55Instructions to access the place were easy to follow & it was exactly as pictured! A nice way to tire your dog out and get a little refuge in the city. Got home and napped for hours!!Anita M.
Anita M.
June 2022
Instructions to access the place were easy to follow & it was exactly as pictured! A nice way to tire your dog out and get a little refuge in the city. Got home and napped for hours!!
55when i arrived i couldn't get in due to a passcode being needed to be entered but those in charge of the place responded quickly to my message and someone was able to open the door for me. everything was super clean, i would say that if you're going when the sun is out and hot, turn on the hose to pour in the cement as it can get too hot for our dogs paws, or buy some boots! i went from 3-4 and there were only about 3 to 4 meters of shade so i recommend going much later in the evening!Joselin Z.
Joselin Z.
June 2022
when i arrived i couldn't get in due to a passcode being needed to be entered but those in charge of the place responded quickly to my message and someone was able to open the door for me. everything was super clean, i would say that if you're going when the sun is out and hot, turn on the hose to pour in the cement as it can get too hot for our dogs paws, or buy some boots! i went from 3-4 and there were only about 3 to 4 meters of shade so i recommend going much later in the evening!
55I took my lab rosey and she had a blast. The lock to enter was tricky to figure out in the beginning but after a few tries I got it. The information was detailed and made it easy to follow and get inside. The playground was clean and spacious. I used the hose to wet the pavement and fill the pool for my pup. I will definitely be rebooking a trip for rosey. There is also parking right out front making it easy for entering and exiting for your pup.Natalie C.
Natalie C.
June 2022
I took my lab rosey and she had a blast. The lock to enter was tricky to figure out in the beginning but after a few tries I got it. The information was detailed and made it easy to follow and get inside. The playground was clean and spacious. I used the hose to wet the pavement and fill the pool for my pup. I will definitely be rebooking a trip for rosey. There is also parking right out front making it easy for entering and exiting for your pup.
55We had so much fun! Parked on the street right in front and easily unlocked the gate. Had so much fun with the agility equipment and the kiddie pool!Laura P.
Laura P.
June 2022
We had so much fun! Parked on the street right in front and easily unlocked the gate. Had so much fun with the agility equipment and the kiddie pool!
55Great spot, love all the agility toys and the pool was Maya's favorite part. Nice and clean, faux grass, which is great for her grass allergy.Renee T.
Renee T.
July 2022
Great spot, love all the agility toys and the pool was Maya's favorite part. Nice and clean, faux grass, which is great for her grass allergy.
55Super cool space and very spacious! Was perfect to introduce my new puppies to some different platforms and work on gaining confidence. Don’t forget to bring a dog bowl to fill with water!Alissa L.
Alissa L.
April 2022
Super cool space and very spacious! Was perfect to introduce my new puppies to some different platforms and work on gaining confidence. Don’t forget to bring a dog bowl to fill with water!
55The playground was clean and had plenty of room for our dog to run. I was happy that it was secure and no way for our dog to escape. He's kind of an escape artist..had lots of equipment for our dog to play on plus the playground had several balls to use. The running water with a dog bowl was the perfect touch. I would recommend and go to the playground again. Betsey S.
Betsey S.
May 2022
The playground was clean and had plenty of room for our dog to run. I was happy that it was secure and no way for our dog to escape. He's kind of an escape artist..had lots of equipment for our dog to play on plus the playground had several balls to use. The running water with a dog bowl was the perfect touch. I would recommend and go to the playground again.
55This is my favorite Sniffspot I've found so far! It's springtime, and while all other places I go with my pup are a muddy mess, this spot was so clean and dry due to the astrotuf ground. (You can also tell that the astroturf has been set up to properly aerate.) A heads up- this location is right under the train tracks and off of a busy street. This did not bother my dog, but may be overwhelming for pups not used to the city.Amanda W.
Amanda W.
May 2022
This is my favorite Sniffspot I've found so far! It's springtime, and while all other places I go with my pup are a muddy mess, this spot was so clean and dry due to the astrotuf ground. (You can also tell that the astroturf has been set up to properly aerate.) A heads up- this location is right under the train tracks and off of a busy street. This did not bother my dog, but may be overwhelming for pups not used to the city.
55Super fun spot! My dog loved the agility equipment! The staff was super helpful when I couldn’t figure out the gate code 😂 We will definitely be back!Colleen O.
Colleen O.
May 2022
Super fun spot! My dog loved the agility equipment! The staff was super helpful when I couldn’t figure out the gate code 😂 We will definitely be back!
55This was our first time using sniffspot and I'm SO HAPPY. We'll definitely be coming back with Luna! The space was engaging for her, plenty of room to zoom, and lots of equipment to try out. It seems like a doggie daycare operates next door so there may be dogs in the next yard depending on when you go.Ellie Q.
Ellie Q.
May 2022
This was our first time using sniffspot and I'm SO HAPPY. We'll definitely be coming back with Luna! The space was engaging for her, plenty of room to zoom, and lots of equipment to try out. It seems like a doggie daycare operates next door so there may be dogs in the next yard depending on when you go.
55So much fun! My dog Kaiser had a blast with all the equipment and balls to chase. So nice to have a safe, leash-free area for him to enjoy in the city. Karen M.
Karen M.
May 2022
So much fun! My dog Kaiser had a blast with all the equipment and balls to chase. So nice to have a safe, leash-free area for him to enjoy in the city.
55Very easy to enter and high quality facility! There was a daycare running at the same time as our reservations so dogs were on the other side of the (tall, opaque) fence but they were very quiet and didn’t bother our reactive dogs at all. Will visit again! Sarah K.
Sarah K.
May 2022
Very easy to enter and high quality facility! There was a daycare running at the same time as our reservations so dogs were on the other side of the (tall, opaque) fence but they were very quiet and didn’t bother our reactive dogs at all. Will visit again!
55This was the best thing for Floyd! We did 1 hour (1 dog) and we really tired him out. The space was large for him to pick up speed and play around the some agility course equipment. Will be back again!Emily F.
Emily F.
May 2022
This was the best thing for Floyd! We did 1 hour (1 dog) and we really tired him out. The space was large for him to pick up speed and play around the some agility course equipment. Will be back again!
55Using Payton's Playground for the first time was an amazing opportunity to have a location that allowed us the space needed for our doggie baby to run around and to feel safe. My daughter enjoyed the location herself playing with the dog & running around with her toys. Our dog needed the space to really stretch her legs, run around, play & be safe. She's outgrown our backyard and this was the best accommodation close to home. The area is fenced in very well and all the accommodations needed for family fun. I had difficulty opening the gate but I was able to connect with Tara and she was able to access it remotely - AWESOMENESS 👌 👏 👍. We are looking to visit this private dog park again in the near future! 😉 Powell F.
Powell F.
May 2022
Using Payton's Playground for the first time was an amazing opportunity to have a location that allowed us the space needed for our doggie baby to run around and to feel safe. My daughter enjoyed the location herself playing with the dog & running around with her toys. Our dog needed the space to really stretch her legs, run around, play & be safe. She's outgrown our backyard and this was the best accommodation close to home. The area is fenced in very well and all the accommodations needed for family fun. I had difficulty opening the gate but I was able to connect with Tara and she was able to access it remotely - AWESOMENESS 👌 👏 👍. We are looking to visit this private dog park again in the near future! 😉
55We love Pupstars for daycare so I knew we’d like Payton’s playground. Clean, safe enclosure and engaging for our little pup. Will definitely come backEmily B.
Emily B.
May 2022
We love Pupstars for daycare so I knew we’d like Payton’s playground. Clean, safe enclosure and engaging for our little pup. Will definitely come back
55This place was amazing! Not having to worry about other dogs or triggers is more than I could have hoped for. Definitely will visit againRK9 T.
RK9 T.
June 2022
This place was amazing! Not having to worry about other dogs or triggers is more than I could have hoped for. Definitely will visit again
How do Merrillville's private dog parks work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Merrillville dog parks
Are dog parks good for dogs?
It is important for dogs to have off leash exercise to sniff and run. But the free and open nature of public dog parks has drawbacks. There could be aggressive dogs, disease transmission and cleanliness issues. For this reason, many dog behaviorists discourage visiting public dog parks and recommend Sniffspot's private dog parks. Sniffspot private dog parks only allow one guest to book at a time and are not open to the public, which solves many of these issues.
Are dog parks safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks much safer than public dog parks. With Sniffspot all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 96% of reviews on Sniffspot visits in the Merrillville area are 5 stars.
How do I know if a dog park works for my dog?
You can filter Sniffspot dog parks by fencing and distractions. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our 259 fully fenced dog parks in the area. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our 32 off leash areas where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can also filter locations to avoid other domestic animals and people. We also recommend reading reviews and reaching out to the host with any questions.
Does Merrillville have any fully fenced dog parks?
Sniffspot has 259 fully fenced dog parks in or near Merrillville. Browse all fully enclosed options.
Where are good dog hiking trails near Merrillville?
The Merrillville area has 6 Sniffspot locations with private trails for you and your dog to walk or hike. Dogs can generally be off leash on Sniffspot trails. The most popular trail is Christie's Private Dog Park In Plainfield.
Are there dog agility courses for rent in Merrillville?
Sniffspot has dog parks with agility equipment and/or dog obstacles in or near Merrillville. The most popular agility option is BarkPark.
Where in Merrillville can I find a pool for dog swimming?