55We went with a friend and our pups were able to have such a fun time and run around in a safe space! We didn’t have to worry about other dogs we didn’t know and our dogs had a BLAST. Host was very accommodating and we will be visiting again! The fence took a minute to figure out, but made me feel confident that it was a secure space. Very clean and maintained nicely! Mallory S.
Mallory S.
August 2022
We went with a friend and our pups were able to have such a fun time and run around in a safe space! We didn’t have to worry about other dogs we didn’t know and our dogs had a BLAST. Host was very accommodating and we will be visiting again! The fence took a minute to figure out, but made me feel confident that it was a secure space. Very clean and maintained nicely!
55Great space! Kiddy pool and hose to keep the pups cool. Easy access and great location. Loved that there were a few benches for humans to sit, too. My dog is not reactive so was not an issue for us that is was next to the dog daycare. We will be back!Rebecca K.
Rebecca K.
September 2022
Great space! Kiddy pool and hose to keep the pups cool. Easy access and great location. Loved that there were a few benches for humans to sit, too. My dog is not reactive so was not an issue for us that is was next to the dog daycare. We will be back!
55There’s plenty of free street parking. My dog is reactive to other dogs and I was worried about the location being right next to the doggy daycare. But we didn’t see any dogs at all. We did occasionally hear some barking. The area itself was clean and spacious. There were benches for humans, poop bags provided, and a trash can. mi-mi C.
mi-mi C.
October 2022
There’s plenty of free street parking. My dog is reactive to other dogs and I was worried about the location being right next to the doggy daycare. But we didn’t see any dogs at all. We did occasionally hear some barking. The area itself was clean and spacious. There were benches for humans, poop bags provided, and a trash can.
55Louie LOVED this spot! I appreciated the secluded feeling with placing material over the fence for privacy. Louie doesn’t have this issue but I could see it for other dogs that the L train is right there and passes every few minutes so keep that in mind for your pup! We will for sure be back!!Kerry S.
Kerry S.
October 2022
Louie LOVED this spot! I appreciated the secluded feeling with placing material over the fence for privacy. Louie doesn’t have this issue but I could see it for other dogs that the L train is right there and passes every few minutes so keep that in mind for your pup! We will for sure be back!!
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 spot is so much fun! I love the agility equipment, even if your dog has never done it before it’s really fun to try out different jumps and obstacle courses! My dogs loved the pool and the hose. We came in the morning so half the spot was sunny and half was shady, but if you came in the middle of the day you should definitely bring a hat and human water! Either way, it’s a great way to get some sun while your dogs play. My dogs barked a few times at other dogs on either side of the fence (one side faces the street and one side faces another dog park area). It’s also very close to the train if that bothers your dog. Overall we loved it and will definitely be coming back! Meredith C.
Meredith C.
June 2022
This spot is so much fun! I love the agility equipment, even if your dog has never done it before it’s really fun to try out different jumps and obstacle courses! My dogs loved the pool and the hose. We came in the morning so half the spot was sunny and half was shady, but if you came in the middle of the day you should definitely bring a hat and human water! Either way, it’s a great way to get some sun while your dogs play. My dogs barked a few times at other dogs on either side of the fence (one side faces the street and one side faces another dog park area). It’s also very close to the train if that bothers your dog. Overall we loved it and will definitely be coming back!
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.
55Easy to find street parking and a great sized play area for my dog to run around! They have agility equipment, a pool, and a water bowl attached to a house- everything you need :)Jessyca J.
Jessyca J.
July 2022
Easy to find street parking and a great sized play area for my dog to run around! They have agility equipment, a pool, and a water bowl attached to a house- everything you need :)
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 372 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 372 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 372 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 Tiesha's Private Dog Park In Merrillville.
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 Tiesha's Private Dog Park In Merrillville.
Where in Merrillville can I find a pool for dog swimming?
Can I rent a field for my dog to run near Merrillville?
There are 372 Sniffspot dog parks that offer fields in or near Merrillville where dogs can be off leash. The most popular field is Tiesha's Private Dog Park In Merrillville.