There’s a quiet rhythm to the Upper West Side if you’re walking a dog. Morning strolls past co-op stoops, lunchtime zigzags through Riverside Park, and the unspoken camaraderie of passing the same familiar faces (human and canine) every day. But when it comes to off-leash play, the UWS dog runs are where the real social scene kicks in.
And like every good social scene in New York, each dog run has its own vibe—complete with regulars, unwritten rules, and a reputation that may or may not match reality.
After thousands of walks and countless hours spent ferrying pups through these gates, here’s what we’ve learned about the Upper West Side’s best-known dog runs—and how to make the most of them.
🌳 Riverside Park at 72nd Street (Boat Basin Dog Run)
Tucked into the quiet shade near the Boat Basin, this run feels like an extension of the neighborhood itself: calm, slightly reserved, and made for dogs who’d rather sniff gently than get into a wrestling match.
Why it works:
Shady benches for humans, minimal chaos for dogs.
Smaller size means less chance of trouble.
Tends to attract more seasoned, well-socialized pups.
When to go: Early mornings or mid-afternoon. Avoid post-5pm unless your dog’s cool with crowds.
Insider tip: This run floods after heavy rain, so give it a day or two to dry out unless you want to carry home a mud-soaked Bernedoodle.
Vibe check: If your dog’s the type to sigh at rowdy puppies and quietly trot off, this is their happy place.
🦴 Bull Moose Dog Run (81st & Columbus, next to AMNH)
On any given day, Bull Moose is a mash-up of chaos and joy. You’ll see Golden doodles chasing each other into puddles, beagle mixes trying to start their own revolution, and a toddler somewhere in the mix just outside the gate holding a bag of treats.
Why it works:
Big enough for real zoomies.
Lots of friendly regulars—and new faces every hour.
A great place for puppies learning to socialize.
What to know: This place is muddy year-round. Even when it’s been dry for days, the ground somehow stays soft. Bring a towel and lower your standards.
Etiquette moment: If you’re bringing a new puppy, make sure they’re fully vaccinated before hitting the park. Too many owners jump the gun and forget there’s real health risk in shared spaces.
Vibe check: Perfect for dogs who love chaos and owners who don’t mind hosing off paws twice a day.
🌲 Riverside Park at 105th Street (aka “The Hipster Run”)
Smaller and often overlooked, this tucked-away gem draws a tight crowd—think older mutts, rescue dogs with stories, and their hoodie-clad owners sipping cold brew at 7AM.
Why it works:
Surprisingly peaceful, even when full.
Good mix of dog sizes and temperaments.
Fewer strollers, more space to decompress.
Seasonal note: This run has zero shade, so it can get brutal in summer. But in fall, when the leaves turn and the breeze picks up? It’s magic.
Vibe check: If your dog hates crowds but loves other dogs, this is a safe bet.
🪵 Morningside Park Dog Run (110th & Manhattan Ave – Just North of UWS)
Technically Harlem. Spiritually West Side. This run is a bit of a trek, but it rewards the effort with space, trees, and a truly low-drama crowd.
Why it works:
Huge footprint compared to most UWS runs.
Great airflow and natural shade.
Less foot traffic = less overstimulation.
When to go: Weekends before 10AM or weekday evenings after 6. It’s especially good for big dogs or rescue pups that need more space to feel safe.
Vibe check: Think quiet confidence. A mix of loyal regulars and dogs who don’t need to prove anything.
👀 A Note on the 87th Street Run
There’s a lot of dog run chatter about the 87th Street spot—mostly complaints about the fencing, layout, and energy. It’s not bad, it’s just…not good. If you’re short on time, it’s fine. But if you’re looking to build good habits and avoid reactivity, it’s probably worth walking the extra ten blocks north or south.
🐕 How to Choose the Right Run for Your Dog
Not every run fits every dog. Some dogs thrive in structured, low-key spaces. Others need a good 10 minutes of wild chaos to burn the edge off.
Before you head out, ask:
Is your dog good at greeting off-leash?
Are they fully vaccinated and flea/tick protected?
Do they have good recall if things get heated?
Are you prepared to step in if things go sideways?
Dog runs are shared space—and the best experiences happen when everyone respects the energy in the yard. (That includes people who sit on their phones and ignore their Great Dane steamrolling a Boston Terrier. You know who you are.)
🦮 Need Help Getting Your Pup Some Steps During the Workday?
We know every inch of the UWS dog world—from muddy mornings at Bull Moose to peaceful loops in Riverside. Our experienced walkers tailor routes to your dog’s needs (and neuroses), and yes—we absolutely know which run to avoid after a heavy rain.
📍 Contact us today to learn more.
And if you live outside of the UWS, we recommend MixyPaws in the rest of Manhattan and Brooklyn Bark in Brooklyn.