What Is a Secure Dog Field? And Why Use One Over a Countryside Walk.
In short: A secure dog field is a fully fenced field you book privately, so your dog can run off lead with no livestock, traffic or other dogs around. It's a safe alternative to countryside walks, especially for reactive dogs, dogs with unreliable recall, and during lambing and nesting season.
Most dog owners know the feeling. You reach the perfect spot on a countryside walk, unclip the lead, and then spot sheep over the hedge, a cyclist round the bend, or another dog heading your way. The lead goes straight back on.
That's where secure dog fields come in. They've become one of the fastest-growing options for dog owners across the UK, and for good reason.
What is a secure dog field?
A secure dog field is a fully fenced, private field that you book by the session, so your dog can run off lead in complete safety. You have the field to yourself for your booked time, with no other dogs, people, livestock or traffic.
Most secure fields share a few key features:
High, secure fencing all the way round, so even keen jumpers and escape artists stay in
Private bookings, usually for a set session length
Off-lead freedom for running, sniffing, playing and training
On-site parking, so you go straight from the car to the field
At Paws in the Park, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, that means 2 acres enclosed by a 6-foot fence and surrounded by mature woodland, booked privately in 50-minute sessions.
Why use a secure dog field instead of a countryside walk?
A secure field gives your dog true off-lead freedom without the risks that come with open countryside. Here are the main reasons owners choose one.
1. No livestock. Much of the countryside is working farmland. Under the Countryside Code, dogs should be on a lead around farm animals, and on open access land your dog must be on a lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July, even if no animals are in sight. Since March 2026, owners whose dogs worry or attack livestock in England and Wales face unlimited fines, up from a £1,000 maximum. In a secure field, there's simply no livestock to worry about.
2. No traffic. Country lanes rarely have pavements, and a dog that bolts after a rabbit or deer can be on a road in seconds. A fully fenced field takes that risk away.
3. No surprise encounters. On public paths you never know who's coming: off-lead dogs, horse riders, cyclists or children. With a private booking, it's just you and your dog.
4. No wildlife to chase. Spring and early summer is nesting season for ground-nesting birds, and many dogs find deer, hares and pheasants impossible to ignore. A secure field lets them run without disturbing wildlife.
5. Real off-lead exercise, all year round. Lead walks are great for sniffing, but many dogs need to properly sprint to burn energy. A secure field gives them that freedom whatever the season.
6. Peace of mind for you. You don't need to scan the horizon or call your dog back every few minutes. You can relax, play and enjoy the time together.
Which dogs benefit most from a secure dog field?
Every dog can enjoy a secure field, but they make the biggest difference for:
Reactive or nervous dogs, who can exercise without the stress of meeting other dogs or people
Rescue dogs still building trust and confidence in new surroundings
Puppies and young dogs learning recall in a safe space before trying it in the open
Dogs with a high prey drive, such as sighthounds, terriers and gundog breeds
Senior dogs who prefer a calm, quiet space at their own pace
Dogs recovering from surgery or injury, when your vet says they're ready for gentle off-lead time
Multi-dog households, where keeping track of several dogs on an open walk is hard work
Are countryside walks still good for dogs?
Absolutely. Long walks give dogs new smells, new sights and steady exercise, and they're good for us too. A secure field isn't a replacement for every walk; it's the piece that's often missing.
Many owners use both: lead walks through the week, with a secure field session for proper off-lead running, recall practice or a calm space when the countryside is busy. Lambing and nesting season, from spring into summer, is when a secure field comes into its own.
At Paws in the Park you can do both in one trip. Book your session, then take a lead walk on the Burrough Court Loop or up Burrough Hill for panoramic views.
What should you look for in a secure dog field?
Not all secure fields are the same. Before you book, check:
Fence height and condition: 6 feet is a good benchmark, especially for big or athletic dogs, with no gaps underneath for diggers
Truly private bookings: make sure no other customers share the field during your session
Size: enough space for a proper run, not just a paddock
Setting: a quiet location away from busy roads, ideally with natural shelter
Parking and access: easy to reach, with parking close to the gate
Reviews and awards: what other dog owners say is the best guide, view Paws in the Parks Google Reviews.
Paws in the Park ticks every box. It's 2 acres with a 6-foot fence, privately booked, and was named British Dog Field of the Year 2024 for Professionalism, as well as Leicestershire Dog Field of the Year two years running in awards voted for by customers.
Frequently asked questions.
A visit is the perfect excuse for a full countryside day out in one of the most beautiful corners of the East Midlands. After your session, you could:
Grab a coffee at The Coffee Shop at Burrough Court, just 100m from the field
Walk up Burrough Hill for panoramic countryside views
Pick up local produce at Northfield Farm Shop
Explore the market towns of Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford
We welcome visitors from across Leicestershire and Rutland, from first-time puppy owners to dog trainers, families and breed meet-ups. For many, it becomes their dog's happy place.
Frequently asked questions
What is a secure dog field? A fully fenced, privately booked field where dogs can safely run off lead, with no other dogs, livestock or traffic.
Are secure dog fields good for reactive dogs? Yes. Because bookings are private, reactive dogs can exercise without meeting other dogs or people, which helps them relax and build confidence.
Do dogs have to be on a lead in the countryside? On open access land in England and Wales, dogs must be on a lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July, and around livestock at any time of year. Always follow local signs.
Can I use a secure field for recall training? Yes. It's one of the safest places to practise recall, because your dog can't run off if they get distracted.
Where is there a secure dog field near Melton Mowbray? Paws in the Park is at Burrough Court, Burrough-on-the-Hill, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 2QS. It's a 2-acre secure field with private 50-minute sessions.
Book your session
If you'd love to see your dog run free with nothing to worry about, a secure field is the answer. Fresh air, open space and complete peace of mind.