Off-Leash Benefits

• For Dogs:
  • Socialization – A well socialized dog is a well behaved one!
  • Exercise – Many popular breeds, such as retrievers and spaniels, require substantial amounts of exercise to be on their best behavior!
  • Need – Dogs are social animals by nature. To deny them the opportunity to play with other members of their species is to deprive them of a basic need.
• For the Two-Legged Companions:
  • Human Socialization – Humans benefit from the community and friendships established with other walkers.
  • Family Outdoor Enjoyment – The whole family, including its four-legged members, can lead active and healthier lives while experiencing the joy of outdoors and beauty of our natural environment. Such family activities encourage children to appreciate responsible pet supervision as well.
  • Access for the Elderly and Disabled– For some, walking a dog on leash is an impossibility. The availability of off-leash areas enables such people to have dogs and experience all of the benefits of dog ownership.
  • Contagion of Play – Humans, studies show, catch the joy of play and obtain great enjoyment from watching dogs run and play.
  • Exercise – Nod Brook allows humans to walk or run with their dogs and contributes to physical health.
  • Experiencing the Great Outdoors – Humans obtain serenity and joy from observing the beauty of Nod Brook in all of its seasons.
• For All Users and Nod Brook:
  • Safety – Dog walkers visit Nod Brook every day, with the exception of those days it is reserved for field trials. Their presence serves as a deterrent for illegal activity and provides a sense of security for other park users.
  • Stewardship of Land – Dog walkers are invested in the sustainability of Nod Brook. We look forward to organizing clean up days at the area, as such activities would build upon the informal efforts of dog walkers who now pick up litter.
  • Development of Positive Attitudes toward the Environment and DEP- There is no better way to teach people about the benefits of DEP’s mission than to give them a stake in the success of that mission.