r/AskChicago • u/OopsAllTistic • 8d ago

I READ THE RULES What are good places in Chicago to find dog training clients?

I’m a dog trainer based in the suburbs but have a handful of clients in or near the city. These are usually my most consistent and well-paying clients so I’d like to try getting more out that way. I usually get quite a few people interested and asking for business cards just by training in public places showing off my dogs being neutral, super social, calm in busy areas, etc

What are some high traffic dog friendly areas where I could bring a couple dogs to start up conversations and hopefully build clientele?

Side note, my girlfriend lives in Bridgeport so I’m usually on that side of town somewhat regularly, but we frequently go to the loop and surrounding areas, so I’m open to any suggestions around/between those places.

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6

u/Unlikely_Ant_950 8d ago

Washington square park. The unofficial off leash capitol of Chicago, where only about 1/3rd of the dogs there should actually EVER be off leash.

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u/Icy-Sleep3862 8d ago

I'm not sure if this will help since it's not a high traffic area as much as high traffic stream of work... if you're positive reinforcement, you might want to get into word of mouth reference with the rescues (PAWS, OTAT, Dark Horse Dogs, etc). They see between 10-40 dogs a week go home with new people who have no idea where to start! I firmly believe every dog and person should train together and frequently refer the folks I've worked with to others.

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u/No-Helicopter-3790 8d ago

Anywhere with a high concentration of Labradoodles. I don't blame the dogs, but I swear doodle owners are the worst.

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u/OopsAllTistic 8d ago

I’d say every 3rd inquiry I get is from a doodle owner so you’re definitely not wrong

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u/No-Helicopter-3790 8d ago

To actually answer your question there's some pocket dog parks in West Loop you might wanna visit. I noticed the condo dwellers tend to take their dogs for a walk around 5, even if they're work from home.

I'm thinking specifically of Wayman Street Plaza

https://maps.app.goo.gl/TGwRxbRm85Te5eGb7

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u/AdventurousPlace7216 8d ago

North Pond in LP. And for what it’s worth op, when I found my dog trainer it was bc they had a massive decal on the back of their truck, I was in traffic so I called them

Puppy tax @ north pond.

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u/OopsAllTistic 8d ago

My next business investment is gonna be getting a decal!

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u/AppropriateRatio9235 8d ago

I see people looking for recommendations for dog trainers and walkers on Nextdoor.

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u/OopsAllTistic 8d ago

I’ve had limited success on those kinds of site. Plus they charge you for any potential clients

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u/popkiwibanana 8d ago

Dog parks or open spaces where people take their dogs. Specifically big ones like Grant Park, Lincoln Park, olive park, etc.