Dear Dog Lovers - favorite dog park in LA? (Long Beach: home search, live in)

[pizzicato66]

Hey you pooch-loving Angelitos! As part of my home search in LA, I'd like to be somewhat close to a good dog park. Granted, I'm pretty spoiled here in MN and have a great 30 acre park in the country (which we go to, even in below-zero temps and snow), so I'm hoping there's a good place to take my pup for a run every day.

I know there are nice dog beaches in Long Beach and Huntington, but what's your favorite dog park?

Thanks!

Bungee the labradoodle's mom.

[KnoxTown]

I'm in the same boat. During my investigations of the LA area, I've found a few good areas. The Los Feliz area seems to be a big time dog lovers area. Apparently there are a couple close by, plus people say they take dogs up to Griffith Park.

[CESpeed]

If you live in L.A. proper, Griffith Park is good, but you are suppose to keep your dog on the leash. I've heard Runyon Canyon is good. I lived in Venice and people there loved the dog park on Pacific.

[Sorcerer68]

Silverlake. They have a big dog side and a little dog side. Let 'em loose and watch 'em run! There's also a beach dog park at Belmont Shore/Long Beach. Yes, Griffith Park is practically my yard and the place is very (on leash) dog friendly. My gripe about Runyon Canyon is that so many people walk their dogs off lead. Dangerous, especially for the little dogs. Other than that, nice trails and the views are stellar.

[orthopodfrancis]

The Silver Lake park is maybe a 1/3 acre in size, and the ground is hard packed dirt. My dog tears up his foot pads if he runs around there too much. Off leash.

Runyon Canyon is very fun - also hard packed dirt, but off leash. Only water for the dogs at the bottom, so you'll need to bring your own. Parking is really, really bad at Runyon. Can't comment on problems that little dogs face.

Griffith Park - I dunno - I can't comprehend the idea of taking my dog to a park where he can't run off leash - what's the point? They can't run like they're meant to do.

Off leash park in Long Beach - very nice.

[ferretkona]

Dog Beach in Huntington Beach rules.

[LivingLikeAGradStudent]

Runyon Canyon and Long Beach's dog beach. Our Labs love them both.

[pizzicato66]

Thanks! Good to know there are options. I agree, no point in a park unless he can run free a bit and be a dog. My pup loves chasing other dogs and wrestling and just being silly!

I'm really looking forward to seeing him check out the ocean for the first time. He LOVES swimming but hasn't encountered waves yet. It should be interesting!

I'm just looking forward to not having to clear ice and packed snow out from between his toes. We had a balmy 36 degrees yesterday morning for our dog park time - jealous?!

[orthopodfrancis]

Originally Posted by pizzicato66

Thanks! Good to know there are options. I agree, no point in a park unless he can run free a bit and be a dog.....
I'm just looking forward to not having to clear ice and packed snow out from between his toes. We had a balmy 36 degrees yesterday morning for our dog park time - jealous?!

Well - a little. It's nice to have some variation in the weather, and a little rain to clear the crap out of the air.

If your dog is long haired, then be prepared to shave him. I always feel sorry for long haired dogs here in L.A. since it's always so dang hot here in the summer.

[pizzicato66]

I've been dealing with that concept in the summers in MN since I got him. he actually does okay, even when it's extremely muggy. We just take shorter jaunts and give lots of water, and get out in the early morning or later in the evening. He loves swimming too and that wears him out well.

From what I understand, it's far less humid than our MN summers. That can really crank the heat index up!