Dog Date Ideas In Los Angeles

"Must love dogs." It's almost a prerequisite in LA. Living within the confines of four walls is no place to be for your furry friends; as a matter of fact, it's not the place for you, either. Aside from being a great companion, scientific research proves that pets help decrease anxiety and lower blood pressure. They also reduce the risk of allergies and asthma for kids growing up with furry siblings. In many cases, dogs break the ice and lead to potential love connections just by virtue of going out for a walk. With all the value your loyal pup has to offer, the least you can do is take him or her out on regular outings, right?

As featured in an earlier summer events roundup, Eat|See|Hear welcomes friendly pets to join their families for their annual outdoor event. Natural Balance dog biscuits and water bowls keep them happily snacking and well hydrated. There are also varying sizes of grass filled potty boxes (doggy lawns) set up for orderly potty breaks. As for destinations you and your canine can enjoy pretty much all year round, here are a few ideas to add to your "doggy and me" to-do list.

The Trails

2333 Fern Dell Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 871-2102
www.thetrailslosfeliz.com

Little ones of the human and four-legged kind enjoy it here just as much as their parents do as a place to relax and refuel after a good hike. Healthy choices that include vegan items are available, as well as plenty of baked goods. The Avocado Sandwich and Lavender Shortbread are two popular items to try. It's a quaint stand with rustic charm; think haystacks and picnic tables for seating. Such a lovely spot to connect with nature, conveniently located near the trailheads of Griffith Park. The Trails is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Golden Road Brewing

5410 W San Fernando Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(213) 373-4677
www.goldenroad.la

Man's best friend and beer, the two go hand in hand. For fans of the craft beer world, head over to this pub, housed in an expansive hangar-like space next to the brewery and Barrel Room. You can enjoy fresh local food paired with beer (20 revolving taps to choose from). The "Doggy Deck" is located on the lower patio and it is prime real estate to sip on suds, watch sports and soak in the sunshine with your fuzz ball.

Zoom Room

726 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 272-4665
www.zoomroomonline.com

Are you and your buddy Type-A personality balls of energy? Then you've come to the right place. Here, you will act as a team to develop and master skills that dreams are made of. There are an impressive variety of offerings, from standard obedience to therapy dog training, agility, dog tricks, scent class and other enrichment options. The center also features an indoor dog park and private gym, a great option when the weather outside isn't playing nice. Specialized exercise classes such as Pup-lates are available if you like to get fancy with it. Bond, sweat, communicate, learn and play the overachiever way at this wonderful facility.

Rosie's Dog Beach

4800 E Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90803
www.rosiesdogbeach.com

Named after Rosie the bulldog (the inspiration behind this doggy paradise), this is the only legal dog beach in all of LA County, thanks to the efforts of Justin Rudd. It's the place where pups go to run leash-free while enjoying some rare sand and sea fun in the sun. Everywhere you look, you'll see happy dogs with tongues lolling and tails wagging in utter bliss. Expect friendly dogs that are social butterflies and responsible dog owners pitching in to keep the beach clean and enjoyable for all. Be sure to bring quarters if you park at a meter, or opt to pay for parking at the lot in front of the volleyball courts.

Leo Carrillo State Beach

35000 W Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(818) 880-0363
www.parks.ca.gov

This gorgeous park contains 1.5 miles of beach, perfect for swimming, surfing and beach bumming. The tide pools are a favorite spot to explore, along with the coastal caves and reefs that can be discovered here. Leashed dogs are allowed in the day use areas, campground and north beach (north of lifeguard tower 3). It's a more relaxed beach option when you and your pooch just want to soak in the scenery.

The Backyard

930 Hilgard Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 208-8765
www.thebackyardw.com

Within this hidden oasis lies a poolside restaurant and bar serving Cal-Med fare for you and an all-natural Fido's Kitchen menu for your swank tail wagger. This is dog foodie heaven, where lucky dogs get to enjoy the tasty creations of "Top Chef" alum Dakota Weiss. Some special dog dishes include the Knuckle's Frozen "Pop!" (organic yogurt, mashed banana, peanut butter) and Stella's Mutt"za" balls (organic chicken, free range eggs and brown rice) presented in dishware atop a proper placemat. With all this pampering, you and Fido may not want to leave, and with the Pets Are Welcome program, you won't have to. For the ultimate staycation, pets are treated with the same stellar service as their human counterparts. Guests and their four-legged friends receive a special welcome amenity, information about the pet services available through the concierge, a custom W pet bed, food and water bowl for floor mat, pet in-room door sign and a special treat at turndown. This is a dog's life in its most elevated form.

Wilacre Park

3431 Fryman Rd
Studio City, CA 91614
www.lamountains.com

If you've ever driven down Laurel Canyon, you've probably seen people in their fitness gear with dogs in tow walking around the vicinity of this park. A dog-friendly hike is located here, serving as a refreshing alternative to the often overcrowded mess that trendy Runyon Canyon can sometimes be. Wilacre covers a lot of ground, boasting 128-acres of multiple trail access points and adjacent parks. The hike is mostly on a wide easy trail that winds around native plant-covered hills with a beautiful scenic overlook at the top. There is also a dedicated doggy water fountain that offers them "free drinks on us."

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.