Your furry friend with four paws is always there for you. Rather than engage in the usual dog walk – a route your pup has sniffed a thousand times before – why not try a location that is custom designed for canine (as well as human) fun?
You’ve trained your dog to sit and stay and not bark at strangers, so reap the rewards of this training by taking your dog someplace where he or she can put those lessons into practice and be rewarded with some fun.
Below is a list of places in Connecticut that are not only dog-friendly but are meant to be fun and rewarding for dogs. Experts recommend you take a few must-have items with you before you set out: a four-foot training leash if you’re going to be in a crowd (retractable leashes can get tangled in both dogs and people), water and a water bowl, some high-value treats meant for special occasions, and a blanket or a mat if you’re going to be out for long.
Old Mistick Village, Mystic, CT
Not only are dogs welcome in Old Mistick Village, but many of the shops and exhibits in the village also welcome dogs inside, too. Be sure to ask before you bring the dog in.
Grass Island Dog Park. Greenwich, CT
Grass Island Dog Park is a 3/4 acre fenced-in dog park with a small dog area and a large dog area. There is also a dog walking trail and a dog waste bag dispenser. The Grass Island Park has scenic water views of Greenwich Harbor and Long Island Sound with benches, picnic tables, restrooms, and other walking trails.
Lake Mohegan Open Space, Fairfield, CT
Lake Mohegan Open Space is a beautiful dog-friendly 170-acre recreation area in Fairfield. The scenic hiking trails take you around the lake, over a footbridge, and through woodlands. Dogs can enjoy some off-leash time on your hike after you reach the “100-foot” sign posted on the trail. Please make sure your pets are under voice control at all times and be sure to clean up after them.
Labyrinth Brewery, Manchester, CT
What could be better than dogs and beer? This brewery permits dogs both inside and outside. Inside, the brewery sells dog-friendly merchandise such as leashes, bandanas, cookies, and dog toys. Rules include no continuous barking and dogs must be leashed.
Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT
Sleeping Giant State Park is popular with hikers and picnickers, and dogs are welcome in all areas – including the hiking trails — as long as they are on a leash.
Brignole Vineyards, East Granby, CT
Dogs are welcome at Brignole Vineyards as long as they are leashed, well behaved and you clean up after them.
Bailey’s Dog Park, Clinton, CT
Bailey’s Dog Park in Clinton is open to all sizes of dogs as long as they are up to date on their vaccinations. The fully fenced dog park features running water, waste bags, and shaded areas, and adjacent parking is available at Ethel Peters Recreation Complex.
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