5 good reasons to visit a Secure Dog Field
Over the last few years, secure dog fields, that dog owners can book and pay to use, have been popping up throughout the local area. There were none around when I first started dog walking, but now they are really popular with dog owners and professional dog walkers alike.
I am going to go through 5 good reasons to visit a secure dog field, tell you a little about some facilities that are local to Easingwold and the North York area and then suggest somewhere special to visit if you fancy a little road trip with your dog.
But before I dive in, I will say, be careful how you use a secure dog field. Bumper play sessions at a dog park, with a dozen plus dogs can be a recipe for reactivity. The enclosed space and too many dogs can create a pressured situation and be uncomfortable for some dogs. I’m also not a massive fan of play sessions with random owners and their dogs, unless they are supervised by a knowledgeable pet professional. The chances of having an opinionated owner with antiquated ideas, advising that the dogs should be left to sort themselves out if there is any tension is just too high. Someone needs to be present who can read canine body language and canine behaviour and who will step in, before anything escalates.
5 good reasons to visit a Secure Dog Field
- For you and your dog to decompress and enjoy a stress free dog walk together. If you have a fearful dog or one that can be reactive, taking a break from walks where you are constantly scanning for and managing triggers will do you both the world of good. Let your dog sniff and simply enjoy some quality time together, safe in the knowledge you won’t encounter one of the “it’s ok he’s friendly’ brigade.
- For training your dog. Secure dog fields are brilliant for dog training. You can take that step to move training on from the home environment, up the new smells and maybe have some distractions in the nearby fields, but still have a safe, controlled environment. It’s the perfect in between step from training at home to going into a public space and will help set you and your dog up for success!
- Your dog is recovering from injury or surgery. Booking a private dog walking field, gives you the chance to gently exercise your dog, while knowing they won’t be pounced on by another dog, nor will they be tempted to join in a game of chase if they are off lead.
- Your dog has a high prey drive or unreliable recall. There are lots of amazing dog owners, who put in tonnes of work with their dogs and who recognise and accept it is only safe for their dogs to go off lead in a secure dog field. Shout out to those owners – I for one, love that vibe!
- Just for fun. Lots of the private dog walking fields have tyres, logs, tunnels, balancing platforms… loads of great stuff for playing and practising some canine parkour with your dog. Fill your treat bag and go do some log hopping!
5 Secure Dog Fields around Easingwold and North York
Corners K9 Fields, North Moor Road, Easingwold
Corners K9 Fields in Easingwold can be accessed on foot from Millfield Lane or by car it is just a few minutes from the town centre and the A19. There are four fields to choose from, all around two acres in size and secure with six-foot fencing. Two of the fields have some purpose-built enrichment – weave poles, tunnels, tyres to jump through etc. Two of the fields are more natural and ideal for training. You can drive in and park safely behind the gates in all the fields, before you begin your dog walk or dog training session.
Flaxton Dog Park, Cross Lane, Flaxton
Flaxton Dog Park is just 3 miles from Strensall and is easily accessible from the Sheriff Hutton area, York and the A64. There are two dog walking fields to choose from. Both around 1.5 acres and surrounded by six-foot fencing. There is dog play equipment in both fields and again you can drive in and park on the hard standing.
https://www.flaxtondogpark.co.uk/
Narrow Lane K9 Play, Narrow Lane, Nr Wigginton
There is just one secure field at Narrow Lane K9 Play, making it ideal for those with reactive dogs. The field is around two acres, there is hard standing parking and play equipment like tunnels, weaves, tractor tyres and mounds of earth. Located just a couple of minutes from Wigginton, Narrow Lane K9 Play is easy to get to from the York and Easingwold area.
https://www.facebook.com/narrowlane2020/
York Dog Park, Back Lane, Knapton
York Dog Park is a private dog walking field in Knapton, just outside York, about an acre in size. It is fully fenced with six-foot deer fencing and rabbit netting underground. There are logs, tyres and agility equipment for you to use while you walk your dog there.
https://www.yorkdogpark.co.uk/
And if you fancy a little road trip away from Easingwold….
Hopewell Dog Park, Knaresborough
There are four options to choose from for a dog walk at Hopewell. All of them have secure fencing and gates. The Adventure Field – 1.2 acre dog walking field with loads of enrichment activities (logs, stones, tyres, sandpit, paddling pool). There is privacy netting/screening to the next door Obedience field – this dog walking field is about an acre and has a full set of agility equipment.
The Barn is available to hire to exercise your dog indoors. Perfect for dark nights and horrible weather. The barn is a great option for providing your dog with stimulation in the winter months, with its foam floor and platforms, tunnels, weaves to enjoy.
But the real reason it is worth making a special trip to Hopewell, is for the secure Woodland & Meadow that is available to hire for dog walking. Three acres of woodland and meadow, all safe, secure and private. There are laid paths, more rugged sections, a paddling pond and dog wash area. This facility is really popular with professional dog walkers and dog owners too, so if you fancy visiting, plan ahead!
And if you do take a little road trip from Easingwold to visit, don’t worry if you forget to take a brew, (or think you might end up having to have a wild wee). There are facilities on site and also hot drinks and snacks available to purchase from The Walk Inn!
TOP TIP – visit on a Tuesday to grab a Cheaper Tuesday bargain. Or if you want to use one of the Obedience or Adventure fields without anyone using the field next door – book on a Wednesday for sole use on No Worries Wednesday!
https://www.hopewelldogpark.com/
For secure dog fields throughout North Yorkshire and the rest of the UK check out https://www.dogwalkingfields.com/
For Dog Walking Services at Good Karma Canines click here. Dog Walking and Puppy Socialisation services are available from Easingwold to Sheriff Hutton including – Sutton on the Forest, Whenby, Crayke, Brandsby, Stillington, Farlington, Huby & Wigginton