the polite dog

Dog Lifestyle Services

Los Angeles, CA

(psst….keep scrolling)

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big and small

We hike | we play | we Nap

it’s a pack thing

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Services

The Polite Dog is just me, Mikell, and my people (the dogs). No apps, 2nd or 3rd party dog walkers involved ever.

Dog Park Outings

Nap in the sun, chase a ball, catch up with old friends, make a new best friend or fall in love. The possibilities are endless, and it all happens at our local dog park. What I tell all my pups, be your best self, just be a dog.

1.5-2 HRS | $45

hiKING

In Los Angeles, it’s not who you know, but who you hike with. Doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, big or small, there’s room for all good pups. For some dogs it’s running the hillsides and as fast they can, some it’s chasing butterflies and others, slow and steady wins the race. If you’re sweet and can keep up, you’re in!

60-90 min | $45

DayCare

It’s all about companionship, some people don’t want their pup left behind while they spend long hours at work, and other times, it’s because their dog has a best friend in the dog park group, and another one or two in the hiking group and we don’t want them to miss out. Includes dog park, nap midday at my place (dogs need quality sleep during the day) and an afternoon hike.

DAY RATE | $65

sleepovers

Walter, Oliver and I open our home to a selected few and on a very small scale, I only consider members of our pack for sleepovers, and you must be very polite. On a regular weekday this usually includes a dog park outing and an afternoon hike with the rest of the pups, weekends it’s at least one fun outing or even better, sometimes we go on a fun field trip kinda outing. The food is very good here, bedtime story included, and they all lived happily ever after.

Per Night | $95

housesitting

I love my home and sleeping in my own comfy bed, I own dogs and we have sleepover guests at our house all the time. So many reasons why I don’t housesit for other people. I get it, some people want someone to stay at their house while they’re gone, for those cases I might have a trustworthy referral or two. Just ask.

PRIVATE WALK

Sorry folks, I am not that girl who offers scheduled private walks to the public. If a pack member needs a quick potty break and it works with my schedule, I’ll be happy to do it of course. Otherwise, it’s a no.

Grooming

Even though I’m a former hair stylist for humans, I don’t do grooming for the four-legged furry people. But, I’ll be happy to drop-off and pick-up pack members at my favorite grooming spot, as long as it is on a regular school day, and the dogs don’t keep begging me to drive through In-&-Out on the way home (and they do!).

“My dogs love her and get so excited when they hear her car pull up. They even wag their tails when I mention her name. Anyone I have referred her to absolutely loves her as well. ”

— Elisabeth C., Burbank

Adoption consultation

I’ve been active in the dog rescue and adoption field for 15+ years. Three and half of those years I volunteered full time as the Los Angeles Intake Coordinator and was on the BOD for non profit, San Diego based Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group. I had the happy job of scouting shelters, evaluating dogs and giving in upwards of 300 dogs their freedom ride out of LA City and LA & Ventura County shelters. Best (non paid) job ever!

Today, I work with private clients helping them find the right pup and easing the transition period for the humans and their new family member.

Single Session | $140

4 session package | $500

starting puppies

Puppies are the perfect combination of adorable little baby sea otters & bitey little baby sharks, with sweet, intoxicating puppy breath. I take a pup for a couple weeks or longer and start them off with every opportunity they need to become polite family members and good canine citizens; potty trained, knowing the basics (sit, wait, come is all a dog really needs to know) but at the heart of raising a puppy is good manners above all and broad socialization. I teach new pet parents about the importance of consistency, recognizing certain cues & behaviors, when to correct and follow through, and when you need to remember, it’s just a baby dog and you gotta let shit go, and lastly, never negotiate with the terrorists.

Prices vary depending on your needs.

Schedule a complimentary consultation

new client consultation

Everyone who’s sweet and in my territory is welcome to try out, but not everyone makes the cut. Just like humans, dogs have unique personalities, likes and dislikes. Not everyone feels comfortable in every situation, or is suited for hikes. My pack is very polite and balanced and most importantly, we are all team players. To ensure the safety and happiness of my pups all potential new members will be carefully screened and evaluated.

Just outside my territory? I’ve been known to make an exception, I also know a couple dog walkers with the same level of experience and work ethic as me, so hit me up, ya never know.

no charge

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my people

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client love

“Mikell is a modern day Mary Poppins.
She came into my life when i had just moved to the hollywood area and didn’t know who to trust with my dogs. I think all dog owners deal with the difficult question of: Can i trust my kids and house keys to a total stranger?”

— Heather Kim. Hollywood HIlls, CA

“I love the fact that’s she’s adaptable to my busy schedule. I work in the freelance television/film world so my schedule changes often. Mikell is there at the ready and always makes it easy. Jersey gets an amazing work out; when I come home she’s exhausted from her day with the pack. I love how Mikell takes the dogs to different dog parks and on different hikes and adventures - she always changes it up.

I also enjoy that she’ll send me beautiful pictures from the day - texted to me so that I feel as if I was there watching Jersey play. Her rates are well worth it and very competitive. Her professionalism and attitude are beyond compare.”

— Joshua K. Los Angeles, CA

“Mikell is the best!

She is extremely knowledgeable about dogs and our hound Lucy loves spending time with her and the rest of the pack. My wife and I highly recommend Mikell, especially for people that have a high energy dog that requires a lot of exercise.
Mikell is reliable and she always goes above and beyond to make sure Lucy is getting the most out of the hikes. 5 stars plus!”

— Nick R. Los Angeles, CA.

“We met Mikell last summer while hiking Runyon. What stood out to me was how sweet and loving she is with the dogs. You can tell that she loves her job and truly cares about the dogs. When my baby sees her, he runs to her so happy. We lover her so much! I don’t know what I would do without her. When Googooli got very sick after swallowing a bone that got stuck in his tummy, she was on the phone with me at 5am. She helped me calm down so that I can drive to a vet. I was so scared and couldn’t stop crying. Not only that she came to check up on him and texted me every hour to make sure he’s okay. She’s our angel. This is the type of dog walker you want your baby to be with. I’ve had many and there is no one like her. Oh and you will get photos of your dog playing and having a blast while hiking with her and other dogs. Mikell you are wonderful person! We love you and appreciate all you do for us.”

— Yvana S. Los Angeles, CA