.
Most rescue groups have information about becoming a volunteer on their website, so check out your local shelter to see what they need.
Hold your own fundraiser
It is now easier than ever to raise funds for local rescue groups thanks to Facebook. You can start a fundraiser right on Facebook for the local animal charity of your choice and get donations from your friends and family. On Giving Tuesday, Facebook and PayPal will match a total of $7 million in donations, so it is the perfect day to set up a fundraiser and make it easy for others to donate to the group of your choice.
October is one of the best months for dog lovers in Cleveland. There are costume contests, Halloween and fall-themed photos and yappy hour parties spread all throughout the month. For those of us who love seeing dogs dressed up in costume (and who doesn’t really?) this is going to be a fun month.
Here is a list of some of October’s can’t-miss Halloween events. Oct. 20th is going to be busy day with no less than five Halloween events that day! Pace yourself! And, don’t forget to check out the dog-friendly events calendar for everything else going on this month for dog lovers.
Oct. 13 – 2nd Annual Corg-a-ween Meetup
Held from 11 am- 2pm at Wadsworth Community Dog Park, bring your corgi (or other friendly corgi-loving dog) to enjoy some frapping and costume contests. The contests, which include Scariest Corgi Costume, Most Original Corgi Costume, Most Creative Corgi Costume, The Spooky Corgi Race, begin at 12pm. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1089478957872152/
Oct. 13 – Howl-o-Ween Fall Festival and Fundraiser
The annual event features a kid and canine friendly costume contest, as well food, games, raffles and entertainment from police dogs. The party will be held from 11 am to 3 pm at B.A.R.C. Akron Dog Park on Memorial Parkway. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/316413672267920/
Oct. 18 – Yappy Hour Halloween Party
Yappy hour at Pet-Tique is back! Dress up your dog and celebrate Halloween while supporting City Dogs Cleveland. Event will be held under the tents outside and a $10 donation is suggested at the door. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/469253593568865/
Oct. 19 – Howl-o-ween Party for Dogs
Stop by the Mentor Dog Park from 5:30 to 6:45 pm for a fun Halloween party just for dogs! There will be contests and prizes. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/561284184286873/
Oct. 20 – Spooky Pooch Parade
This is one of the most fun Halloween events in Cleveland! Come see the parade of dogs dressed up in some very creative costumes, or register your dog to walk in the parade and strut his stuff. There will also be vendors there and prizes for the best costumes. Pre-registration for the parade is $10 per dog and day-of registration is $15 per dog. Festival begins at 12:30, but the parade starts at 2pm. Find out more in this month’s issue of CLE Dog Magazine, or visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1575118199274186/
Oct. 20 – Halloween pictures at Grateful Dog Bakery
Bring your dog (with or without a costume) for a fun fall-themed picture. The cost is $12 for a 4X6 framed print. The pictures will be posted Facebook for a costume contest and winners will be selected for the funniest, cutest and most creative categories. Proceeds will benefit Friendship APL. No appointment is needed. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/254844688451696/
Oct. 20 – Dogtoberfest
K9 Cleveland will be celebrating its grand opening with a fun Halloween themed party from 4pm to 7pm at its facilities near downtown Cleveland. You can enjoy some tasty Oktoberfest themed food, while your dog can enjoy a dog-safe “beer.” Admission is free. BYOB, dog beer available for purchase. RSVPs are appreciated at https://www.facebook.com/events/307624826681525/
Oct. 20 – “Here for the Boos” Halloween party at Nano Brew
Hosted by Rescue Ohio English Bulldogs, bring your furry friend and enjoy an early Halloween party at Nano Brew in Ohio City. Raffles, photos, costumes, and more starting at 5pm. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1988085587931374/
This fun Halloween party includes a costume contest as well as raffles and Trick-or-Treat Trivia. Tickets start at $10 and include a free digital photo of you and your dog from Lindsay Marie Photography, a free daycare pass from Max & Alayna’s Paws Play and other free prizes! Tickets should be purchased in advance and a portion of the proceeds will benefit a local rescue. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/321131795327787/?active_tab=about
Oct. 27 – Pumpkin Patch Pet Photos
Held from 12 to 3pm at Happy Healthy Dogs Mayfield, you can have a photo shoot for your dog in a Pumpkin patch. The cost is $5 for a digital photo and all proceeds will benefit Second Chance Animal Rescue. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2108304706090641/
Summer’s not over yet! August and September are full of dog-friendly events to get out and have some fun with your dog. One end of summer event you definitely don’t want to miss is the chance to take your dog swimming. All over town over the next month there will be dog swim events at community pools and recreation centers.
To attend these events, dogs should be up to date on vaccines and on leash when not in the pool. And please remember to clean up after your dogs! No one wants to hang out with their dogs in a dirty pool.
Cleveland Dog Swims 2018
August 15
Dog Dayz at Manry Pool
Cost is $2 per dog and proceeds go to the Lake Humane Society. 6 to 7 pm Small Dogs (weigh under 50 pounds) only and 7 to 8pm Large Dogs (weigh over 50 pounds) only.
August 18th
Doggie Dip Day
1pm-4pm at Mentor Civic Center Park Pool. Cost is $5 per dog.
Aug. 25
Brookpark Recreation Center
11 am to 1 pm, admission is free for residents and includes a picture with your pet.
For Rocky River residents, this dog swim will be held 6:30-7:30 pm at the Rocky River Rec Center outdoor pool.
Sept. 8
13th Annual Big Splash Dog Party
This dog swim benefits Love-A-Stray animal rescue and will be held from 12-5pm at the Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center. This event is always very popular, so to avoid the long lines you can pre-register online for $20 and avoid waiting in line. Day of the event admission is $10. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/288457821734245/?active_tab=discussion
There are also dog contests and fun activities for dogs and people.
September 9th
Doggie Swim
For Willoughby residents from 1pm-3pm at Osborne Park Pool, 38575 Lakeshore Blvd. Cost is $3 per dog.
September 22nd
Doggy Paddle
11am-2pm at Twinsburg Water Park, 10260 1/2 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg. Cost is $2 per dog at the door. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/300695434017971/ Bring a donation for Never Surrender Pet Pantry.
It doesn’t seem like spring is coming anytime soon, but eventually it will be here (or more likely we will go straight to 90 degrees). Once the warmer temperatures hit, many of us turn our attention to getting more active with our dogs, maybe even running with them. Luckily, the Cleveland-area has several dog-friendly 5ks starting this month and going through the summer for you to get out and get fit with your dog!
Created by a health researcher, Bethany Lavins-Merillat, the site allows you to search by your city to find dog-friendly races near you.
Here are a sampling of some upcoming dog-friendly races, or walks, to check out. Just a note, many of the races sponsored by Hermes Cleveland are dog-friendly, the ones listed below are either fundraisers for rescue groups or shared here because the organizers reached out to me to let me know it’s dog-friendly. It’s always a good idea to check with race organizers for other races if you are unsure if dogs will be welcome.
The 6th annual Run Puritas race will be held at Christ Lutheran Church. Dogs are allowed, even though it’s not a dog fundraiser. You can pre-register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Cleveland/RunPuritas5K
This one is also a walk and it raises funds for the Northeast Ohio SPCA. It will be held at Edgewater Park and will also feature refreshments, a DJ, photo booth, face painting, contests, and more. Find out more and register here: https://northeastohiospca.org/events
Ohio Guidestone Promise Run
Also on May 12, Ohio Guidestone invites dogs and their owners to take part in a 5K , 10K or 1 mile walk to raise funds for their organization. The race takes place at Wallace Lake in Berea. Find out more here: http://www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/ohioguidestone.asp
May 26
4 Miles 4 Water
This race/walk will take place at Jacobs Pavilion at the Nautica Entertainment Complex and raises funds for the Cleveland-based Wavemaker Program in schools, to help them host beach cleanup events and build safe water projects. Find out more here: https://www.drinklocaldrinktap.org/act/4-miles-4-water/
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.
It’s here! Your official list of Santa Paws events throughout the NE Ohio area! I tried to get this out sooner but Christmas comes faster each year it seems. There will be plenty of opportunities this December to get your dog’s photo taken with Santa, so don’t miss out!
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
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.
Aug. 26
Dogs in the CLE 