A secure dog field is a private, fully-fenced piece of land, usually 1 to 5 acres with 5–6ft stock fencing and a double-gated entry, that you book by the hour for the exclusive use of you and your dog. No other dogs, no surprises.
Why people use them
Most secure dog field bookings come from one of four owner types:
- Reactive dog owners — somewhere their dog can decompress without other dogs in sight
- Sighthound owners (Greyhounds, Lurchers, Whippets), the only safe place to actually gallop
- Recall trainers — controlled environment to drop a long-line for the first time
- Multi-dog households — exclusive off-lead space without managing other people's dogs
What "secure" means in practice
For most dogs:
- 5–6ft stock fencing with no gaps at the bottom
- A double-gated entry ("airlock") so dogs can't bolt past the owner
- No livestock in adjacent fields
- A flat or gently sloping usable surface, ideally 1+ acre
For sighthounds, jumpers, or determined small breeds, 6ft+ fencing is standard.
Typical UK pricing
Most fields charge £8–18 per hour for solo bookings depending on region. London commuter belt sits at the top end; rural Scotland and Wales at the bottom.
Related terms
- Long-line, the lead style that pairs with secure field hire
- Reactive dog, the largest group of secure field users
FAQs
Are secure dog fields safe for sighthounds? Yes, pick fields with 6ft+ solid fencing, no horizontal rails, and no gaps at the bottom. Sighthounds rarely jump but they can climb and squeeze.
How long should I book? 45 minutes to an hour suits most dogs. Sighthounds and small dogs are often happy with 30 minutes.
Are dog parks the same thing? No, dog parks are public, shared, and free. Secure dog fields are exclusive, booked, and paid. Different products for different needs.