At Dog Training Now, we love helping our owners feel comfortable with their dog’s leash manners. Excellent leash manners keep walks fun for owners and for dogs, and gives the whole family the chance to enjoy the outdoors together.
Here in the Midwest, we are lucky enough to enjoy four seasons. Your dog can take advantage of each season, and autumn is a wonderful time to hit the trails with your dog. You can both enjoy the cooler temperatures, your dog will enjoy the new smells of the season, and you can check out what’s left of the colorful leaves in the area. Looking for a place to leash up and get started? Here are a few of our favorite destinations!
Busse Woods
The Ned Brown Preserve, better known around here as Busse Woods, is a great place to get some autumn exercise with your dog. With an eight mile system of well maintained, paved trails, Busse also offers the chance to explore off trail as well. If your dog likes water, be sure to check out the more than 20 miles of shoreline or rent a canoe and have your pup jump on board.
Bode Lake and Poplar Creek
On the other side of town, near the corner of Schaumburg and Bode Roads, you can enjoy trails and open spaces with your dog. Trails are well maintained and less busy on the weekends than Busse. As you explore through prairies and wooded areas, keep your dog on a leash. You may even catch a glimpse of a deer in quieter areas of the park.
Waterfall Glen
If you are looking to explore a bit of DuPage County, don’t miss Waterfall Glen. The trail system is lovely and even on the weekends you won’t feel like you are too crowded. Dogs love the water and the trails; plus, it’s a great way to check out the local tree colors.
Mattheissen, Starved Rock, and Buffalo Rock
For a day trip option, we love heading south with our dogs and exploring near Ogelsby and Utica. While Starved Rock State Park is often the big draw of the area, beat the crowds and get even better viewing from Mattheissen or Buffalo Rock State Parks. While you are there, be sure to shop around downtown Utica!
If adventure is calling, but you are embarrassed (or feel unsafe) with your dog’s leash manners, let us help. Our Trainers are experts at getting owners and dogs back in sync.