Do you dream of worry free walks? Secure dog fields could be the answer
For some owners dog walks can be stressful, especially for those who have reactive dogs or pets with a high prey drive that just love to run and run.
Imagine your dog being able to run free without the headache of other dogs or distractions. Maybe your pooch seizes an opportunity to chase squirrels in the park and you worry about them not coming back. Or you just want somewhere secure to train your dog. You need to hire a secure field.
Secure fields are available to hire for a whole host of reasons and there are certainly more and more popping up in our region.
With up to 6ft fencing set in quiet locations away from the many distractions of urban life, these are the ideal places to train your new puppy recall without the worry of them escaping.
Originally a field for hire were just that, fields with high fencing but many have seen a lot of improvements in recent years. Some boast swimming pools, toys and lots of fun equipment for you to use if you’re stuck for ideas of things to do with your dog.
Your dog can enjoy the freedom to run around and sniff to their hearts content and ‘be more dog’ without them encountering the scary things that make them anxious. The concept has become so popular that there is a dedicated website where you can find a secure field. Visit the dog walking fields’ website and simply enter your postcode to find your nearest location: www.dogwalkingfields.co.uk
Many are located in the stunning countryside, why not hire out for a couple of hours and pack up the family and take a picnic? Take advantage of your own private, safe rural retreat for your whole family.
Here are our top picks of secure fields to hire in the region:
Puppy Paddocks, Norwich
Carleton End, Watton Road, Barford Norwich, NR9 4AR
Their motto is: “Safe play for all dogs-not just puppies.” With over two acres of secure field to hire and three separate paddocks, dogs will have the time of their life. There is agility play equipment, buddleia islands, a fenced diggy pit and sensory experience – perfect to practice recall training.
King’s Lynn Dog Field, King’s Lynn
Narborough, PE32 1JR
With a huge six acres to hire, the dog field really is the largest dog field in Norfolk. Your dog can explore trees, hedge and even have a go on the agility equipment in this huge, secure area. A six-and-a-half-foot fence and extra rabbit netting dug into the ground ensures your pooch is unable escape. www.kingslynndogfield.uk
Developing Dog Walks, Ely
Whitecross Road, White cross Farm, Wilburton, Ely CB6 3QB
Possibly one of the largest secure field in the UK, Developing Dog Walks is an impressive secure field covering over seven acres. Available to book for one off slots and monthly membership, you certainly won’t be stuck for things to do in this natural wildflower meadow with plenty of equipment for your dog to explore. A pond is added during the autumn to fill with rainwater over winter – perfect for mucky pups! www.developingdogs.co.uk/safe-dog-walks/
Four Paws Adventure Academy, Bedford
Water End, Cople, Bedford MK44 3TY
This two-acre secure field really is dog heaven. Set up just like a playground, there are so many activities for your dog to choose from. Good luck trying to get your dog to leave! Each session lasts one hour. www.fourpawsadventureacademy.co.uk/
K9 Park & Play, Baldock
Farrowby Farm, Hinxworth, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5EY
There are two parks too choose from. The first, safe, high fenced paddock, ideal for training without any distractions. The second park at the farm is a much larger space where dogs can stretch their legs and play on the obstacles. There’s shelter for owners on rainy days and even a wash down station for muddy days. www.k9parkandplay.com
BARKway Dog Park, Royston
Buckland Road, Barkway, Royston SG8 8HA
If you have a water loving pup, this is the place for you! There is a dog park and a dog field for safe playing and training purposes, but the star attraction of this location is the Canine Dip & Dive – a swimming pool for dogs! Available to hire for dog parties, solo splashing, puppy paddles, dip and dive and senior swims, it’s a great opportunity for dogs to exercise and stretch their muscles. Owners are welcome to hop in too, if you’re feeling brave enough. www.barkwaydogpark.wixsite.com/barkwaydogpark
Dolly’s Dog Field
Howland Farm House Rickling Road, Wicken Bonhunt, CB11 3UH
Located in a peaceful area, there’s no other dog walkers or livestock in sight. Here you can relax as your dog runs free through the flat field. There’s agility equipment and a ballpit for inquisitive pups and a paddling pool in the warmer months. www.dollysdogfield.co.uk
Crazy Dogs Playfield, Dunmow
Clapton Hall Lane, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1JF
Essentially a giant play park for dogs. The securely fenced field includes a seesaw, jumps, tunnel, ball pit with footballs, frisbees, hula hoops and sand pit for dogs who can’t resist a dig. There’s also a paddling pool to cool off during the warmer months. www.crazydogsplayfield.co.uk
Suffolk Run Free, Woodbridge
School Road, Monk Soham, Woodbridge IP13 7EN
With six acres to explore consisting of fields, a small wooded copse and ditches there’s definitely plenty of exciting things for your dog to sniff. Also available is a toy box, paddling pool and drinking areas all within the safety of 6ft fencing. www.suffolkrunfree.co.uk/
Fressingfield Dog Run, Eye, Suffolk
Yew Tree Farm, Cratfield Road, Fressingfield, Eye, IP21 5SH
It’s nothing but fun and frolics at this meadow. Covering almost six acres, the field is available to hire for 30minute and one-hour slots, group sessions and dog parties. Happy pups can run around, dig into the toy box or sniff out the agility play area. www.fressingfielddogrun.co.uk