In my opinion the Boston Common and Public Gardens are the beating heart of Boston. On any day you will find Bostonians with and without dogs milling about, socializing and sometimes just catching a noontime nap under one of the fantastic trees or beneath the summer sun.  The Boston Common is the first public park in the United States and has a rich history much like the rest of Boston. Still today many events take place here, only history will tell which moments are remembered.

When you live in Beacon Hill, Back Bay or Downtown Crossing; the Boston Common is a perfect place to take your dog for a walk or for socialization. Thanks to a small group of locals there is even a small section of the Boston Common where your dog can run off-leash.    

While you are welcome to walk your dog anywhere in the Boston Common on a leash. The Off-Leash section is a smaller area between Frog Pond and the State House on the hill (Fido Loves Map Link). Usually you will find other dog owners letting their dog’s play off-leash. There is a poop bag station and a few small signs that mark the play area. However, there is not a fence around it, so you will need excellent voice control of your dog.The Boston Common has many distractions for your dog; squirrels, birds, horses, other dogs and plenty of people.

Dogs are allowed off-leash during the morning hours between 6 am and 9 am, and then again in the evening between 4 pm and 9 pm. As mentioned earlier, excellent voice control will be needed.

Our dog an English Pointer usually comes the moment I call him. Although, I am no match for the lure of the birds, squirrels and horses. These are just a few of his favorite things and there are so many that I cease to exist and his prey drive takes over. We spend plenty of time hunting game in the Boston Common, we just use a leash to be safe. Other dogs, a little less prey driven have a blast playing off-leash.

In other areas of the Common if you are off-leash an officer on horseback will come over and speak to you about your indiscretion. Just remember that countless hours went into getting permission for the existing off-leash area. While you are in the park with your dog please respect the rules and pick up your poop. The folks over at Boston Dog have worked very hard to make this area possible.