Dogs in New York City!
I’m sure I am not the only dog trainer in New York City that has noticed a big influx of dogs in the city over the past 10 years, but the growth since the pandemic has been exponential. I’m guessing many people always wanted a dog but felt like so many hours away from home at work were holding them back. Once everyone started working from home things changed. There was also a sense of isolation during the pandemic that left people craving the companionship that a dog could provide.
No matter what the reasoning pet dogs are no longer thought of as only for backyards in the suburbs. They are widely popular in cities across America now as well. The popularity of dogs in the city has given rise to a multitude of city dog parks, and a booming industry of dog walkers, boarding, and daycare facilities. The city has been growing more and more accommodating to our fur babies but getting an idea of the best neighborhoods and navigating the city with a dog can help you and your dog succeed.
The best dog-friendly neighborhoods in NYC
What to look for…
Whether you already live in the NYC area and are planning on getting a dog, or are planning on moving to New York City, considering the neighborhood you live in or move to is really important. I have spent the past 10 years dog training all around NYC and before that, I dog walked in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. I can say unequivocally, some areas are going to be challenging to have a dog.
The best neighborhoods for having a dog in NYC are going to be the quieter neighborhoods and neighborhoods close to parks. If there are no parks in close vicinity (within a 3-4 block radius) you may want to rethink getting a dog in the city, or you may want to consider moving to a better location. I know you are thinking “move for a dog? That’s nuts.” but if you have ever experienced the stress of having a dog that is not adjusting well to the city, you know I’m right. It’s well worth the stress relief for both you and your dog buddy to find a location that’s quieter and very close to the park.
You may live in the hustle and bustle of upper Manhattan but if you live just a block or two from Central Park that may make all the difference. Dogs thrive when they have a place to run around and get some freedom as well as a quieter area to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. If your dog can’t do off-leash with other dogs, even just having them on a long leash at the park can be stress relieving for a dog. When your dog is on a long leash be sure to stay out of the way of people and other dogs. Never use the long leash at a dog run or during off-leash hours. There is a risk of dogs getting tangled and it can add an extra level of frustration that can lead to altercations.
Top 10 dog-friendly neighborhoods in NYC
Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and any of the neighborhoods surrounding Prospect Park are great options. You want to be as close to the park as possible. If you have a skittish dog and need to trek 6 blocks to the park you may find your dog is less than thrilled to make that trek daily, even if it results in a good time at the park. Manhattan is very busy and can be a bit of sensory overload for dogs. If you are near an area in Central Park where you can give your dog some dog run play, a quiet woodsy walk, or play in a field, that is ideal. If you live in areas like the financial district I wouldn’t get a dog.
There are not many dog-friendly green areas around there. Lower Manhattan in general is a challenging area for having a dog so if you live anywhere in lower Manhattan, make sure there is some kind of park across the street or down the block where your dog can play. Otherwise taking a car with your dog to a nice park in the mornings might be your best option. The Dumbo area of Brooklyn is another challenging area for having a dog.
It at least has multiple dog runs but it is very busy and noisy around there, it can be too much for a lot of dogs. I find in general Brooklyn, Queens, and Far Rockaway are much quieter and more compatible for having a dog than Manhattan (particularly lower Manhattan). I’m sure plenty of areas in Long Island are a good option as well but that isn’t somewhere I have frequented.
My top picks of neighborhoods:
Forest Hills Queens is in the middle of Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Highland/Forest Park which are large park areas.
Park Slope near Prospect Park
Windsor Terrace near Prospect Park
Prospect Lefferts Gardens near Prospect Park
Fort Green/ Clinton Hill near Fort Greene Park
Far Rockaway near the beach in the dog-friendly areas
Bed Stay near Herbert Von King park
Williamsburg or Greenpoint up near the McCarren Park. This area is a bit crowded so it’s not ideal. The park is getting a bit crowded with dogs as well but it is an option.
Manhattan Upper East side or Upper West side if you live within a block of Central Park. Neighborhoods bordering Central Park aren’t a bad option. You want to live right next to the park because it is really heavy foot traffic and busy the streets around there so it can be pretty overwhelming for a dog. There may be some areas of the park where dogs aren’t allowed as well. Check the Central Park conservancy website for more details.
Washington Heights around 175th some grassy areas are good dog walking areas on the Hudson River or the other side on the Harlem river.
These are just some neighborhood options with nearby parks I have seen while out and about dog training. There are many more neighborhoods with areas near parks that I may not have seen. I like the Brooklyn area near Prospect Park better than Manhattan near Central Park because the neighborhoods are quieter. If you have some other great location recommendations email them to me at mikepreisdogtraining@gmail.com
Dog-friendly events in NYC
Bring Fido website has a pretty good list of dog-friendly activities and places in NYC. I will admit my bias as a dog trainer is that I am not crazy about most dog-friendly events. I find that it’s often too crowded and has too many dogs. So make sure your dog is great in crowds and can handle being around some poorly socialized dogs that may be barking etc. If that’s not your dog then this won’t be a good time for you or your dog.
Also keep in mind that if the event is on a leash and your dog's interactions with other dogs are mainly off leash at the dog park, being confined to a leash with a bunch of dogs around, unable to run around and play, could be frustrating. This may not be at all fun for your dog. Working on relaxation exercises with your dog can be helpful but you need to gradually add in distractions when practicing this. Consult with a dog trainer for help addressing relaxation and calm behavior in distracting areas. Get in touch here!
Navigating public transportation in NYC with a Dog
I recommend against the subways and public transportation for your dog in NYC. It is just too many variables and things can get crazy. It’s too many people, and too congested. Not a good experience for a dog. I recommend taking a car (Uber pet is dog friendly) to get to where you need to go. I always tell my clients of the time I was on the subway sitting next to a woman who had her young dog in her lap on the subway.
The dog seemed like she was handling things well for the first couple of stops until at one stop a guy enters the train in a flashy outfit, a big tall hat, and a huge bongo drum. He sits down right next to the woman. He yells out to the crowd introducing his name etc. and talks about his drums. Then he proceeds to pound on the bongos for the remainder of the ride. I saw that poor little dog's demeanor change from sitting calmly on mom's lap to just sheer terrified.
The poor thing was visibly shaking and hiding in the mom's armpit. If you still really want to take your dog on public transport it looks like the rules are that subway travel on MTA is ok for smaller dogs but they must be in a carrier.
If you do want to attempt subway rides you will need to proceed with very gradual exposure. First, get your dog or puppy completely comfortable in a pet carrier. This whole dog journal has some good points on preparing your dog for an airline ride that is similar to prepping for a subway ride. Once your dog is completely comfortable in a carrier try getting your dog or puppy just used to the subway platform area for many days before even getting on a train. Giving treats and chews your dog or puppy loves while on the platform can help build a positive association with the experience.
Just be careful when presenting treats and chews in the carrier to be sure your dog can’t escape. Once your dog seems comfortable with walking down and hanging out on the platform, then you can practice several days of getting on the train and just going one stop down. Don’t go any further until you feel your dog is doing well. When your dog is comfortable with that increase to a couple of stops.
Gradually add a bit more. If at any point something like the Bongo guy enters your car, just switch cars. For the love of God please don’t take your dog on the subway during rush hour it’s just too crowded. I hate to ride the subway during rush hour, I can’t imagine what that would be like for a dog. If you find that your dog isn’t handling this well then it may not be an option unfortunately. There is a very real risk behaviorally to exposing your dog to an extremely fear-inducing event and this is why I recommend against subway rides.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes in NYC
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but this is another experience that you need to work your way up to. It might turn out this is not the best option for your dog as well. You can’t just take a dog to a restaurant you have to train your dog to be comfortable and relaxed when you are standing still or sitting down first. Practice this inside first then on a quiet block or your stoop, then slightly busier blocks, and eventually practice this near the seating area of a restaurant.
Once your dog is nailing relaxation right near the seating area of a restaurant you are ready to give it a try. It is helpful to bring chews and treats etc. for your dog as long as you know your dog doesn’t have any guarding issues with items in their possession. The first several times you go to a restaurant, keep it very brief and don’t go by yourself, bring a friend.
You may need to do a quick exit if your dog is having trouble and you will be able to do that if your friend can hang back and pay the bill. It should go without saying but I will say it anyways if your dog shows signs of excitement or any kind of reactivity to people or dogs ever, the dog-friendly restaurant outdoor seating area is not an option. The last thing you need is your dog barking every time a dog walks by or terrorizes the wait staff. Consult with a CPDT-KA dog trainer for help working on calm relaxed behavior for dining out with your dog. Get in touch now!
Scope out your neighborhood if you are looking for pet-friendly eats. The best options are ones that have a lot of space between you and the sidewalk traffic so your dog isn’t getting distracted every other minute. Again bring fido has a list of dog-friendly NYC restaurants.
Be your dog advocate
Whether you already have a dog in the city or are planning on getting one, or are moving to NYC, keep in mind that you are your dog's advocate. Make sure you aren’t forcing your dog to do things they are uncomfortable with. If you don’t have a dog yet or are moving to the city, you will benefit from moving closer to a park and into more quiet neighborhoods. Take it slow on your walks and allow your dog plenty of time to sniff and get to know its environment. If your dog needs to pause for a bit on a walk to take things in, let them. Find quiet park areas to give your dog daily breaks from the hustle and bustle of the city and get some freedom whether this is off-leash or on a long leash. Regular trips out of the city to more rural surroundings can be a great reset as well. Get to know NYC and what areas and events are dog friendly, but ultimately it should be up to your dog whether or not you choose to attend dog-friendly events or restaurants. If your dog is not enjoying the experience then it’s not a good option. For some pointers on reading your dog's body language so you can understand your dog's stress and comfort in different situations, I highly recommend Lili Chin’s book that covers body language “Doggie Language: A Dog Lovers Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend”.
Most importantly…
Have fun with your dog!
For all dog training inquiries fill out the Mike Preis Dog Training contact form at https://mikepreisdogtraining.com/contact. You can also email mikepreisdogtraining@gmail.com.
