Dog Day Afternoon

Up in Laurel Canyon, just below Mulholland Drive and above Studio City, is a little piece of dog heaven.

The four-acre Laurel Canyon Park, located west of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, is the only public park in Los Angeles where dogs are exempt from the city’s leash laws from 7 to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sundown daily. Dogs are welcome at other times but must be leashed.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, 50 or so dogs had free rein at the park. Some chased balls or Frisbees and others played together, running in packs while their owners stood around socializing in their own right. On a sunny day, as many as 100 dogs can be found romping around unrestrained.

A doggie drinking fountain is available, as are key pieces of equipment in a dog park--pooper scoopers. They stand against numerous trash cans posted with signs that read, “Please pick up after your dog.”