Berlin is a city of freedom, and that applies not only to people but to dogs too. However, like all freedoms, a dog’s freedom has its boundaries. Otherwise, how do you explain that in many places your fluffy friend must be kept on a leash no longer than two meters? Or why you might be asked about a “dog driver’s license”? Let’s find out!
Hundeauslauf: freedom with a wag
Hundeauslauf areas are special zones where dogs can run off leash, play, and act like wolves without risking a fine for their owner. These areas are fenced and away from crowded places, so even the friendliest dog won’t accidentally congratulate a stranger on their new personal distance.
Grunewald Hundeauslaufgebiet
A Berlin paradise for dogs. This huge forest gives your tail-waggers kilometers of freedom and sticks.
View on Google Maps.
Tempelhofer Feld Hundewiese
A former airport, now a space where dogs can fly… on their four paws. Three separate fenced areas at different ends of the fields.
View on Google Maps.
Hundeauslauf Volkspark Friedrichshain
Convenient if you live in the eastern part of the city. The dog area here isn’t huge, but it’s good for “dog fitness.”
View on Google Maps.
Who can walk off leash?
You can’t just let a dog run free. For your dog to earn the right to free flight even in designated areas, they must:
- Know basic commands, including “Come,” and not be a danger to others.
- Not scare people, chase cyclists, or steal sausages from other dog owners.
If your friend meets these requirements, they can walk off leash in designated places.
Hundeführerschein: “Dog driver’s license”
Did you know you can expand off-leash zones? The Hundeführerschein exam (dog handler certificate) is a test confirming that the owner can properly handle a dog and follow dog-keeping rules.
What the exam includes:
- Theory:
- Knowledge of dog-keeping rules.
- Laws about owner rights and duties (e.g., walking, leashes, restrictions).
- Basics of dog behavior and needs.
- Recognizing stress and aggression signals in animals.
- Practical:
- Checking dog handling skills (on leash and off leash).
- Calm behavior in public places (on the street, in transport, around other people and dogs).
- Dog responses to owner commands.
The Hundeführerschein gives more walking freedom, but it does not remove the leash requirement. This means that even if you have an off-leash license, your dog must remain on a leash:
- in stairwells and courtyards
- in office and commercial buildings, shops, administrative and other public buildings
- at public events, gatherings, festivals, markets, and in pedestrian zones
- in public transport, at stops, and railway stations
- in green and recreational areas, forest areas without designated off-leash zones, and campsites
Golden rules for dog walks
- Leash length
- In large crowds (fairs, celebrations, etc.), the leash must be no more than 1 meter.
- In parks and other public places, a leash up to 2 meters is allowed.
- Clean up after your dog
Nobody likes unexpected surprises on their shoes, so don’t forget a bag.
- Registration and tax
Your dog must be officially registered. The annual Hundesteuer (dog tax) in Berlin is 120 euros per year for the first dog and 180 euros per year for each additional one.
- The leash is almost always required
Even if your dog is impeccably trained, without a Hundeführerschein they must be on leash in most places in Berlin. Exceptions are Hundeauslauf zones and areas where a leash is officially not required.
A little freedom and a lot of responsibility
Berlin is a free city, but it’s important to remember: your dog’s freedom shouldn’t interfere with others’ freedom.
Hundeauslauf, the Hundeführerschein, and properly sized leashes are not just bureaucracy—they are the foundation of comfortable coexistence.
If you want your dog to become an example of canine manners and enjoy stress-free walks, I, as a professional dog trainer, am ready to help! I’ll teach you to understand your pet better, train basic commands, and show how to avoid common training mistakes. Get in touch 🐾
