In short: A countryside walk offers miles of paths and real-world training, but can bring livestock, roads and other dogs. A secure dog field is a fully fenced, privately booked space where your dog can run off lead safely. At Paws in the Park near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, you get a 6-foot fence, parking inside the field and the whole two acres to yourselves.
Secure Dog Field vs Countryside Walk: Which Is Right for Your Dog in Leicestershire?
A countryside walk gives your dog miles to explore. A secure dog field gives them the freedom to run flat out while you actually relax. Both have their place, and knowing the difference helps you choose the right outing for your dog on the day.
Here in rural Leicestershire, we're spoilt for footpaths and open fields. But for many dog owners around Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Leicester, a country walk also means livestock in the next field, a road just over the hedge and one eye on recall the whole time. That's exactly why we created Paws in the Park, our secure dog field at Burrough Court.
Countryside Freedom, With Peace of Mind: The Comparison
All the fresh air of a country walk, in a secure field where you can both truly relax. Here's how a secure dog field in Leicestershire compares with an open countryside walk.
Countryside freedom, with peace of mind comparison table.
| Feature | Paws in the Park | Countryside walk |
|---|---|---|
| Security | A 6-foot fence all the way round, with wire dug into the ground ✓ | Open fields, hedges and gates |
| Off-lead freedom | Room to run at full speed, safely off lead ✓ | Off lead where it's safe and recall is solid |
| Surroundings | No traffic and no unexpected encounters ✓ | Livestock, wildlife or roads may be nearby |
| Training | Room for training, enrichment and play ✓ | Real-world distractions to practise around ✓ |
| Outdoor space | Two acres of well-kept open space | Miles of paths and trails to explore ✓ |
| All year round | A secure space in every season, even the darker months ✓ | Shorter days can limit where you walk |
| Parking | Parking inside the field ✓ | Lay-bys or village car parks |
What Is a Secure Dog Field?
A secure dog field is a fully fenced, privately booked space where your dog can run off lead safely. You book a session online, and for that time the whole field is yours. No other dogs, walkers or surprises.
At Paws in the Park, that means:
A 6-foot fence all the way round, with wire dug into the ground so there's no squeezing under
Parking inside the field with a two-stage entry, so your dog can hop out of the car without a lead
Two acres of well-kept open space, framed by mature woodland
A shelter, a paw-washing and water point, and poop bins with bags
Private bookings only, so your dog never has to share
When a Countryside Walk Is Still a Great Choice
We'd never tell you to swap every country walk for a secure field. Leicestershire's footpaths are some of the best in the Midlands, and longer walks give your dog variety, new smells and real-world distractions to practise around.
But open countryside comes with things you can't control:
Livestock. Sheep and cattle graze much of the farmland around Melton Mowbray, and the Countryside Code asks you to keep dogs on a lead around them.
Roads and gaps. A hedge or open gate is all it takes for a chase to end near traffic.
Other dogs and walkers. Tricky for nervous or reactive dogs, and for owners who'd rather not be on high alert.
Shorter days. In autumn and winter, safe walking routes shrink as the light goes.
That's where a secure dog field fits in. Use it alongside your country walks, for the days when you want your dog to run free and you want to switch off.
Who Is Paws in the Park For?
Paws in the Park is for dog owners who want a calm, safe space where their dog can properly play without fear. It's especially loved by owners of:
Nervous or reactive dogs who need space away from other dogs and people
Rescues building confidence in a quiet, predictable setting
Puppies learning recall before they're trusted in open countryside
Senior dogs who prefer quieter surroundings
Multi-dog households who want everyone off lead together, safely
What to Expect at Paws in the Park, Burrough Court
Paws in the Park sits on the Burrough Court estate at Burrough on the Hill, near Melton Mowbray (LE14 2QS). It's an easy drive from Oakham, Leicester and the surrounding villages, and close to Burrough Hill Country Park.
Award-winning: Leicestershire Dog Field of the Year 2024 and 2025, and British Dog Field of the Year 2024 for Professionalism
Coffee nearby: The Coffee Shop at Burrough Court is just 100m from the field
Year-round: a secure space in every season, including the darker winter months
"Wow, myself and my little Loki had a great time. It was Loki's first time off the lead and he loved every second. The field was very clean and play areas for your dog to have fun. There is a cafe nearby so you can get a cold/hot drink and food. I will be booking it again on a regular basis." — The Quorndon Fox
Secure Dog Field FAQs
Where is the nearest secure dog field to Melton Mowbray? Paws in the Park is at Burrough Court, Burrough on the Hill, LE14 2QS, a short drive from Melton Mowbray town centre.
Is a secure dog field good for reactive dogs? Yes. Every booking at Paws in the Park is private, so your dog has the whole field to themselves with no other dogs or people.
Do I need to put my dog on a lead at the field? No. You park inside the field and our two-stage entry means your dog can get out of the car straight into a secure space.
Can I use a secure dog field in winter? Yes. Paws in the Park is open year round, giving you a safe off-lead space even when the evenings are dark.
Is there anywhere to get a coffee? The Coffee Shop at Burrough Court is just 100m from the field open Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm (excluding Bank Holidays, and from 24th December - 4th January)
Book Your Private Session
Give your dog countryside freedom, with peace of mind. Book a private session at Paws in the Park, Leicestershire's award-winning secure dog field near Melton Mowbray.