10 Ways to Spoil Your Dog in Simi Valley This National Dog Month

From pup cups and patio dates to sniffaris and local adventures, August is the perfect excuse to spend a little extra time with your four-legged best friend.

August is National Dog Month, and while our dogs probably think every month should be about them, we'll take any excuse to plan a few extra adventures.

Fortunately, you don't have to travel far. Simi Valley has plenty of places where you and your pup can get outside, explore, grab a bite or simply spend some quality time together.

Here are 10 ideas for treating your favorite four-legged family member to a local adventure.

🐾 1. Burn Off Some Energy at Simi Dog Park

Sometimes the best treat is simply getting to run!

Simi Dog Park, located at 2251 Lost Canyons Drive, offers fenced areas where dogs can enjoy some off-leash time. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, along with water and seating for their humans.

It's an easy outing when your pup has a little extra energy to burn.

🥾 2. Explore Corriganville Park Together

Turn your morning walk into a little Simi Valley history lesson.

Once part of the famous Corriganville Movie Ranch, Corriganville Park is now home to trails winding through an area once used to film countless movies and television shows.

The approximately 1.2-mile Loop Trail makes this a manageable outing for many dogs and their humans. Keep your pup leashed and give them plenty of time to investigate all those interesting smells along the way.

🌄 3. Take Your Adventure Dog to Long Canyon

Have a dog who thinks a walk around the block is merely a warm-up?

Try Long Canyon Trail. The roughly 4.9-mile route offers beautiful views and a more substantial adventure for active dogs and their owners.

Dogs should remain leashed, and during August, this is definitely an early-morning adventure. Bring plenty of water for both of you.

🐕 4. Go Exploring at Las Llajas Canyon

Another great choice for dogs who love to explore is Las Llajas Canyon.

The wide trail gives you room to walk while enjoying the surrounding hills and scenery. Let your pup stop and investigate along the way instead of worrying about setting a speed record.

After all, they're probably reading the neighborhood "pee-mail."

☕ 5. Grab a Pup Cup at Lucky Dog Coffee

With a name like Lucky Dog Coffee this one almost had to make the list.

The local cafe welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio, making it an easy stop for coffee or breakfast with your furry sidekick.

And yes, your pup can get in on the outing too. Lucky Dog has been known to offer peanut-butter-flavored pup cups.

🍕 6. Plan a Pizza Date at Toppers

Who says date night can't include the dog?

Grab your favorite pizza and enjoy the outdoor patio at Toppers Pizza Place, where dogs are welcome to join their humans outside.

You get the pizza. They get an adventure.

Everyone wins.

🍣 7. Try a Sushi Date at Go Fish

Prefer sushi?

Go Fish Sushi Bar is another local restaurant with dog-friendly outdoor patio seating.

It can be a fun way to turn an ordinary dinner into a family outing—especially for the family member waiting hopefully under the table.

🦴 8. Let Your Dog Pick Their Own Treat

Take your pup shopping at a local pet store such as R&R Pet Lifestyle and Supply and let them choose the treat.

Okay, perhaps don't hand over your credit card.

But letting your dog sniff through the treat aisle and pick out a new chew, toy or snack makes for an easy National Dog Month adventure while supporting a local business.

👃 9. Take Your Dog on a "Sniffari"

Not every adventure has to involve hiking several miles.

Instead of your normal walk, take your dog on a sniffari.

Choose a local park, neighborhood route or section of the Arroyo Simi Greenway and let your dog determine the pace. Stop when they want to sniff. Explore a different path. Give them time to investigate.

For dogs, sniffing isn't wasting time—it's part exercise, part entertainment and part information gathering.

Just remember that dogs should remain leashed outside designated off-leash areas.

🌅 10. Plan a Doggie Date Night

Finish National Dog Month with a special night out together.

Choose a dog-friendly restaurant patio, take an evening walk once the pavement cools down, or pack a little picnic and spend some extra time together.

Your dog probably doesn't care where you go.

They're just happy they were invited.

☀️ A Quick August Paw-Safety Reminder

Simi Valley summers can be hot, and pavement and trails can become much hotter than the surrounding air.

Whenever possible, plan walks and hikes for early morning or evening, carry plenty of water, provide shade and pay attention to signs your dog may be overheating.

Before heading out, it's also a good idea to confirm current dog policies, patio availability, trail conditions and business hours.

🐶 Your Turn

Does your dog have a favorite Simi Valley hangout we missed?

Tell us where your pup loves to go! We may include reader favorites in a future edition of The Simi Signal.

Happy National Dog Month! 🐾