What are Dog Parks or Secure Exercise Fields?
Dog Parks or Secure Fields are privately owned secure areas where dog owners can exercise their dogs safely off lead either in a group or on their own.
Mostly commercial ventures they can be rented out by the 1/2hr or hour, or even by the day and can vary in size from less than an acre to in excess of 8 acres with several field options available.
In addition to safe and secure fencing, todays secure fields are likely to have features to enhance the dogs’ natural instinct to run free and investigate their surroundings.
Water ponds and wooded areas may be part of the existing landscape which create their own appeal however many park owners are finding more creative ways to make your dogs visit both stimulating and fun.
These include agility equipment, tunnels, toys, even water sprays so it pays to investigate what each park offers before you book.
HOW CAN DOG PARKS HELP A TIMID OR NERVOUS DOG?
In the UK we have seen the demand for safe spaces to walk dogs increase as the countryside becomes more developed and in part because of the restrictions that Public Spaces Protection Orders can bring.
With the PDSA Paw Report 2023 reporting that 29% of UK adults have a dog with an estimated population of 11 million pet dogs, local dog walks are becoming busier and for a timid, sensitive, reactive or aggressive dog this can make their daily walk a challenge for pet and owner alike.
For dogs like these we recommend finding secure exercise fields that offer exclusive use…..which most do and an hour in the park with only you and your dog will give a much more rewarding and less stressful exercise session for both of you.
There is also the added opportunity of being able to work on training, building their confidence and your bond knowing that there is no risk of interruptions or distractions.
MY DOG HAS POOR RECALL CAN I TAKE IT TO A DOG PARK?
Not all dogs will return to their owners on command even with the best treats to hand and in a public space this can be both dangerous and frustrating. Even if you are progressing in training for improved recall , the knowledge that your dog could run off shouldn’t be overlooked by a responsible dog owner.
Secure Dog Fields do one thing really well – they prevent dogs from running off where they could become a danger to livestock, individuals and/or themselves. A dog field is the perfect place to take the dog that has poor recall as this will allow them time to exercise off lead.
INTRODUCING NEW DOGS TO THE FAMILY…
It can be a stressful time for your dog when there is a change to a its routine or environment, e.g. bringing a new dog into the family unit . Going to a Dog Park is a safe secure and non territorial way of introducing a new house mate giving both dogs a chance to discover each other on neutral ground and where there is space to escape each other if required.
Rehoming a dog brings different challenges than taking on a pup. Taking your new dog to the Dog Park can play a crucial part in uncovering your new dogs behavioural traits as its unlikely you will know much, if anything about your dogs past experiences which could spell disaster if you were to start to discover any unwanted or awkward issues in a public place with other dogs and people around.
Importantly, it will also give you the opportunity to bond with you’re your new dog in a safe secure environment.
SOCIAL INTERACTION…
As we know dogs are pack animals and most enjoy interaction with other dogs If your dog mixes well with other dogs then a trip to the dog park should be high on the agenda.
This can be organized by yourself with a group of friends or many parks offer open sessions.
Park owners will advise on the type of sessions they have available and may be able to offer sessions where they know the dogs in the park are of a social nature
