In light of the dog run chatter, the PUPS Prez just emailed this response:
Dear PUPS members:
Every now and then PUPS get requests to work to install a dog run in Fort Greene Park. By way of history, keeping off-leash hours legal in the park was the original core mission for PUPS, not installing a dog run. We worked hard for the better part of ten years with many other dog groups in NYCDOG, NYC Parks Department, elected officials and others to get the 9:00 pm to 9:00 am off-leash courtesy rule codified into law, which went into effect citywide in May 2007.
What many people don’t seem to know is that the Parks Department generally follows an either/or policy when it comes to off-leash hours and dog runs. A park might have off-leash hours or a dog run, but not both. An exception to this policy is Riverside Park, which happens to be very large.
Funds for installation of the permanent fencing for dog runs must be raised by volunteers. And all city dog runs are maintained by volunteers as well. Fort Greene Park is a landmarked park, so any dog run would need to be approved by the Landmarks Commission. It’s unlikely that a dog run large enough to safely and comfortably accommodate the area’s sizeable dog population would be approved given the overall size of Fort Greene Park and the many people who use its space for other purposes such as relaxing, picnicking, exercising, etc.
An idea we thought about years ago was to suggest a dog run be installed at Cuyler Gore Park (the small park at Greene and Cumberland). There is at least one part of this small park that seems ideal for a dog run, but a group of volunteers would need to be organized to work with the Parks Department, our Community Board, city officials and local community groups, raise the money, and maintain the dog run after installation.
While the mission of PUPS remains to keep off-leash hours in Fort Greene Park, we wonder if there’s someone out there who would want to organize an offshoot of PUPS to help create a dog run in Cuyler Gore Park? Please feel free to get in touch with PUPS if you’d be interested in heading up such an effort. PUPS would be glad to help you find other like-minded individuals by sending out e.mails to the general membership, talking to you about our experience in working with Parks Department, elected officials and some of the local groups whose support you’d need, etc.
It could be a really great solution for the increasing number of neighborhood dog owners to have both options: 9:00 to 9:00 off-leash in Fort Greene Park and a permanent dog run in Cuyler Gore, a few blocks away.
Be in touch if you’re a great organizer of people and want to take on a Herculean task!
See you in the park,
Nancy Peterson
President, PUPS
To me, this sounds like a GREAT idea. It sounds as though installing a run in FG Park will take years, caught up in dealing with the city. Why not start a committee that works with the expertise PUPS has garnered over the years to petition for a run nearby? If you’re interested in working on this project, email PUPG at info@fortgreenepups.org.
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22 Comments
I think off-leash hours are probably a good idea (at least everyone seems to think so and I’m not educated about it enough to know one way or the other), but I don’t fancy the idea of letting any of my three dogs off leash with no fence to contain them. They’re good natured, generally well-behaved dogs, but I’m afraid with one hint of a squirrel or a scare of some sort they’d be off like lightening. Also, my dogs have never bitten anyone, but isn’t there a risk that any dog may bite a small child who’s also playing off-leash in the park? Or might run into traffic? Am I just being paranoid? I’m just trying to figure out how, knowing now that it’s either/or, the off-leash hours was the better of the two options.
There are several important parts of making off-leash work for you and your dog(s). First, it’s always the responsiblity of the owner to have their dog under control when off-leash. This means keeping your eyes and ears open, knowing any hot button issues your dog has and being able to handle them, and having an excellent recall (having your dog come to you when called). Off-leash isn’t for everyone, but it works for many many dogs and gives them the opportunity to exercise and socialize, both of which are important to their general well being.
Thanks…I do understand that dogs can exercise and socialize when off-leash. But I still don’t see how this is a better option than having a dog run. Besides the fact that the off-leash hours are very limiting, can’t dogs also be off-leash and socialize in a dog run that also provides a controlled environment? As far as training your dog to enjoy off-leash hours goes, I don’t think anyone can 100% know all their dogs’ hot button issues and can always be able to control those issues from a distance. Animals can be very surprising and instinct driven creatures. Would I worry about letting my dogs off-leash on my parents 20 acre farm in TN? No. But in such an excitable environment as Fort Greene park with all its kids, and animals, and sounds from the street…probably not. I’m not arguing against the off-leash hours because I think any acceptance of our dogs in this city is a good thing, but I do wonder the logic of choosing limited off-leash hours that only some dogs can enjoy (be it because of the limited hours or the extent of a dog’s training) over an option that ALL dogs could enjoy. Anyways, that’s my two cents.
so, is anyone considering doing the work to get this thing going in cuyler gore? (i do have to say, i wonder what the regulars at cuyler gore would say about this…)
I think it’s probably wrong to assume that every dog “enjoys” the dog run experience. I have a large dog that has very little interest in other dogs. He needs a lot of space to run and chase a ball, and I have yet to find a dog run that would meet this need better than a large filed does. But hey, different optins work for different people/dogs. Off-leash vs. dog run will both have supporters, we’re lucky to have both options as so many cities (and so many suburbs) offer neither.
Agreed with CH dog owner. A run would be a less attractive option for me. I have 2 dogs: one I like to have walk with me (off lead) as I walk around the park as he is low energy and is not terribly interested in playing with other dogs. My other, however, loves to run at top speed and initiate chase with anyone who’ll take the bait. Neither one of these activities would be better served by a smaller and/or more crowded space.
I recognize that a dog run would be enormously beneficial to many dog owners ,however, and would love to have MORE options instead of less. If someone gets the Cuyler Gore run project off the ground they can absolutely count on my support.
Hi,
Please contact me if you have ANY interest whatsoever in getting a dog run put in CLINTON HILL / FORT GREENE.
IWANTADOGRUN@YAHOO.COM
THANK YOU!!!!
JACKIE
Urban if you are unsure of your dogs’ recall ability then it doesn’t matter if they are in an enclosed area or not. I would much rather one of your dogs run off and chase a squirrel then have it get into an altercation with my dog and you be unable to call him/her off. When socializing with other dogs you must be sure your dog will come when called NO MATTER what the scenario.
I have seen far worse occurrences of aggression in fenced dog runs compared to open areas. The dog runs are smaller and usually there is no division for small and large breeds (the heights run is the exception). Dogs of all sizes and temperaments are forced to “socialize” together and can be more territorial in these smaller parks. In Ft. Greene Park the larger dogs generally hang out on the hill while the smaller dogs run around in the middle area. People who have a dog with issues can walk them away from these two areas. You just have more flexibility at the park. Additionally, I find the owners are more attentive in the park knowing that their dog could run off.
I recommend you speak with a trainer prior to placing your dogs in either environment. If properly trained there should be no difference between letting your dogs run around your parents’ farm and Ft. Greene Park. Also, take a walk over to the Bed-Stuy dog run and see what you think and then down to the park to compare.
Regarding your concern in your initial post, I generally do not take my child to the park before 9 AM or after 9 PM and if I do I never let her play off-leash.
Hi,
I e-mailed laticia james awhile back and she said that in order to procede in Cuyler Gore, one must attend their proposal to the CB2 Transportation Committee (I’m not sure if she meant Parks or not by mistake). The obstacles present there are minimal. A convincing of the nursing homes which surround the park, and the neighbors as well. One can argue quite well that runs make neighborhoods safer, and if anyone has seen the habitants or Cuyler Gore in midday, I’d say that would be a welcome change there (methadone clinic very close) Furthermore, the more community we have the better our neghborhood becomes.
I saw this happen in the East Village.
My dog chased a squirrel off leash and ended up across Dekalb, and that was the last time we went. We walk to Hillside so he can run. Since I work nights, the hours of off leash are also terrible for him. I think a great many of us can be helped by a run in the area. The ladies at the run in Carroll Gardens had similar issues and they now have a successful run there.
Lastly,
for those of you who hire dog walkers, and I am one of them. Imagine knowing your dog is getting a full hour of exercise in a run, as dog walkers love to take their clients there in Manhattan and it works tremendously.
I would love to spearhead but since every CB2 meeting on the 15th or 16th has interfered with my work schedule I have been unable to make it happen.
But with support, I can investigate further.
Lou
chcanine, i must admit, i feel slightly bad for your kid.
louactor, the people who frequent cuyler gore have every bit the right to be there as your dog.
now i’m gonna go roll around naked in some raw meat.
Was making a joke in reference to Urban’s comment about having children off leash.
true, but my dog wouldn’t sit on their benches anymore than he does now. There has been crime there in late nights. And the space for a run is currently waist high weeds. I merely suggested the park would be improved. I will point out that this afternoon there were at least five people in the that park with brown paper “sodas” so while everyone has a right to be there, it doesn’t mean the law shouldn’t be abided by.
Lou – I can make the meetings, would you be able to help fill me in? It seems like you know alot about this.
Thanks!
Jackie
Iwantadogrun@yahoo.com
My dog and I HATE dog runs. They are usually smelly and crowded, and many of the dogs in them are not well socialized or trained.
In FGP, it is easy to avoid a “problem dog” or simply one with whom one’s own dog does not get along with.
My other complaint with dog runs is that I have noticed that people don’t interact much with there dogs, they just sit there and let the dogs run around. Or talk with others. While a good deal of smoozing does go on in FGP, owners are forced to pay attention to their dogs–and in many parts of the park, people focus soley on their dogs exercise and training.
Some of the best trained dogs I have met anywhere hang out in FGP, and in it I have picked up a lot of tips which have helped me with my own dog.
By contrast, on the few ocaisions when I have found myself in a dog run with my dog, I have been astounded at the ignorance displayed by the dog owners.
If people want a dog run in park on Cumberland and Greene, I will happily sign a petition and even donate a little cash, but I will also fight tooth and nail any attempt to remove the off-leash dog hours in FGP between 9pm & 9am.
I have worked hard to train my dog to be a reliable off leash dog–as have many others in the nabe. Those who are afraid should come to the park during off leash hours (with their dog on a leash) and hang out for a couple months; and learn how. It can take a lot of work, but the rewards are enormous for you and your dog.
Putting a well-trained dog who enjoys playing off-leash in a smelly pen with a bunch of yapping ill-trained dogs is cruel.
I;m not sure why there would be so much hatred ans dissent for something that (obviously) a large percentage of dog owners covet. We don’t attack the negatives of off leash, but support it even though it doesn’t work for us for various reasons, not simply an ill-trained dog. Go to Hillside park sometime and observe.
Be supportive of your fellow animal lovers, and if you do not wish to visit a supported run, then enjoy your off leash hours while we are sleeping or working.
I agree with Louactor…
Nobody is proposing we get rid of off-leash hours at, like Anonydog-14 mistakenly implies. I have a 7 month old puppy who would benefit greatly from a dog run. What’s the big deal??
PLEASE BE SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR FELLOW DOG OWNERS!
As I said in my post, I will support a dog run in the nabe. Just NOT in Ft Greene Park, because the parks dept has an either/or policy. If a dog run is installed in FGP, then it is likely that off leash hours *throughout* the park will be canceled. I explained the reason why my dog and I don’t like dog runs. But if a dog run can be created in a non-FGP location in the nabe, then I will loudly support it, even though I will not likely use it.
A dog run in Cuyler-Gore park is a win/win situation.
Is their a thing as off leash hours in that park. I know the sign says it but people have their dogs off the leash 24 hours a day. That whole park is a dog run. It makes me worry when i bring my children to the park. They have been knocked over in the past and the dog owners never seem to care
Has there been any progress? I received nothing in response after emailing the address posted above.
Hey local-
There ARE legal, posted hours for off-leash: 9 PM until 9 AM. Anyone who has their dog off-leash at any other time in not in compliance with park rules and you would be within your rights to report them to the park staff or the cops. Your children have every right to enjoy the park without fear or interruption. I support the of-leash hours and take my dogs to the park every AM, but at 9 I leash them without fail. we’re lucky to have use of the park and anyone who jeopardizes that right doesn’t deserve it.
could there be just one small place in the neighborhood for the older residents who have been here for a long time? Does every inch of the neighborhood have to be yuppified?
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