I have no doubt that a hike along more natural trails would be far better for a man and his dog... We take our mutt "Marshmallow" walking through our local park; not quite wilderness, but the nearest to it in close proximity. Whenever she catches on that we're preparing for such a walk, her excitement is instant and very palpable. :)

The walk in Hollywood had a large vertical component, and so I got my exercise that day!