Hanging out with man's best friend is almost as good as hanging out with your man!

Miley Cyrus is in the throws of a new romance with boyfriend Patrick Schwarzenegger, but the singer managed to tear herself away from her beau long enough to take her dog for a hike in Studio City today with dad Billy Ray. The "Wrecking Ball" songstress was unusually covered up in a hooded sweatshirt and leggings, but maybe she's trying to be slightly more tasteful with her ensembles in an attempt to win over Patrick's parents Arnold and Maria Shriver?

If you believe the rumors, the chart topper and the USC student are falling fast for each other! "I have seen Miley with Liam [Hemsworth] and other boyfriends but honestly I have never seen her look as loved up as this. This is more than just a fling. They look like they are falling in love with one another," a source dished to E! Online.

The pair have been inseparable this past week, enjoying dates at the USC football game, Katsuya , and the Grove tree lighting ceremony.

She can be tamed after all!