Ever struggled with a reactive dog on busy footpaths? Got a puppy with dodgy recall? Or perhaps, like me, you're just a bit antisocial and prefer your dog walks without small talk? Welcome to one of modern dog ownership's best-kept secrets – private dog walking fields.
What Exactly Is a Dog Walking Field?
For those of you who haven't yet discovered these hidden gems, a dog walking field is essentially a fenced piece of land that you can hire privately. You simply book a slot, turn up, drive in, shut the gate behind you and voilà – a secure space for your dog to enjoy without worrying about crossing paths with other people or dogs.
When I first started using a dog walking field with Dave about seven years ago, I had to drive 45 minutes to reach our closest one. Fast forward to today and there are probably ten within that same radius, a testament to just how popular they've become.
Why Are They So Brilliant?
Freedom for Dogs Without Reliable Recall
The most obvious benefit is for dogs who don't have great recall. If your dog tends to disappear into the horizon at the first whiff of something interesting, a secure field means they can still enjoy off-lead freedom without you having a heart attack.
I don't book them because my dogs are escape artists. I book them because I want to let them all off lead without having to worry about keeping an eye on my surroundings.
A Haven for Reactive Dogs
For reactive dogs, these fields are game changers. If every walk involves your dog barking at something, with you constantly scanning for triggers and planning escape routes, walks quickly become something you dread rather than enjoy.
A dog walking field takes away all that stress. Your dog can just go for a walk, be off lead and not meet anyone. You have a relaxing time, your dog has a relaxing time and it puts the joy back into dog walking. If you have a reactive dog and haven't tried a dog walking field yet, pop it into Google – you'll be surprised how many options appear.
Peace and Privacy When Needed
There are dozens of other reasons people use these fields:
• Bitches in season (no worry about unwanted attention)
• Young puppies learning to explore safely
• Dogs who find the world a bit overwhelming
• New rescue dogs getting used to their surroundings
• Families with young children who need contained spaces
And, if I'm being honest, sometimes it's for antisocial owners like me. I spend most of my days talking to people and it's nice to just go for a walk and be silent. Going to a field means I know I won't have to make small talk with passing dog walkers (I promise I'll be polite if I meet any podcast listeners on my walks, though!).
What to Look for in a Dog Walking Field
If you're thinking of trying one, here are some things to consider:
Fencing: If your hound’s a little Houdini, check the height and security of fencing. Some dogs need six-foot fences, while others (like my lot) just need basic containment.
Size and variety: They range from small one-acre paddocks to vast 30-acre wonderlands with varying terrain. I personally prefer the bigger ones. I went to a 30-acre field near Birmingham recently that was just incredible. It felt like walking in the countryside but with the security of knowing there was a fence somewhere.
Facilities: Some fields offer washing stations, shelters, poo bins, agility equipment or swimming ponds. Others are simply secure green spaces. It all depends on what you're looking for.
Location: Some places have multiple fields that butt up against each other – not ideal if you have a reactive dog and can see other dogs through the fence. Others are completely isolated.
Cost: Prices vary hugely but expect to pay around £10-15 per hour on average. Is it worth it? In my book, absolutely. The stress reduction alone justifies it.
The Often-Overlooked Human Benefit: Stress Reduction
We talk endlessly about dog training and what our dogs need but we often forget that we're 50% of the partnership. If we're stressed on walks, our dogs become stressed too. If we dread taking our dogs out, we start to blame them (even unconsciously) for making our lives difficult.
One practical example from my own life involves my daughter who used to have terrible anxiety about walking the dogs off-lead. She worried they'd run away, get lost or be stolen. This made walks stressful for everyone. Dog walking fields became our solution. We'd make it a family outing - I'd always bake scones and everyone could relax knowing the dogs were safe but free.
Not Just for "Problem" Dogs
Some people think dog walking fields are only for dogs with issues or lazy owners who want to sit in a shelter while their dog runs around. It’s true that most private fields have shelters for owners but personally my dogs don't understand that concept. If I sit down, they just stare at me like, "Mum, what are you doing? Why aren't you walking with us? Come on!"
These fields now come with ponds, woodland, shrubs and hedges – they feel like you're in the countryside but without the worries. They're also brilliant training tools. If you're working on recall, lead training or reactivity, a field can be part of your management plan, giving you both days off from the stress while still providing exercise.
For my three dogs, our monthly field trip is like a special treat – a big drive out, a couple of hours exploring somewhere new and quality time together without interruptions or worries.
Give It a Go!
If you've never tried a dog walking field, I challenge you to give it a go. You might use it twice a year when your bitch is in season, every weekend if you have a reactive dog or as an occasional treat like we do.
Before we had these magical spaces, dog owners with reactive pets were walking at 5am to avoid encounters, nervous owners were keeping their dogs permanently on the lead and the rest were just hoping their dogs would eventually come back! We're lucky to have this option available to us now.
Whether you're looking for a training space, a stress-free adventure or just somewhere to enjoy your dog's company without interruptions, there's a perfect field out there waiting for you both.
If I’ve managed to persuade you and you’re local, check out our 2.2-acre space, The Potterings. Located in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, you and your pet can explore a variety of activities or just run free in a relaxing, fenced environment.
If you’d like to learn more about
The Potterings or share your experiences of private dog walking spaces, head over to our
Potter Paws Facebook Group. We’re a friendly bunch of dog owners sharing tips and tales about all things dog related. We’d love to see you there!
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