Wilacre Park, Activate Drinks and a Dog Show

Today Jack and I hiked at Wilacre Park in Fryman Canyon. To start - this really highlighted how out of shape I am, YIKES! I'm sure doing this a few more times will get me on the road to recovery. On with the details!

The parking lot for this hike is located just off of Laurel Canyon Blvd. Parking is $1 for the entire day. The machine only takes exact change, so be prepared. I believe Jack and I only hiked half way today and turned around and came back the way we came. It was hot and I was hot and Jack was hot so I didn't want to push it as I didn't know how long the rest of the way was. The path was mostly paved and very wide. We passed (or were passed by) joggers, bikers, walkers and dogs. There was some shade along the path and a bench at the top with a lookout. We will definitely go back and try this again and do the WHOLE loop. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Today at the base of the hike Activate Drinks was handing out free samples of their vitamin water. I tried the Fruit Punch on the way up, and heading out they gave me a Lemon Lime for the road. The fruit punch was really sweet but refreshing, however I preferred the Lemon Lime to quench my thirst. I will for sure be seeking some more of this out in the future.

Finally as we were heading back down the mountain, a pair with a dog were like "can we bother you for a minute" so we stopped and chatted. Turns out they are casting a new dog show. It is by the same producers as SuperNanny and Real Housewives of New York. They are looking for misbehaving dogs so they can bring in trainers to save the day. Ironically, Jack was a perfect gentlemen all day with not a hint of his naughty side. I don't think our issues are severe enough to land us on the show - but maybe some of you are interested. The casting is for people within a 60mile radius of LA or Atlanta.

Sorry the pictures suck - I was busy getting my butt kicked up the hill.

I have a Hiking Dog

Today Jack and I went to the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook. It is located on the north side of Mulholland Drive. It provides views of the San Fernando Valley, has a 40-car parking lot, and access into the canyon trails below. Jack and hiked on one of the trails and it was really nice. The path was a bit narrow, and full surrounded by plants, flowers and trees. The view was awesome! Dogs are allowed on leash. I thought I had forgot my camera so I have no actual hiking pictures - but I found it when getting the keys to go home. So I snapped a few pictures at the actual lookout. We will likely go back every Saturday and try the different trails. He was great - he wasn't nervous of anyone or anything. I was so proud!

Pictures - Jack posing at the lookout and a view of the Valley.

When we got home Jack crashed out - and he is snoring. It is pretty funny because A) he NEVER snores and B) he snores really loud for a little dog!

A New Park

Today we tried something a little different. Since Jack does better with new dogs on leash we went to an on leash park. We stopped in at the North Hollywood Park, which is really nice. There is lots of shade and grass, plus dirt paths for walking. There were lots of people and dogs (on and off leash) but everything was very low key and mellow. There was plenty of space so you can be as close to or as far from the action as you want. Jack and Patrick had lots of fun walking and running, doing their tricks and (naughtily) eating the grass.

Since I'm sick of walking the various loops around our neighbourhood, I will likely hit this park up more. It's a good place to socialize without overwhelming Jack!

It is not fenced though, so if you sneakily let your dog off leash, be sure you have good control of them.

Pictures - a view of the park and Jared and Jack working on their skills.

Break Through

Today at the Griffith dog park we had a break through with Jack. It took a while, but he had a normal, polite interaction with another dog. We kept him on leash and focused until he was polite. He had to sit or lay down any time he showed any anxiety or bad behavior. After a while he mellowed out and was able to run and play nicely with the other dog. It was awesome to see him enjoy playing with another dog instead of just freaking out! Baby steps.

In that vein, tomorrow is the Nuts for Mutts show. Monte has entered in a few classes. I was going to take Jack for the socializing and experience, but I feel like it might be too much for him. Overwhelming him will only set us back in the progress. The new plan is to take Patrick! Patrick is pretty easy going and taking him places is easy... often when I can only take one dog I take Jack because he "needs" it. I need to make sure to take Patrick also or he will lose his nice guy attitude.

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures tomorrow. It should be a fun day!

Photo of Jack (still on leash, but being mellow), Patrick and their new friend at the park. The new puppy was a Chihuahua/Terrier Cross and was amazing. So well natured and tonnes of fun. Her and Patrick ran and ran and ran. It was awesome to see

Long Weekend Low-Down

Monte is staying with us for the long weekend, along with a friend of mine from school. Needless to say, it's a packed house! We took advantage of the brief sunshine today and headed to the Griffith Dog Park and then the boys basked in the (chilly) sun.

Barrington Dog Park and Meetup

Today we went to the Los Angeles Chihuahua and Small Dog Meet Up at Barrington Park. Barrington Park is another off leash Dog Park in Southern California. The park is just off the 405 at Sunset Blvd. 200 Barrington Ave (next door to the post office) Los Angeles, CA 90049. There is plenty of parking. The park has a large dog section and a small dog section. The small dog section has fresh water and a tree for shade. It is a combination of grass and dirt. They are campaigning to get fake grass put in though, which would be pretty interesting.

The Los Angeles Chihuahua and Small Dog Meet Up is a great group! Michelle organizes monthly meetups and gatherings for our dogs to get together and socialize. It has been really cool watching the boys come of their shells at these. Patrick was romping around have a great old time with his new pal Choco today. Jackson started out grumpy, but warmed up by the end. If you need some dog pals to play with, I suggest checking out a Meetup in your area!

Dog Park Day!

Today we went to the Sepulveda Basin Dog Park. It was really nice. Almost the entire small dog section was shaded with trees, there was plenty of seating and it was grass. The small dog section is for dogs 20lbs and under, but there are other areas for bigger dogs also. One warning is, apparently there is a Dog Park Police type woman who checks to make sure you dog is licensed and has it's appropriate shots. She was not there today, but two separate people told stories of being "escorted out" for not having their puppies licensed yet. There is lots of parking as well.

We stayed for two hours as the shade created a very comfortable area. The dogs had a great time and there was a great group of small dogs in there. Monte came so the boys were good with him. Also, there was the most adorable french bulldog that they played with a bit. Jack was the most social he has ever been, although he was far too yappy for my tastes. He never used to be a yappy chihuahua. Oh well, one thing at a time. Patrick fetched and fetched and fetched.

Even though this park is a bit further than some others, I will likely be making the trip back. The boys really enjoyed it there. As I've said we enjoy dog parks. If you know of any other nice Southern California Dog Parks, let me know!

Southern California Dog Parks

As I've said many times - I love going to dog parks. The dogs can run and really get some exercise as well as meet other dogs. I found this great site that lists all the area dog parks! It has user rating and reviews, lists the dogs that frequent the park (if the owners submit them) and has a place to set up doggie play dates. Pawspot is a great site.

Where did the weekend go?

Considering we had nothing to do this weekend, it sure seemed busy. I ran my usual weekend errands (groceries) but that was about all we had planned.

I ordered some new knitting books. I want to learn how to knit again and be better at it. Last time I tried it took me THREE MONTHS to make a scarf. Not a super fancy scarf either. A plain old boring one. Anyways, I want to make slippers and toques and dog sweaters and throws and... Really, I want to be able to make anything I want.

We went to the dog park today. It was super fun. There was about 8 dogs there total and they were all well behaved. The boys ran and ran and ran. It was good because they were all antsy in the apartment. It is really nice to have some choices close by to help them really blow off some steam.

Griffith Park Off Leash Park

I want to start sharing information about all the dog parks in the Los Angeles area. Some are undoubtedly better than others, but most provide a great place for our four legged friends to burn off some steam. Today I will be covering the Griffith Dog Park. The park is located just off the 134 and the 5 on North Zoo Drive at the end of John Ferraro Soccer Field. The park is right at the end of the road last possible thing you can reach. The dog park has it's own parking.

The park is split into two sections with one side being for small and timid dogs. The regular side has a dirt section and a grassy section. There are a lot of shady trees and benches. The small dog section is all dirt. There is less shade, but still benches and chairs. Both sections have water play and drinking areas for the dogs, pooper-scoopers and trash cans. There is a portable washroom for human use.

The people at this park do a great job of keeping their dogs in the rights section of the park. My little dogs did not have to be fearful of well meaning big dogs as they were all on the proper side of the park. The fencing is excellent in all areas with no gaps where smaller dogs can escape. This is a safe environment for the dogs to play.