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Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake CountyCallahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area
Thank you for your interest in the Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area at Larsen Nature Preserve. The Waukegan Park District recognizes dog owners as legitimate park users. The Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area is a place that offers an off-leash play area in a park setting. It provides a source of open space, fresh air and recreation for exercise and social interaction.
The Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area is located in the Larsen Nature
Preserve at 1720 Western Avenue in Waukegan. The dog park contains
fenced areas for large and small dogs and special water fountains that
quench the thirst of dog and owners. Litter bags are provided, promoting
responsible ownership and maintaining a clean and healthy place for pets
to play. This special park enables dogs to exercise and socialize safely,
their owners too. The dog park is a favorite “meet-up” spot for canine
and human alike.
Nearly $8,000 has already been raised to create an outdoor dog agility
course in the dog park. Sponsorships and donations for the permanent
equipment are still available. What a great way to remember a beloved
pet, past or present or promote your business. For more information on
the dog park, playground or agility course, please call 847-360-4700.
| Regulations | Restrictions (prohibited) |
| • Open from sunrise to sunset. • Owners are responsible for controlling their dogs. • Please close gate when entering or leaving site. • Please leash pets outside exercise area. |
• Bicycles • Alcoholic beverages • Horses • Firearms • Game animals |
Etiquette
- Always cleanup after your dog. We provide a Dogi-Pot bag dispenser and waste container for your convenience.
- Always keep your eyes on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly.
- Never leave your dog unattended.
- Make sure your dog is current on its shots and has a valid license.
- Dogs younger than four months won't have all the necessary inoculations that allow them to play safely with other animals, so please avoid bringing them to the dog exercise area.
- Avoid bringing a female dog in season. Spayed/neutered animals are recommended.
- Avoid bringing more than three dogs. It subjects the park to overuse, and if they're not your dogs, you may not have full control over them.
- Keep your dog on-leash until you get to the off-leash area. This is not just respectful and safe to other park users, it's also safer for your dog.
- If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash it and leave immediately.
- If you must bring children to the park, supervise them closely.
- Avoid smoking or eating while at the exercise area. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting and bad treats for dogs.
The Benefits
- Provides a safe environment for dogs and owners to socialize and exercise.
- Promotes responsible pet ownership.
- Enables dogs to legally run off-leash in a public setting.
- Provides a tool for realistic enforcement of dog control laws.
- Promotes public health and safety.
- Provides an accessible place for elderly and disabled dog owners to exercise their pets.
- Provides a great place to meet and socialize with friends and neighbors.
Pet Programs
Obedience Classes (dogs)
We are here to help you teach your dog to become a well behaved family pet, one that is a joy to own and a pleasure to take anywhere. All teaching and training methods from instructor are based on reward, motivation, and positive reinforcement, as well as dog and handler training needs. By using these kinds of effective methods, training becomes fun for both dog and owner. There are also plenty of opportunities to practice learning to stay calm while socializing with other people and dogs. The first night of class please bring your dog’s shot/health records. Owners of aggressive dogs must be in control of their pets at all times to remain in class. One owner per dog is required. Only registered dogs and owners may attend class. Dog and owner should attend all classes. Please no retractable leashes.
Puppy - 8 weeks to 4 months
Basic Obedience Training - 5 months and older
Advance Obedience Training - 5 months and older and that have been through the Waukegan Park District Basic Dog Obedience class.
Agility Classes (dogs)
In this class the handler directs the leashed dog through an obstacle course. Owners may cheer, clap, and call the dogs through each obstacle as it best serves them. There are jumps of various makes, climbing obstacles, weave poles, tunnels, and a pause table. This class is always entertaining whether the dog does as you ask or not. It’s fun for everyone! Please bring your dog’s vaccination/health records to the first class. Owners of aggressive dogs must be in control of their pets at all times to remain in class. Dog and owner need to have completed an Advanced Obedience Training class prior to registering.
Intro to Nose Work and Beginner Nose Work (dogs)
Your dog has more options for fun and a purpose to utilize that sniffer of his. Our instructor will teach you and your K9 how to have fun by exercising his natural scenting abilities by hunting for either food or toys. The class is great for all types and sizes of dogs, and great for a dog who is bored and wants to play. Participating dogs must have completed an Advance Obedience class prior to registering.
Once your dog completes the Intro to Nose Work class, try this extension of the class. Have more fun with your dog and learn other fun and challenging exercises for your dog to utilize his natural scenting abilities by hunting either food or toys. The class is great for all types and sizes of dogs, and great for a dog who is bored and wants to play.
Pet Wellness (dogs and cats)
A Pet Wellness program is held annually Bring your cat or dog into the Belvidere Recreation Center to get Distemper and Rabies low cost vaccinations. A tag issued by Lake County will be provided. You must register prior to vaccination day and space is limited. An appointment time will be given to you when your pet’s shots can be administered. Please be at BRC during this time. When registering, you will need to provide records to prove if your pet is spayed or neutered, in order to get the discounted price. Only a certain number of pets will be allowed in the building at a time, so please utilize the given appointment time and our beautiful park. Aggressive pets should not wait inside the building, and can be turned away. Fee may increase based on Lake County changes to tag fee, if applicable. If this is your pet’s first time receiving distemper vaccine, a booster is required within three to four weeks. Call Beach Park Animal Hospital for details at 847-244-1230.