A secure dog field is a private, fully-fenced piece of land, usually 1 to 5 acres, that you book by the hour for the exclusive use of you and your dog. No other dogs, no surprises, no shouting "PLEASE HE'S FRIENDLY" across a public park.
We started using them years before we built PawSpot. Our last dog couldn't be trusted off-lead in the local park (anything smaller than a Spaniel was, in his eyes, a snack). Driving 40 minutes to a fenced field on a friend's farm became part of our weekend. Then we realised half the people in our village were doing the same thing. That's the whole pitch.
What makes a field "secure"?
The honest answer: it depends on your dog.
For most dogs, "secure" means:
- Stock fencing or post-and-rail at minimum 5ft, ideally 6ft — high enough that a normal-sized dog isn't going over
- A double-gated entrance (a small "airlock" between the outer gate and the field itself) so your dog can't bolt past you when you're letting yourself in
- No gaps at the bottom — a digger can be out in seconds if there's a missing fence panel or a gap behind a hedge
- No livestock in adjacent fields that your dog could chase or harass through the fence
If you've got a sighthound or a small breed who can squeeze through a 4-inch gap, you'll want to ask the field owner specifically about those things. A field that's "secure" for a Labrador isn't necessarily secure for a Whippet.
Who actually uses them?
Loads of people, but the most common reasons we hear:
Reactive dogs. Probably the biggest single group. If your dog can't cope with seeing other dogs at close range, barking, lunging, or just shutting down, a private field gives them somewhere to be a dog without anyone judging you or yelling at you.
Sighthounds and breeds with weak recall. Greyhounds, Salukis, Beagles, Spaniels. If you've ever watched a Greyhound spot a rabbit half a mile away, you know why people pay for fences.
Recall training. A long-line in a public field is fine, but eventually you have to drop the line. A secure field is where most people make the leap.
Puppies. Lots of new owners use them in the first six months, somewhere safe to do controlled off-lead time before a reliable recall is in place.
Older dogs and rehab. A controlled environment for dogs recovering from surgery, or seniors who don't want to deal with bouncy puppies in the park.
Anyone who just wants a quiet hour. No judgement here, sometimes you don't want to talk to anyone, and your dog doesn't want to be sniffed by a Cockapoo called Pickle.
What does it actually cost?
Most UK fields charge somewhere between £8 and £15 per hour for solo bookings, with London and the home counties at the top end and rural Scotland/Wales at the bottom. Some fields offer half-hour slots (£5–8) and most do a "bring extra dogs" surcharge of a couple of pounds per dog.
That sounds expensive until you compare it to a dog walker (£12–18 per walk) or daycare (£25–40 per day), and a field session is usually solo, off-lead, and entirely yours.
How long should you book?
For most dogs, 45 minutes to an hour is the sweet spot. Long enough for a proper run, sniff, and wind-down, short enough that you're not flogging a knackered dog around for the last 20 minutes.
If you've got a high-drive working breed (Collie, Mali, Spaniel), an hour goes quickly. If you've got a small or older dog, 30 minutes is often plenty.
What should you bring?
The basics:
- A long-line (50ft or 100ft) if you're still working on recall
- High-value treats, cheese, hot dog, whatever your dog actually loves
- A favourite toy or two
- Water and a bowl in summer
- Poo bags (always, this is the etiquette one that gets people complained about most)
- A towel for the car if it's been raining
Some fields have water troughs, agility equipment, or paddling pools, check the listing. Others are just a fenced field, which is sometimes exactly what you want.
How to find a good one near you
Look for a field that's:
- Within a 20-minute drive (you'll go more often)
- Honest about its fencing height and condition
- Easy to book (online, instant, not a WhatsApp back-and-forth)
- Reviewed by other owners
That's most of the reason PawSpot exists, but you can also find fields through Facebook groups, farm-shop notice boards, and word of mouth at your local training class.
FAQs
Are dog fields safe for puppies? Yes, as long as the fencing is appropriate for their size and the field is clean. Most owners wait until puppies have had their second vaccination before booking.
Can I bring more than one dog? Almost always yes, sometimes for a small extra fee. Check the listing, some fields cap it at 4 dogs per booking.
What happens if it rains? You go anyway. British dogs don't melt. Most fields don't refund for weather, but check the cancellation policy.
Can I let my dog meet another dog at the gate? No, and this is the big one. The whole point of a private field is exclusivity. The previous user might have a reactive dog, and you don't want to be the reason their session goes wrong. Always wait until the field is empty and the gate is closed.
Are dog fields better than dog parks? For some dogs, yes, particularly reactive dogs, sighthounds, and dogs in training. For social dogs who love meeting strangers, a dog park is fine and free. They serve different purposes.