In an age of specialization, and given the size of Manhattan and its dog population, a dog run specifically for small dogs should not come as a surprise. The Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs in Washington Square Park was formally dedicated in 2004. Robin Kovary was a renowned dog trainer and a dog run advocate – her efforts were instrumental in the establishment of dog runs throughout the city. Click here to read about her. Kovary’s work was responsible for the first dog run in the park (click here for a previous post I did on the other run in Washington Square Park).
I am not a dog owner, but in speaking to a friend who does own small dogs and reading though the Kovary website, I have learned that it is a problem for small dogs to mingle and socialize with larger dogs. The big guys can be too aggressive with the small dogs, trample on them, etc. (There are weight restrictions for entering the small dog run). The solution of having a separate run has been very successful. Both runs allow the dogs to run off-leash – a special double gate system keeps entering and exiting problem-free. And watching the dogs cavorting has become a spectator sport…
Super cute!
Those little boys and girls are charming.
Brian
All the dogs are smelling each other’s behind. lol!
How fun! This is a great idea…to have a separate space for the smaller breeds.
yep…..looks like some interesting mingling there….
I want to thank the person who is keeping this work alive. I am so grateful for your generous contribution of time and caring.This is so important.
Dorrie Woodson (Robin’s mother).
How perfect that my comment is right behind Dorrie’s. Working with robin on the dog runs (with the great help & support of Commissioner Henry Stern & Jill Mainelli) followed a long friendship. Robin started as a friend and a colleague but that rapidly morphed. I realized that Robin was not just a personal mentor but a visionary for all sentient beings. American dog trainer’s network, creating a legacy of a highly respected & utilized canine/hospital, hospice,school program, tireless pro-canine advocacy, books, articles and so much more. If any of are able to accomplish 1/10 of her achievements….