What are the biggest concerns with public dog parks for small dogs?

While the popularity of dog parks has been skyrocketing in the United States, so has the number of professional trainers who caution against their use. The top risks associated with public off-leash dog parks are that: Dog parks can create an unnatural social environment Busy dog parks can overwhelm shy or nervous dogs Dog parks can exacerbate problem behaviors like leash reactivity Bad experiences at a dog park can also create behavior problems in the first place Public dog parks can lead to physical injuries and illnesses

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The Best Small Dog Parks in the United States

The Best Small Dog Parks in the United States

Haley Young

March 11, 2024

City Dog Parks

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Choosing the right dog park environment can be tricky, especially if your pet is a toy breed who isn’t always up to running with the big dogs. While there are always risks involved with visiting a public dog park, many cities don’t have space for large runs — which makes small fenced-in options the best way for some apartment dwellers and other local residents to let their dogs off leash.

We’ve put together a list of some of the most well-maintained, popular small dog parks across the United States — along with some frequently asked questions about dog park safety and how to know if your pup is a good candidate to visit one of these spaces. Let’s dive in! You’re sure to find a spot to bring your littlest canine companions.

This page is about public city dog parks and also includes Sniffspot private dog parks. Sniffspot is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with 100% private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced fields, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches, and more. Click here to learn more about Sniffspots near you!

Know Before You Go: Public Dog Park Checklist

What to bring with you to a dog park

Here are a few things to bring with you when visiting any dog park in the United States.

Pack multiple dog waste bags

Keep your parks clean! Always pack a few extra poop bags in case you need to pick up after your pup — and consider scooping any left-behind piles you come across, too. This will make the environment safer for everyone who visits.

Bring your own fresh drinking water

Some public dog parks offer water bowls or fountains for your dog, but it’s a good idea to pack some of your own just in case. Never leave your dog’s hydration up to chance, especially on hot days.

Put your dog in a collar or harness with ID tags

If your dog will be playing with other dogs, it’s important to pay close attention to what they’re wearing. You don’t want anyone’s teeth or paws getting caught in loose fabric or buckles! That said, it’s always a good idea to bring a well-fitted collar or harness along with your dog’s identification tags.

Pack an extra leash or two

Along with a collar or harness, bring a leash, even if the dog park you’re visiting is a designated off-leash area. This way you can keep your dog under control while walking to and from the entrance. You might also consider packing an extra leash in case you need to grab hold of another dog or intervene if a conflict arises — and it’s a good idea to read up on leash laws in your local area before venturing out.

What to do before going into a public dog park

Research the park ahead of time

Read reviews and be on the lookout for any common issues, like unruly dogs or left-behind waste. It can be hard to find reliable information about some public parks (one reason Sniffspot’s private listings might be a better option) — when in doubt, don’t risk it. Your dog’s safety and comfort are too important.

Watch the dog park for a few minutes before entering

Take inventory of the other dogs and owners. Is everyone under control? Are the dogs enjoying their play time? Is the area large enough that dogs can take breaks and get space from their playmates if they start to feel overwhelmed? (Tight spaces can prevent your pet from engaging in natural social behavior.) Ultimately, is there anything about the situation that makes you feel uncomfortable?

Make sure you have basic knowledge of dog body language

This will help you make sure your dog is enjoying their time and keep everyone safe! Know what signs might indicate that your pup is stressed or overwhelmed — and be ready to step in if needed. You can read more about interpreting your dog’s body language in this article.

What area of the country has the best dog parks?

Sniffspot conducted a 2022 survey of dog owners across the country to better understand the state of public dog parks.

The common stereotype is that the east and west coasts are the most dog-friendly regions of our country — but survey results show that public dog parks in the coasts are actually the dirtiest and most dangerous in the country. We found that more than 1 in 7 dog owners report their dogs having been attacked in a public dog park.

The midwest seems to have the safest dog parks in terms of injuries while the east coast has the cleanest public dog parks. Owners of small dogs should pay close attention to both risks!

The Best Small Dog Parks in the United States

At Sniffspot, we generally don’t recommend small, fenced-in public dog parks. The tight space can make it difficult for dogs to interact naturally — which can increase tension and potentially lead to conflict. You never want your dog to feel trapped in an uncomfortable situation!

That said, we know small dog runs are the best option for some particularly social pets and their people — and we believe setting aside separate areas for toy breeds and other little pups can make a world of difference. It helps reduce the chance of prey-drive related incidents as pets chase each other around during play and can be an indicator of more conscientious dog park guests.

Here’s a round up of some of the most popular small dog parks in the United States. Keep in mind that many are built alongside larger areas for bigger pets, so you'll have a choice of which run to visit with your dog.

Beau’s Dream Dog Park (public dog park)

Address: 901 Buchanan Ave, Lancaster, PA

Hours: 6 am to 9 pm

Off leash? Yes

Activities: Off-leash play

Entrance fee? No

Beau’s Dream Dog Park is a Beneful’s Dream Team dog park built by DIY network star Jason Cameron, pet expert Arden Moore, and interior design star Nate Berkus. Unveiled in 2013, it has separate small and large dog areas to help minimize the risk of prey drive related incidents as pets chase each other around. Each section has its own splash pad. The small dog size has a fancy dog tunnel while the large pet area has a tennis ball tree that launches tennis balls in every direction — a bit chaotic, to be sure, but a dream for many high energy, social dogs.

Sociability note: This public dog park is small in size, which means your dog might not be able to make space from other pets if they aren’t interested in playing. You should only visit if you’re confident your pup is social and tolerant with unfamiliar dogs.

Tompkins Square Park Dog Run (public dog park)

Address: 500 E. 9th Street, New York, NY 10009

Hours: 6 am to 11 pm

Off leash? Yes

Activities: Off-leash play

Entrance fee? No

In 1990, Tompkins Square Park Dog Run became the first dog run in New York City, equipped with several amenities. These amenities comprise a cutting-edge running surface made of decomposed granite sand, an underground drainage system, separate areas for large and small dogs, three swimming pools, picnic tables, and even bath areas with hoses to clean off your dog before heading back home.

Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs (public dog park)

Address: 59 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Off leash? Yes

Activities: Off-leash play

Entrance fee? No

The Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs, operated by the Washington Square Park Dog Run Association, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit, is named in honor of a dog trainer and pet therapist who passed away from breast cancer in 1991. The organization maintains a website, newsletter, and social media presence. The dog run is exclusively designed for small canines and features secure fencing, a water fountain, and shaded spots.

Schuylkill River Park Dog Run (public dog park)

Address: 25th & Spruce Sts., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Off leash? Yes

Activities: Off-leash play

Entrance fee? No

The Schuylkill River Park boasts to being one of the best dog parks on the East Coast. It features two separate dog runs, providing a designated space for small, elderly, or shy dogs who might be overwhelmed by larger crowds. This can also help minimize the risk of prey drive related incidents between dogs. The park has benches, special canine grass to make play safe and prevent messes, and water permeable pavers as well. In the summer your dog can wade and lounge in kiddie pools provided for them to cool down.

Columbus Square Dog Park (public dog park)

Address: 12th & Reed Sts., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Off leash? Yes

Activities: Off-leash play

Entrance fee? No

Columbus Square Dog Park in Philadelphia has a turf surface on both of its separate fenced-in sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs.

Lanier Playground Dog Park (public dog park)

Address: 1600 S 29th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Off leash? Yes

Activities: Off-leash play

Entrance fee? Optional annual membership fee

Lanier Dog Park is divided into two sections for small and large dogs, which can help prevent prey drive related incidents by allowing owners to choose the area their pet will do best in. It’s surfaced with artificial turf to limit muddy messes and provide a soft landing for your dog while they play.

All Dogs R Good Play Park (private Sniffspot dog park)

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Size: 5 acres

Fenced: Yes

This Sniffspot is a private property with more than five acres of a manicured lawn for frisbee tossing, belly rubs, and stick chases! The hosts also offer a woodland walking track for sniffing and exploring, possibly ending in a swim in the small acre pond. The entire space is all privately fenced.

Poochie Garden - Sensory & Enrichment Garden (private Sniffspot dog park)

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas

Size: 0.11 acres

Fenced: Yes

Poochie Garden is a sensory experience with plenty of shade and room to zoom! Warm-weather water features include a 2×3×1' pup pool for wading and splashing, plus a tiered ceramic fountain, both with solar-powered pumps. Turf includes bare dirt, cypress and cedar mulch, short grass, and large beds of tall ornamental grass as natural snuffle spots, plus a sand digging garden along with varied natural rock, cobblestone, and wooden deck walking surfaces - all securely contained within a 6-foot wooden privacy fence.

Deb’s Place With Agility Equipment (private Sniffspot dog park)

Location: Bellevue, Nebraska

Size: 0.17 acres

Fenced: Yes

This Sniffspot boasts a tall, completely solid white fence that makes it perfect to contain even the smallest dogs who are known for slipping through openings. There is plenty of shade along with agility equipment to build your pup’s confidence.

Jessica’s Yard (private Sniffspot dog park)

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Size: 0.5 acres

Fenced: Yes

This half acre of fully fenced private property has an inground swimming pool and plenty of chairs for owners to rest on while their dogs play. The host specifically calls out that it’s small dog friendly!

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

FAQ About Small Public Dog Parks in the United States

Are public dog parks good for small dogs?

It is important for dogs to have off-leash exercise and plenty of opportunities to explore. But the free and open nature of public dog parks can have drawbacks.

Many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. With Sniffspot, dogs can get their exercise safely — without worrying about other dogs, people, or potential disease transmission.

What are the biggest concerns with public dog parks?

While the popularity of dog parks has been skyrocketing in the United States, so has the number of professional trainers who caution against their use. The top risks associated with public off-leash dog parks are that:

Dog parks can create an unnatural social environment

Busy dog parks can overwhelm shy or nervous dogs

Dog parks can exacerbate problem behaviors like leash reactivity

Bad experiences at a dog park can also create behavior problems in the first place

Public dog parks can lead to physical injuries and illnesses

(Thankfully, private dog parks don’t have these concerns. Learn more about Sniffspot listings in your area here!)

How do public dog parks create an unnatural social environment for dogs?

Many owners are drawn to dog parks because they want to socialize their pets. We’re inundated with messages of the “perfect” friendly dog. Our social media feeds feature viral videos of animal best friends that echo the cutesy movies we loved as children — but they often show a false reality.

While dogs are social mammals, it’s typically not natural for them to regularly engage in play with strangers. Dog sociability can be viewed as a sliding scale:

Some dogs are truly dog social. This means they genuinely enjoy interaction with almost every dog they meet! We tend to think these dogs are more common than they really are — they’re the ones we most see out and about because they can handle the widest range of environments.

Most dogs are dog tolerant or dog selective. They don’t often seek out new friends, but they can comfortably interact with other dogs when needed after a proper introduction process. (You can read more about properly introducing dogs who don’t know each other in this article.)

Some dogs are dog aggressive. They might live with or know a few specific canine friends, but they don’t generally enjoy being around their own species.

Ultimately: It’s perfectly normal for our dogs to not want to play with other pets outside of our families. Renting a private dog park just for your dog and a few trusted friends might be the best option.

How can public dog parks overwhelm shy or nervous dogs?

Owners have great intentions when they bring their nervous dogs to the dog park in hopes of building social skills. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for that plan to backfire.

Because dog parks are often busy, chaotic environments, it can be difficult to ensure all interactions are positive. Uncertain dogs are easily overwhelmed by large packs — if the space is fenced-in without adequate space to flee, these pets can quickly feel trapped or resort to the “fight” option of fight-or-flight reactions.

After a few stressful experiences, previously shy dogs can lose trust in their owners and even become fear aggressive.

Sniffspot takes these risks seriously. That’s why all of our private dog park listings are carefully booked to make sure there’s ample time between arrivals and departures — and you can filter listings by whether or not your dog is likely to see any other animals at all, even from afar.

Do public dog parks exacerbate problem behaviors like leash reactivity?

It’s not just nervous dogs who can be harmed by dog park visits — exuberant dogs might struggle in these environments, too.

Many social dogs struggle with excitement-based leash reactivity. When they see another dog, they want to say hi! When the leash prevents them from doing so, they experience something called barrier frustration. Eventually this boils over into an aggressive-looking display that makes it difficult to go on walks or explore public spaces.

While playing with other dogs can be an important part of a social pet’s fulfillment, too much unstructured off-leash time can have unintended consequences when they routinely practice running up to other dogs.

These risks are especially high when owners take their dogs to the dog park with the intent of tiring them out. Pets often arrive in an amped-up, energetic state of mind that impairs good decision making.

Can one bad experience at a public dog park have a lasting effect on a dog?

Even a previously social dog might develop a behavior issue (like fear reactivity) due to a negative interaction with another dog at a public dog park. Perhaps they get subtly bullied, feel overwhelmed, or are even bit — and they decide to preemptively try to keep other dogs away from them. Now your social dog is selective or even aggressive toward others.

While some dogs seem to let those negative interactions roll off their back (especially if they’ve been well socialized since puppyhood) others are affected in lasting ways. Each dog and situation is different.

What are the risks of physical injuries and illnesses at public dog parks?

Public dog parks also increase the chances of pets sustaining injury or developing infection.

Dog park injuries

While many dog-dog injuries at dog parks are accidental — canines can be mismatched in size, inadvertently break skin while wrestling with untrimmed nails, or simply come on too strong without realizing — others are overtly aggressive.

Even friendly dogs can start fights by failing to recognize another pet’s signals of discomfort. Resource guarding over food and toys can turn into a dangerous scuffle. Sometimes heightened arousal from being in a large social group elevates even a typically clear-headed dog’s prey drive.

Small dog breeds are at a particular risk of injury due to their size. Larger pets might mean well while playing but inadvertently cause harm. That's one reason public dog parks that give owners the option to separate their dogs by size are a better option.

Dog park illnesses

No matter how hard a city works to keep their parks clean, it’s impossible to fully eliminate all infection risk. This is especially true in dog-designated spaces that see dozens, or perhaps hundreds, of different canines each week.

There’s no way to confirm that every dog entering an off-leash space has been fully vaccinated — and bacterial diseases like leptospirosis often thrive in wet, muddy terrain that’s been torn up by paws.

Young puppies and elderly dogs have the greatest chance of getting sick.

Are all public dog parks dangerous?

While dog parks certainly come with their risks, it would be unfair to claim they’re always a bad idea. Public dog parks do serve an important community service in cities.

Some areas lend themselves to safe interactions better than others — large plots of land with acres to maneuver are less dangerous than fenced-in city runs, for example — and responsible owner involvement can make a world of difference.

What are public dog parks good for?

Well-maintained off-leash dog parks can provide dogs and owners with:

Biological fulfillment. At their best, dog parks provide an opportunity to fulfill our dogs’ natural canine instincts (running, sniffing, digging, etc.) without impacting others in shared spaces. This can be especially valuable if owners don’t have a yard of their own or walking trails nearby.

Playtime. While most dogs don’t want to play with strangers, some particularly outgoing canines might enjoy playing with brand-new friends. A small percentage of truly “dog social” dogs are good candidates for traditional dog parks.

Distraction training. Dog parks can be an ideal place to practice advanced training, like recalls, around the distractions of other dogs, people, and nature scents.

Owner connections. Many owners enjoy the human social aspect of the dog park — and public spaces enable those relationships without the costs commonly associated with formal group training classes or dog sports practices.

How can I keep my small dog safe at a public dog park?

If choosing to use a public dog park, you can do a lot to manage your dog’s safety:

Make an honest assessment of your dog’s sociability. Are they one of the small portion of dogs that gets along with all other animals?

Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines to protect them against any bugs that may be present in the park.

Choose an appropriate public dog park. Make sure that it is large enough and free from obvious hazards.

Assess the dog park and other owners before entering. Are there any maintenance issues in the park that could be a problem? Is it overly crowded? Are there owners that are not keeping a close eye on their dog? Are there dogs that could be an issue for your dog or others?

Keep a close watch and be an active part of your dog's play.

FAQ About Private Dog Parks in the United States

Are private dog parks safe?

While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as potentially aggressive dogs and disease transmission, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer.

Sniffspot bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring. We require every dog to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect safe place for you and your dog.

How do I know if a Sniffspot private dog park works for my dog?

You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions.

If your dog is still working on their recall, you can visit one of our fully fenced private dog parks.

If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our off-leash areas where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can also filter locations to avoid other domestic animals and people.

We recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host ahead of time with any questions!

Does the US have any fully fenced private dog parks?

Yes! Sniffspot has tons of fully fenced dog parks. Browse all fully enclosed options by clicking this link and filtering by fence height.

Can I rent a private field for my dog to run?

You sure can! There are Sniffspot fields all over the country where dogs can be off leash safely. Filter for flat, open spaces near you at this link.

Are there private dog agility courses for rent near me?

Sniffspot has dog parks with agility equipment and/or dog obstacles in most cities in the United States. You can filter for these spots at our main listings page.

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

Haley Young

March 11, 2024

City Dog Parks

Haley Young

About the author

Haley is a self-proclaimed dog nerd and full-time freelance writer. She's passionate about connecting with fellow pet lovers through training and lifestyle content — learning from professional trainers, animal cognition researchers, and other experts along the way. Haley travels the country full time with her rescue dog, a shy blue heeler, and loves conquering new situation as a team. Dog-friendly national parks, hiking trails, and Sniffspots have become favorite places across the country! When she isn't writing or playing an intense game of tug with her cattle dog, you can find her reading books (her favorite author is late ethologist Frans de Waal), listening to a range of animal-related podcasts, and having conversations about (you guessed it) the many ways other creatures impact our lives.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Small Dog Parks in the United States

Know Before You Go: Public Dog Park Checklist

What to bring with you to a dog park

Pack multiple dog waste bags

Bring your own fresh drinking water

Put your dog in a collar or harness with ID tags

Pack an extra leash or two

What to do before going into a public dog park

Research the park ahead of time

Watch the dog park for a few minutes before entering

Make sure you have basic knowledge of dog body language

What area of the country has the best dog parks?

The Best Small Dog Parks in the United States

Beau’s Dream Dog Park (public dog park)

Tompkins Square Park Dog Run (public dog park)

Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs (public dog park)

Schuylkill River Park Dog Run (public dog park)

Columbus Square Dog Park (public dog park)

All Dogs R Good Play Park (private Sniffspot dog park)

Poochie Garden - Sensory & Enrichment Garden (private Sniffspot dog park)

Deb’s Place With Agility Equipment (private Sniffspot dog park)

Jessica’s Yard (private Sniffspot dog park)

FAQ About Small Public Dog Parks in the United States

Are public dog parks good for small dogs?

What are the biggest concerns with public dog parks?

How do public dog parks create an unnatural social environment for dogs?

How can public dog parks overwhelm shy or nervous dogs?

Do public dog parks exacerbate problem behaviors like leash reactivity?

Can one bad experience at a public dog park have a lasting effect on a dog?

What are the risks of physical injuries and illnesses at public dog parks?

Dog park injuries

Dog park illnesses

Are all public dog parks dangerous?

What are public dog parks good for?

How can I keep my small dog safe at a public dog park?

FAQ About Private Dog Parks in the United States

Are private dog parks safe?

How do I know if a Sniffspot private dog park works for my dog?

Does the US have any fully fenced private dog parks?

Can I rent a private field for my dog to run?

Are there private dog agility courses for rent near me?

Haley Young

About Sniffspot

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