Nice dog run, plenty of seating. We go to the big run when there's no one in the small dog run. Friendly people. Sometimes squirrels for the dogs to bark at! read more

Washington Square Park Large Dog Run - Squirrels for the dogs to bark at! - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Love the small dog run here so much! It's perfect. The best way to start the day. A great size, small to medium-sized dogs running around, people wearing masks (except for the occasional coffee drinker), and water bowls and poo bags. 5 stars!!! read more

Washington Square Park Large Dog Run - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

This park has a Small Dog run! there are benches for all. The location is near Thompson st entrance. it's very peaceful inside. If you have a small dog, highly recommended! :) read more

Great people, friendly pups, well-maintained run. All located in what's hands-down NYC's best park. Also had a run-in with Amanda Seyfried and her dog here. "I loved your dog on Letterman," I said, trying and failing to play it cool. Moral of the story, keep your eyes peeled. You never know who you might see here on a weekend morning. read more

Pretty good sized dog park that gets a lot of use, but stays clean and well respected. People are friendly, clean up after their pets, and there are nice sitting areas around. Can get noisy right off the street, but that's the city, otherwise - great dog park! read more

See all

Great spot with plenty of seating. Best of all, not super dusty! It's nice to not have to bathe my dog after going to this park because it's not a total dirt bath like many others. It does have a VERY strong dog piss odor that you can smell down the block. Not sure why but it's not intolerable. UPDATE: it's summertime ladies and gents - hot piss smells abound read more

It's not very big but neither are the pups in this new addition dog run in Washington Square Park. While I myself don't own a miniature pooch, I had lucky occasion to be on a stroll with a mini schnauzer and his dog-sitting mommy today while walking through the West Village. I'd been to the big dog park on the Southwest side of the park but when I spotted this cute explosion a few paces to the east I was positively gleeful. King Charles Spaniels named Mr. Darcy, Teacup Poodles humping French Bulldogs, and Paris Hilton lookalike owners posing in the corner texting while their Chihuahuas prance in the mini fountain... it was everything I expected and more. Just remember before entering the gates: little dogs like to jump all over any person sitting on a bench so leave the tux at home. read more

Washington Square Park Large Dog Run - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I feel very cheated that in the renovation of the park, they took away so much space from the dog run. George's Run was huge and wide-open--if muddy a lot of the time--and they've swapped it for a veritable sliver. Admittedly, it's much easier to get to, since it hugs the West 4th street side of the park and it's not even necessary to enter the park to get to the run now. The LEED-certified restroom building has now been completed and there's also a second entrance to the run, from within the park. The run has been re-surfaced with the same layered sand and stone that was used in the Tompkins Square dog run, so it will definitely drain better than before. I've been to it several times now with Olive, and it's clear that the dogs do just fine; it has the length for the dogs that want to run and chase. Verdict: it's a good-enough run, the dogs like it well enough--and who is it for, after all--but it would have been totally awesome if they could have retained the same space George's Run occupied pre-renovation. read more

Washington Square Park Large Dog Run - There's plenty of seating at the Washington Square Park large dog run. - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Well this run finally got its renovation (actually its all new since it was moved closer to W 4th St) Things it now has going for it: - Great fencing - Plenty of shade - Plenty of seating - Water in run but not a dedicated drinking fountain - Leash holder - Great gates - Poop bags - Dog sprinkler - Decent size - Suppose to be dedicated to larger dogs Things it not has against it: - They used decomposed granite/sand mix as ground cover, gets dusty when dry and if you have a long haired dog that is wet...its a pain to keep your dog clean. The city did a good job on this dog run. They used the same fencing as in the small dog run in this park, which is one of the best I have found to date. The entry is now from the street (W 4th St) instead from inside the park like it was before the renovation. The entry area is long and there are 3 gates to pass thru, so there is less of a chance of a dog getting out. There is now a huge bench area surrounding a big tree in the run (just like Madison Square Park Dog Run) and there is now plenty of seating. I like the dog sprinkler/fountain they installed but don't like it with the ground cover they chose. Overall its a big upgrade from what was there before and would go again. read more

I've been to the small dog run when it was at a different side of the park before the renovations. It wasn't fancy, but it was a decent size for a small dog run. After renovations, I didn't know there was still a small dog run since they moved it further away from the large one. When I saw the new small dog run, I couldn't believe how much smaller they made it. It's kind of a joke. Just because a dog may be small doesn't mean they don't like room to run around. Some of the photos people posted are actually of the large dog run, so it's misleading. read more

Huge dog park in Wash Square Park - which is lovely. Only draw back - it's sandy so your dog will be covered in a sandy layer. Plus side - there fresh water - but also your dog may get covered in water. People are a little less aware of their dogs in this park but par for the course. Moral of this review - if you don't mind a slightly dirty dog, this is a great dog run. read more

The large dog run at Wash Sq Park is a really nice option. Most of the large dogs there are very friendly. Most of the people tend to keep to themselves or stay in small groups and don't introduce themselves. It seems that if you go there every day at the same time, you develop some kind of clique. Whatever. I will continue to go when I feel like going and pay attention to my dog, which is something I can't say for some of the clumps of people there. Josie and I were asked to not patronize the small dog run just across the pathway a few months ago by an older woman with two ratlike Chinese Cresteds. Josie is a small French Bulldog puppy. She was about 6 months old at the time. She's bouncy, sassy, friendly, excited, curious--you know, a puppy. Apparently, running and sniffing and jumping is far too much activity for the four-pound Yorkies and Chihuahas in there. I couldn't believe it. Anyhow, she suggested (!!!) that I might be happier with Josie at the large dog run. You know what? She was right. The run is extremely long and well-draining, so that after a heavy rain, it isn't mostly mud. The run has a lot of benches. There are also several trees, and the run itself is surrounded by numerous trees. It is also a bit of a crowd-drawer. It's a little disconcerting to find yourself and your dog the subject of many photographs. Also, NYU students come there constantly to work on class projects, so you are constantly being filmed. If you aren't wanted by the police, you should have no problem. The run is self-supporting, but doesn't require dues and a membership like some of the other runs in the area (hello, yes, Mercer Street Dog Run, I mean you--what's up with that?!?!) and welcomes anyone with a healthy, well-behaved dog with an owner who isn't going to ignore their animal while they text-message obliviously. The best thing about the run, which has running water and tennis balls available, is the dynamic of the dogs. More active small dogs do very well at this park, and often, the smaller ones outnumber the larger ones. As stated earlier, most of the larger dogs are very friendly, and one lovely golden retriever allowed Josie to simply treat her like a jungle gym one night around 11 PM. There are some folks who have something to do with the run's administration who will yell--YELL--at you if you don't clean up your dog's poop immediately if your dog poops in the run. I don't know who they are'officially', but I got my head bitten off one day when I was entering for not closing the gate fast enough. I let it go even though I hadn't done anything for the sake of dog run harmony, but some people obviously have too much time on their hands. Nobody wants to jeopardize a dog's safety--who's going to leave the gate open? read more

I'm Jane K's friend in question and after a leisurely brunch one fine Saturday afternoon, we spotted the newly finished Small Dog Run in Washington Square Park. While Emma (our mini-schnauzer friend), can take or leave Dog Parks, Jane begged to go in -- and how could I say no to that face? The run itself is mini, but then so are the occupants. It boasts plenty of benches for Mommy and Daddy, a POOL + fountain, some structures to bounce around on and an assortment of balls. So in other words, plenty to do. This is the first time I've really seen Emma jam out. Maybe because everyone was her size? Maybe because there were tennis balls all over the place? Or maybe because the space wasn't too big? She was cruisin all over the yard running with the pack while she usually likes to chill out and watch on the benches. But while Emma enjoyed the amenities, Jane and I enjoyed the cast of characters. From the Ewok-looking pup named, Sid, the dashing King Charles Spaniel who answered to the name, Mr Darcy to the baby-faced French Bully, we spent at least an hour ooh-ing and aah-ing over the pooches. If you have a small pooch, I'd definitely recommend a visit to this new park -- and even if you don't, swing by with an iced latte and enjoy the show! read more

I trek a mile from Chelsea to frequent this small dog only dog park on the outskirts of Washington Square Park. Our dog, Sandy, really likes the small dog park and the regular dogs (Winston, Omar, Mr. Foxy - shout outs!) that come here. Sandy is more of a scaredy cat than an actual dog. And at a whopping 6 lbs (which is smaller than my Mom's cat for God's sake) I would be, too. This park is small, but more her speed. read more

Coming everyday for my new puppy! He loves it so much, always furry friends to play with, lots of benches for human parents, has water, plastic bags, and free dog magazines! This is a cute little park and you can leisurely sits by while your baby is having fun. read more

I have a small Maltese, and she loves it here. It's a dirt ground which she prefers over the loose pebble grounding at Union Square's dog run (which might be a small dog thing because they have better traction on dirt as opposed to loose pebbles). There's a water fountain area for dogs to play around in and plenty of waste bags. I also have to commend the fact that there is little odor going on here...which I find a very overwhelming at the Union Square run. The play area is small...which makes sense because it's made for small breeds...But small dogs like to run around too--it would've been great if it was made the same size as the big dog run. 4 stars. read more

Washington Square Park Large Dog Run - Butt sniffing convention - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I have traveled far and wide across Manhattan for a good dog park, and so far, Washington Square Large Dog Park is my absolute fav. The visitors are friendly, warm, and welcoming. The park itself is spacious and although it is dirt, appears well maintained and easy to play on. The dogs are some of the most well-behaved that I have seen so far. This is the first park that I have felt comfortable at without snobbery nor weird, creepy conversation! Plus, it is in one of Manhattan's prettiest neighborhoods. In response to those with dogs that are not neutered/spayed, it is indeed against the rules of any dog park (technically) for them to be there due to an increased likelihood of dogfights/aggression. read more

Good assessment by Jessica F. (though I actually haven't run into some of the few negatives she cites). I'd add that for our adult small dog (a 17-pound poodle/shihtzu cross), the large and small dog runs have both proven pretty welcoming. The casual conversation is often easier in the small run, because the limited seating space puts you in closer proximity to other folks. Depends on how interactive you're feeling. read more

I am very glad this place is here, and it has great dogs and responsible owners. The trees and surrounding park are great. It is surrounded by slow moving construction, porta-potties, it floods which stays in giant puddles for days from a slight rain, and then the dogs lick up the dirty water that they can get giardia from, and it smells like strong sewage on a hot day and is swarming with mosquitos from the built up water once the sun starts to set (the rest of Washington square park does not have this mosquito problem, just the nasty flooded dog park) and dogs can get heartworms from mosquitos. I am giving this four stars for its great location and size, but truly it is so poorly up-kept and is the grossest dog park in the country. They are building an upgraded version next door, but it is taking forever. read more

PROS: - Decent size - Plenty of shade and benches - Nice people - Variety of breeds and sizes - Never encountered an aggressive dog CONS: - Awkward size means my dog barely catches stride before she hits a wall - Neighboring construction - Poor drainage - Some seriously stuck up people - Tiny small dog section that looks like a pig pen, which I never use, but is worth mentioning Once the construction is done this place has some serious potential, but the amount of mud and offensive scents that it generates keeps me from coming regularly. Tompkins is still my favorite, it much larger and allows for much more socialization for the pooch. read more

Walk by whenever I can when passing through the WSP, which it borders along with the large dog run (always some gray areas/overlap), this one is never really as well-attended as you'd expect on the nice days regardless of the time. Plenty of benches and a decent amount of room to roam for the pooches, but with my hound sequestered on another island, the spectactorship here ain't much. read more

I love this place, the people and their dogs. It is very clean for a dog run. read more

Washington Square Park Large Dog Run - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

fantastic dog run generous amount of space a lot of seating all over. I've only been once but everyone seemed friendly. a lot of random people without dogs stop and enjoy the view. very touristy area. can get really dusty and dirty but thats expected. owners of the dogs seem to be good about stopping their dogs when they're being aggressive. if i lived closer, i would definitely come more often. read more

Yuck. This place is filthy. It's not paved, and the gravel covering the entire run is loaded with feces and shed-off fur from all of the dogs. It's also under perpetual construction alongside the Washington Square Park project. A simple pave job and some decent fencing would go a long way with this run, and I'd give it 5 stars. It's a great location, but it needs some serious upgrades. read more

The Dog Runs in Washington Square Park are EXCELLENT. There are two (2). One for large/big Dogs and one for smaller Dogs. LARGE DOG RUN: In the Big Dog run, there is a water hose to water down your dog or have the dog drink water. It comes in so very handy on the these hot summer days we have been enduring. I'm referring to the summer of August, 2016. I was there yesterday and my small Yorkie loved it. It was so hot I took the water hose and soaked my dog with the very cool water from the hose - and my dog loved it. SMALL DOG RUN: I went back the next day and entered the dog run which is for smaller dogs. We had a very nice time in the smaller dog run. There is a small circular water spouter which can be used to start a flow of water for the dogs to wet themselves or satisfy their thirst. CONCLUSION I give WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK - Dog Run(s) FIVE (5) Stars. They are very well designed and Bravo to the person(s) who designed it. It is a classy Dog Run. read more

Washington Square Park Large Dog Run - This is a photo from the small Dog run in Washington Square Park and as you can see - there is a circular water spouter - Dog Parks Near Me - New York, New York

See all

My dog loves it - and that's all that really matters. Nice space to spend a weekend afternoon and enjoy watching your pup socialize... I look forward to my visits at the Washington Square Park Dog Run! read more

My Shih Tzu Bernie loves this place! She's tiny (around 6 pounds), so she feels right at home with the other small dogs. The run is for dogs under 25 pounds, and there are several "small" dogs in the 20-25 pound range, so be aware. The park is cute. It has a fountain (only 1/3 of the fountain heads work), but these dogs are small and don't really care. Benches line the perimeter of the park, and they're in the shade, which is great. There's a water fountain for the pups, which is great because my baby doesn't always remember to stay hydrated. There's enough room for the little ones to run around, but not too much for them to get lost. My biggest complaint is that my dog can actually get out of the run. The gate by the door has a gap of 10-or-so inches at the bottom, and my pup can (and has) squeezed under and walked out. I'd think that the designers of a small dog run would take that into consideration. read more

One of my favorite dog runs in the city. Large run and small run available. -Access to water, though I usually bring my own for my dogs. -Balls to fetch -Pooper scoopers and trash bins in each run -Overall friendly dog owners Access is allowed for dog owners only, not just anyone should walk in...aka tourists. read more

They did a great job with new large dog run. Plenty of benches and a fountain. We were there the day after a big rainstorm and no puddle!

Best dog park in lower manhattan. Much less "stuffy" and pretentious than Tompkins sq. Rarely are there dog fights, and owners are very responsible about cleaning up and looking after their dogs. read more

This small, but brilliantly-designed dog park is great! Best feature: the log pile. Great for peeing on, sniffing, and turning the corner in laps from one side to the other. That little feature really makes the entire dog run usable as the dogs chase each other from end to end. Most of the time my dog would rather watch the others, but occassionally he joins the chase. read more

I really looked forward to what the results would be of the renovated dog run, because the original was quite special. Though it frequently flooded, the size was grand and the dogs made use of it's pleasingly round shape. Wouldn't any renovation be an improvement? Sigh.... Alas, the new run is smaller, the entrances, irritatingly petite, the "water feature" an ill conceived afterthought. Oh, Washington Square, you are a beautiful and glorious park. Your grand scale and delightful landscaping fill me with civic pride. Your dog run....not so much. read more

The whole park is under construction and has been for a while, so I'm not sure if the dog park has always been like this, but when we went recently, the park was very small and had horrible drainage. There was a huge puddle in the middle of the park with nasty water that the dogs drank. You had to constantly monitor that area to make sure they wouldn't drink it. The park has benches and a hose outside the entrance to wash your dog off. The park does get use as there were a fair number of dogs there. Our dog did have fun even though we had to closely monitor him to prevent him from drinking from the puddle. read more

Great place to stand and watch the small dogs. I actually bring my small dog here because its a lot cleaner than madison sq park and its cleaner also. If you want to watch bigger dogs, walk down a bit further and check out the big dog run. read more

The only thing cuter than the dogs are thier owners. Dont show up in your sweats or youll be an eye soar. Everyday is big playtime happy hour!Dogs own this little park within a park! Separate big and small dog areas! Everything you need is there- plopped scoopers, trash bags, fresh water, and balls! Nice dogs only please! read more

its fun to see the regulars. plus my dog loves it! Sucks that there is no grass, but meh, it's NYC so can't expect too much!

Leaving near by, this dog run is paradise to my dog and I however my 9 years old dog was twice attacked after sniffing...like dogs do... a large mastiff bulldog type and i was told by his dog handler that it had to happen because my dog was not neutered ! A woman nearby ( also a dog handler) joined in and told me of park laws that forbid my dog to enter the park !! This left me quite bitter and fearful of another event so I go an extra mile to Union Square where this does not happen and you actually have great conversations with the dog owners, While small, the park is well drained and so well maintained that i feel compelled to contribute some money to the association that runs it. If you must take a chance at Washington Sq. I suggest that one might go when dogwalkers are not in....mid mornings are a no no! and indeed later and late into the evening you most likely will do great neutered and un-neutered alike. Albert read more

Maybe I went on an off day but my first time experience here would be my last. I have heard about this small dog run from the folks in Union Square dog run. I was excited to bring my Shih Tzu pup here but was disappointed by the size of the park, but mainly by the unfriendly people that come here. No one talked to one another. All West Village stuck ups that seemed they got sticks up their butts. Not one person cracked a smile or tried to be friendly with other people's dogs here. I am used to warmer people at dog parks and was a little shock at the snooty attitude here. I did not feel comfortable. Will stick to Union Sq dog run from now on. read more

It's a weird dog run - full of dogs that just lay there and do nothing. My dog is 16 lbs - so not large at all. He couldn't get a single dog to really play with him. It was all smelling then lay down and kind of....grump? Maybe it's the elderly dog run, and there is a separate small puppy run?. Also: people come in without dogs and leave the first gate open for some reason. I mean this couple walked in, woman on her cell phone no dog anywhere and had to be told (several times) to go shut the first door. Took her forever to do. The people in the run all seem to be dog walkers doing pack walks so maybe the dogs just aren't friends with each other and "over the scene" or something. Won't be back to the small run. read more

I love this dog run for two reasons. It is close to my apartment and there is never a dull moment. It is on the corner of Washington Square Park, but you are still able to enjoy the music. And as you know, there is music day and night in this park. I am the owner of a 2 year old Pit bull...who enjoys being on his own but has the hots for all Beauceron breeds. This is a great park for him. He likes to wander around on his own, discovering new things; but he can also interact with any dog he wants. In my experience, all the owners are very responsible looking after their dogs; where it be cleaning up after or breaking up a fight. If you go their the same time everyday; you will run into the same people and your dog will grow familiar with the dogs. My dog loves to lay in the muddy water, which is just an easy fix with the hose. They also have pooper scoopers when your dog does the natural deed. I bring my own bowl for my dog and for other dogs who are thirsty; but there are also bowls provided. Great park and you always come out with rocks in the sandals. read more