Coach's corner: Carriage Hill gets dogs in the pool

Warning in advance: Reader patience may be required here. Hang with me as I get to my "sort of" sports column for this week.

The idea for this story began some two years ago, while wandering one of my favorite summer events, The Glenview StreetFest. Along the way I stopped to talk to the fine folks at Carriage Hills Kennels. (This stop, by the way, went much better than the one at the Republican National Party booth, but I drastically digress.) While casually visiting, I was informed of their many programs offered and also a little bit of their history.

I have always enjoyed dogs as a child enjoying my time with Sport (Beagle), Carmel (Golden), Tasha (Lhasa apso) and Lucy (West Terroir), not all at the same time but over the course of my growing up. Then, after a very long midlife break from the canine world, I rediscovered this love, and now at times can be seen inappropriately and without provocation going up to strangers and petting their dogs. (Digression number two.)

At any rate, during my discussion with the fine folks at Carriage Hill, they mentioned that along with all of their training and day care programs, they also offer dog swim lessons and swim training. They handed me their brochure, and I thought, "Swimming for dogs?" That sounded interesting, so I kept it tucked away for a writing rainy day. So, now, with umbrella in hand I bring you the story.

Carriage Hills Kennels is a longtime, area family-owned business, first opened by Jim and Doris Cocalles back in 1961, later run by daughter Francine Barnes and her brother Chris, and now with Francine's son Bob Barnes taking over a good part of the operation. They all grew up right here in Glenview making it a local success story.

Over the many years, it has remained family-owned and thrives and survives on love, dedication and the loyalty of their long-standing customers, all while keeping their parents' dream business alive and well.

The swimming part of the saga began a decade ago when, after nearly 50 years in the business, the family decided to take a quantum leap and build an indoor pool specifically designed for dogs.

"There was none like it in the area, and still isn't," said Francine. "We thought we'd give it a shot. We used some of the family money left from my mom and dad. Carriage Hill Kennels was their love, and my mom gave us full blessing to reinvest in the business."

"When it was first built," Francine continued, "we kind of had to fly by the seat of our pants as far as training dogs for swimming. We weren't' completely sure what we were doing. But over the years we got better and better and now it has become one of our most popular features."

Son Bob took over the swim training at first, but then specialty trainer Raphael came aboard, and the pool program jumped to a new level. "Raphael has been great," Francine raved. "He really knows what he is doing and has a great way to communicate and get the dogs involved. And their owners as well."

So, how do you teach dogs to swim? Are dogs athletic like humans? And just like us some are better and more natural than others? And how do you train them to swim? My canine pool education was just beginning.

"No question some dogs are more natural in water than others," Francine explained. "Just like humans. We work with all kinds, and Raphael is able to get even the dogs most afraid to learn to like the pool. First, they have to know how to get out of the pool using the steps. That gives them some confidence. They can also glide by the walls to lead them to the steps, to help them get out."

It is not just beginning puppies and non-swimmers that Carriage Hill appeals to. They get the dogs that already know how to swim and love to play in the pool. They work with them and even get into some training for competitions.

"Oh yes," Francine continued, "We get owners bringing their dogs from as far away as Mundelein and Round Lake who come here to use our dog pool for strength training for their elite competitions."

And in case any of you owners out there are thinking of bringing your dog in for a swim lesson, and maybe kicking back with a magazine and a cocktail on the deck while Fido has his workout session, not quite.

Raphael and the lesson program is designed to get the dog AND the owner a bit of a workout. They encourage the owner, although not allowed into the water, to help throw balls and other objects and to be actively involved in encouraging their dogs swimming across the pool.

"It becomes a good bonding experience for both dog and owner," Francine said, adding, "The pool training not only gives the dog physical exercise, but it is good for them mentally as well. The dogs have to follow direction and obey pool rules." (Yes, that includes no running on the deck.)

Not missing a beat, Carriage Hills provides specially dog-trained lifeguards at the pool when there are group lessons going on, just to add an extra degree of safety.

Bottom line? The chance they took ten years ago with a new and innovative swimming pool concept has paid off big time. Our community is certainly proud of Carriage Hill Kennels for providing such great service for so many years.

More importantly, Jim and Doris Cocalles' dream lives on bigger and stronger than ever.

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan. Any topics you'd like to see him tackle? Email glenbrooknews@dailyherald.com and include "Coach's Corner" in the subject line.