Whitnall Off-Leash Dog Park

Brought my dog here for the first time today, she loved it. She doesn’t socialize well with smaller dogs so I took her to the big dog park. Wasn’t thrilled a guy brought his yorkie that yaps. My dog doesn’t like small dogs that yap. Also was pleased the owners of other dogs were so sweet! Kona made a lot of friends and did fairly well will be back for sure!

First time at this dog park and my dog was thrilled. Working water and nice people. Thumbs up.

THIS PLACE IS DISGUSTING. West Nile warning signs everywhere. I couldn’t believe my eyes how gross it was here. They need to shut it down.

This place is a dust bin and smells bad too. The neighborhood is pretty sketchy. I won’t go back.

The dog park is what you would expect in California, in the middle of a horrible drought: more dirt than grass, and very few shaded areas. But there is a fresh water spigot, lots of pooper scoopers and ample room for running.
Beware, though! Around sunset, between 5 – 7, a rancid group of people come to the park. They either do not own the dogs they bring, or care very little for them overall, because they will do NOTHING in the event that their dog bites yours or attempts to molest another dog. They are the laziest dog owners I have ever seen. My dog does not approach them, but a female dog with whom our dog plays went over to their bacchanal, and was unceremoniously mounted. The dog owner did nothing, claimed that it was the female dog’s fault, and continued to grouse about the incident all night. Avoid them — they are near the front gate, at about the midway point. They’re not hard to miss. They’re the group of people gabbing about their sexual frustrations while their dogs hump and bite (yes, full-​on bite) one another.
Otherwise, everyone is lovely.

I’m really not understanding the negative reviews. I like this dog park and so do my dogs. There are 2 parks– one for small or shy, timid dogs and one for other dogs. I take two dogs to the park with big and not so shy dogs. There’s a lot of space for them to run around. Plenty of other friendly, loving dogs are there for them to play with. There are trash cans and pooped scoopers around the entire perimeter. There are seats and benches for the owners (most who are also quite nice and friendly). There are also hoses and bowls for water so the pooches stay hydrated. Since I’ve been going I haven’t had any issues here and I haven’t seen anyone else have issues.
One review said it’s always muddy but I’ve never encountered that. There is more dirt than grass but that doesn’t bother me much. I like that I can come close to sunset and stay for quite awhile because the party stays open and is pretty well lit. I’m glad I started taking my dogs here because they love it and leave happy.

I actually really like this park. I go to the small dog area. What sucks is that the drought in California is so bad, this area had way more grass when I first started going to it a year ago, it’s slowly getting more dry. Regardless, the dogs have a blast running around and digging in the dirt (remember to fill the holes back up).
Some people that have been going there for a while feel like they own the park, others that haven’t gone there long feel entitled. But it’s easy to brush off, mostly everyone is really nice.
People just need to realize that some dogs are gonna wanna play, and they all play different, so just supervise your dog and be nice about telling the other people if their dog is bugging yours. But dogs are dogs. I’ve never seen a fight here, but its a possibility so just be attentive. Some times there’s bigger dogs in this area, but they are mostly gentle.
Remember, pick up after your dog, be nice, and enjoy!

Simply put, It’s a dog park. My dog has never had an issue with any other dogs here. Yea, theres a lot of dirt and not as much grass, but where there is grass is where the dogs tend to poop anyways. My Dog has made some other dog friends here.

Took a chance on this place despite its 3 star rating on a weekend and was very happy with my decision. All the dogs were generally well behaved. All the owners were courteous and respectful. The water was pretty dirty but all you have to do is rinse it off and put some fresh water in there. Will be coming back here when I’m in the area

The dog walker ladies really need to stop acting like the own the damn park. Why don’t they actually do what they’re getting paid for and walk the damn dogs. I swear every time I’m here one of them always has some stupid remark to say… Like its my first time at a dog park. That is the only down side about this park. The other people who bring they’re dogs to play are mostly all nice and the dogs are great too. Just beware of those dog walking ladies with 10 dogs. I hope they read this.

I don’t understand the negative reviews. It’s a dog park, open to the public. You’re going to encounter less than responsible dog owners on occasion. It happens. I’ve had run-​ins twice with some people who refused to step in when their dogs got aggressive. But that goes with the territory. It’s a risk you’ll encounter at any dog park.
Aside from two less than stellar instances, I love this place. it’s close and offers two separate parks for shy/​small dogs and bigger varieties. Generally speaking, the people are pretty friendly and you really can’t beat a dog park that stays open and well lit after the sun goes down. Wheaties and I are here at least 3 – 4 times a week.
Unless you’re an overly sensitive and protective dog owner (and if that’s the case, you’ve no business being at the dog park), this place is great.

This is our local park and our dog loves it. It’s great that they provide so many seats and shade. We will always go there.
WARNING! Unfortunately you have to be wary of some dog owners (small dog side) One particular instance had a woman threaten someone elses dog screaming «KEEP THAT DOG AWAY FROM MY DOG OR I’LL KICK IT IN THE F***NG HEAD!»” …not once but several times… because she thought it was growling at one her dogs. This was definitely not the case and major overreaction on her part. Some people tried to talk sense into her — there was no vicious behaviour, the dogs tails were wagging, they were simply playing. Her erratic and aggressive demeanour escalated when she actually lashed out and went to KICK this cute little dog which eventually led to everybody in the park leashing up and leaving. If you don’t want your dogs interracting with other dogs — DO NOT TAKE THEM TO A DOG PARK LADY!!! note: She has 3 dogs called Denver, Detroit and Katy Perry — you’ll know its her because she calls their names incessantly.
Apart from this one lady troll its usually a great turn out with lovely people and pups :-)

Four stars just simply cause the lack of grass and the fact that it is pretty muddy, power lines kinda creep me out but overall cool park, my pitbull and clients dogs love it, we stay mainly in the big dog park, have had a few confrontations with aggressive dogs with muzzles (idk why you’d bring the dog to a dog park with high energy friendly dogs). Some unaltered pups but I could care less as long as everyone plays good. Some bitchy women come here and try telling you the breed of dog you own is bad but other then the witches I love this place. Ps don’t be surprised if ppl smoke in the park even with clearly marked signs.

The dogs seem to like it. My dog as bit at this park, and the owner left, when we went to check on him. Keep an eye out for Telula, the Black Shepard.
The park is quite large, so it’s easy to lose track of your dog. There are people who drop their dogs off, and don’t keep an eye on their pets. I don’t feel comfortable taking my dog here anymore.

Honestly, the park looks totally sketch, there isn’t as much grass as some other Dog Parks maintained by the Park system have. That being said, my family has made this park a bi-​weekly habit since moving to Noho in May. Our boy loves the place and the company, and that matters more than the appearance of the park does. We frequent the small dog side. I can’t speak to the large dog side at all.
In my experience, the morning crew is generally more attentive about picking up after their dogs than the afternoon crowd. The place is also a little less busy in the mornings. I’ve seen many of the morning regulars do whole sweeps of the park, scooping the poop left over from the night crew.
Remember, this is a dog park, so there will always be inattentive dog owners and poorly behaved dogs. Always. That being said, I have witnessed FAR less bad behavior, dog or owner, here than at our previous, much prettier, park in Pasadena. I also encountered far more unaltered and/​or aggressive dogs at the park in Pasadena than here. In my experience here, as long as I am attentive about my dog’s activities and proactive in removing him from sketchy playmates, we all have a good time.
I would recommend trying the park on a few different days and times. As I mentioned earlier, there is a vast difference between the morning and afternoon crowds, and different dogs on different days (obviously. No one goes every day, right? Except maybe Bob) When we started coming to Whitnall, we came at all different times to check the place out. We saw some dog walkers, although we never saw any of the problems other reviews have described. Some of the chihuahua owners can be pretty inattentive, and SOME of the denizens of the central table are that mix of inattentive and cliquish. We’ve now figured out when the right mix of dogs and people are there for our needs, and we schedule park-​time accordingly.
I would recommend this park. Plenty of room to run for the little dogs, usually a decent mix of company. As with any dog park, the inattentiveness and poor handling of others mean you need to be attentive. We’re here for the dogs, not social hour. There are lots of tennis balls scattered around, and a few rope toys and the odd frisbee now and then. There is a kiddie pool provided for the hot days. Lots of water bowls, and while the hose is a little fidgety, it works.

This place is hit and miss! My dog loves it here and is very active and loves to play fetch and tumble with other playful pups. There are a few old lady know-​it-​alls who keep their dogs on their lap (might as well go to a coffee shop if you don’t want other dogs around yours) and will yell at
your dog if he/​she runs by. Also, if you have an overly scared/​somewhat aggressive/​or your dog has any serious behavioral issues: please do work at HOME before throwing them in the middle of the dog park.
Another note: There is an awful wannabe trainer man and woman team (think plaid shirts, ripped jeans, and fingerless gloves) that come and torture dogs and mask it as training. They want nothing to do with other dogs coming near them. He comes with a 100 ft rope and also had a shock collar on a 15 lbs non-​aggressive dog. I was horrified. They constantly took pictures for their «Facebook» business for dog training but never actually trained the dog. They were really rough with the poor thing and you can tell they don’t genuinely love dogs :(
Some Cons about the park:
–Some crappy people
–power lines directly above you
–smells like crap
–seen numerous dog fights on the big dog side
–uneducated owners

First time i went to this dog park, I was curious is i was making the right decision.
As soon as i got out of my car two pit bulls got into a dog fight. Guess what the owner did. Sat there and yelled at his dog. CANT YOU DO MORE THEN YELL?
wanna know the best part. he stayed and let his dog get into another fight.
Second time i went, It was just fine. No fights. Good People.
Third time i went my dog was covered in mud. Completely black. It wouldn’t be a problem if it had just rained so it would be my fault for taking him. BUT, it doesnt rain in California. The worst part. THE MUD EVEN HAD A SIGN SAYING IT WAS CONTAMINATED WITH BACTERIA. If a sign needs to be posted, something needs to be fixed. Dogs don’t know better, water is water. Unless your constantly following them– whats to stop your furry friend from drinking the water and getting sick):
wish i could give this place a better review.

I have to honestly say my dog really enjoyed this dog park. I’ve been to others but haven’t been as amused or seen my dog as amused as at this one.
We went on a Tuesday afternoon and the location was kind of shady so we weren’t expecting much.
However, due to the small size (in comparison to other dog parks) this place was really crowded… But in a good way! It made the small timid dogs actually socialize as opposed to the giant dog parks where they all stick to their corners.
We got to watch then run around and chase each other, it was really lots of fun!
Clean park and good people frequent this park.
Really one of my favorites, I highly recommend if you have a shy scaredy cat dog and want to throw them in a mix of other shy scaredy cat dogs so they learn to be social butterflies.

Good place for doggie playtime. The park is big enough for dogs to get a good run in, play fetch and socialize with other dogs.
There are two fenced areas. One for big dogs and one for little dogs which are separated by a parking lot. This is in a residential area and there is street parking as well with no restrictions. The park is pretty well stocked with doggie amenities. There are lots of tennis balls for fetch. Lots of chairs & covered seating for doggie owners. Trashcans, extra poop bags, pooper scoopers, doggie pools and lots of water bowls scattered throughout.
Something to take note of. It’s a daily meet up for regulars who congregate here after work to catch up on their day while their doggies play, which leads to lots of unwatched dogs. I love that dog owners have a place to go to to unwind but I wish people could watch their dogs at the same time and clean up after them. I have yet to leave this park to get home and realize I’ve stepped in poop… AGAIN! The park opens at sun rise and closes at dusk.

(Reviewing the small dog park.)
I only come here because it’s a convenient five minute drive and decent enough room for my two dogs to run around. I come here regularly and some days it’s kept clean and others it smells along with tiny pieces of poop scattered on the patches of grass. There’s plenty of trash cans and pooper scoopers so I don’t understand why there would be feces all over the place sometimes.
Owners just need to pick up after their dogs and watch them when they misbehave.
It’s not glamorous or the best dog park at all but there are always plenty of cute friendly dogs here that make up for it.