Bandanas is a believer in the dog behavior philosophy of Cesar Millan, the "Dog Whisperer." (Check out his TV show on Friday nights on the National Geographic Channel.) Cesar says most of a dog's behavioral problems stem from a lack of exercise. Boredom, chewing, destructive tendencies, aggression, and separation anxiety are just some of the problems that regular exercise can reduce or eliminate.

A good canine exercise program (which is also good for humans!) includes daily walks of at least 30 minutes. The Fall is an ideal time for walks, and here in Asheville, we are fortunate to have superb natural resources such as the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Bent Creek is a dog's paradise. Trails are easily accessible, and many have fresh running mountain water near them. The wider trails are actually former logging roads, but they are free of traffic, so they make for an easy, enjoyable walk.

Bent Creek can be crowded on weekends, but during the week it's not unusual to have a trail to yourself. It is common to see well-behaved dogs off-leash in Bent Creek. Be aware that hunting is permitted, so during hunting season (in particular, deer season from Nov. 19 - Dec. 8), it's a good idea to stay on wider, more open trails and put an orange safety vest and perhaps a bell on your dog.

There are several parking areas where you can access trails. The first area, a right turn at a small brown sign that says "491," offers access to a closed road, as well as a nice trail that goes through the woods past a creek. The second area, a left turn at the Hard Times Trailhead, is the busiest - this is where many trails begin, including a trail that goes around Lake Powhatan. There are additional areas at Lake Powhatan and to the right of the lake. Do some exploring - all the trails are beautiful and well- maintained. Your dog will love it!

Reach Bent Creek from I-26 at Exit 33, Brevard Road, Route 191. Take Brevard Road towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. Make a right at the brown Lake Powhatan Recreation Area sign, and then follow the signs around to the left to get to Bent Creek. Or from Asheville, go south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Route 191 exit. Make a left off the exit at the light, and a left at the next light. Follow the signs to Bent Creek. Check the information board on the road leading to Bent Creek for trails. Trail maps are available from local bike shops and at the Bent Creek headquarters on Route 191.

There is a brand new dog park in East Asheville behind Azalea Park with a very large play area and a separate area for smaller dogs. From Asheville, take Exit 8 off I-240 East. Turn left at light onto Fairview Road. At the third light, turn right onto N.C. 81/Swannanoa River Road. Continue for 1/3 mile and turn right onto Gashes Creek Road. Continue straight as Gashes Creek Road turns into Azalea Road. The dog park is at the back of Azalea Park, past all the ball fields.