Off-leash hours bring pups and people together

Every morning before 9 a.m., dogs of all breeds and dispositions run free on Sunset Park’s Oval Lawn, basking in the morning sun, taking in the view of Manhattan, and chasing each other through the grass.

Of course, not all the off-leash pets are so extroverted. Meghan, owner of a 1-year-old cavapoo named Arthur, says he still prefers people to other dogs. “He’s not social, but he’s working on it.”

Meghan and her cavapoo, Arthur

While a pup can occasionally be seen misbehaving—running beyond the designated boundaries of the off-leash area and of acceptable canine etiquette—on the whole, the dogs are playful, friendly, and if not exactly obedient, at least grudgingly compliant with their humans’ demands.

Diego and his husky, Luna

Diego, a lifelong neighborhood resident who has been coming to the park with his husky, Luna, since 2020, dismisses any mischief as harmless. “There’s always going to be a dog that likes to cause a little trouble.”

Luis and his cavapoo, Chato

Most of the dog owners at the park at this time are regulars, working the morning pet meet into their daily schedule. Luis, a local restaurant owner, brings his 1-year-old cavapoo, Chato, to the park every morning. While he walks Chato again in the afternoon, the park’s off-leash time presents a unique opportunity in a neighborhood where dog runs are scarce.

Edgar and his Calupoh, Papi Chulo

“There are no dog parks in Sunset Park,” says Daniel, who has lived in the neighborhood for two years and is the owner of Sancho, a hyperactive shepherd mix. “But these are great dogs, and you can trust everybody.”

Joey and his mix-breed, Louis

Indeed, the morning off-leash hour regulars are a community. Joey, owner of Louie, a “super mutt,” has lived in the neighborhood for 10 years and says the morning off-leash time is a great opportunity to make friends. “It makes you meet people,” he says.

Sunset Park allows dogs to be off-leash in the Oval Lawn from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation requires all dog owners to carry proof of a current dog license and rabies vaccination.