The Value of Space: Why a Secure Dog Field Offers More Than Just Fencing

Enjoy the Moment with our views

When people search for a “secure dog field”, they’re usually looking for more than fencing and a gate. They’re seeking calm. They’re hoping for a place where their dog won’t be startled, overwhelmed or misunderstood. For many owners, it’s not just about the physical boundaries. It’s about the emotional safety those boundaries help create.

At Poundon Pastures, we see our field as more than a location. It’s a space for trust. For confidence building. For recovery. For joy.

What does “secure” really mean?

Security is often associated with 6-foot fencing and escape-proof gates, and for good reason. These are non-negotiables for many owners of sighthounds, rescue dogs or breeds with strong chase instincts. But even more than physical design, security also means freedom from unwanted encounters, unpredictable noise, or shared spaces that don’t respect your dog’s needs.

That’s why private booking matters. It gives you ownership of the space for that slot of time. No other dogs. No strangers. Just you and your dog, on your terms. (unless of course you've invited a friend!)

At Poundon Pastures, our fencing specification has been chosen with intent. The mesh measures 5 cm wide by 10 cm high, a pattern dense enough to prevent small animals like otters from passing through. The fencing is buried 50 cm into the ground to prevent digging or escape, and reaches 6 ft above ground level. It’s designed for safety, but also for peace of mind. We've also gone the extra mile with our air lock secure release pen, meaning that the double gate security is there all the time.

A private dog park supports reactive dogs differently

One of the most frequent messages we get is from people whose dogs are labelled “reactive”. For these dogs, and their owners, a walk in a typical public park can be a constant exercise in vigilance. You may plan every route to avoid triggers, leave early when another dog appears, or feel judged for using equipment like muzzles or long lines.

A securely fenced dog walking field offers an alternative. It gives reactive dogs space to breathe. They can decompress. Explore. Sniff. Run. Pause. There are no crowds, no collisions, and no need for apologies.

This kind of environment can be part of behaviour change, especially when used alongside support from a qualified force-free trainer. Calm, controlled access to open space helps many dogs reset their nervous system and gradually rebuild positive associations with being outside (McPeake et al., 2019).

Off-lead freedom builds better behaviour

Off-lead time isn’t a luxury. It’s a need. Dogs are social, intelligent animals with movement and scent-based brains. The ability to roam, sniff and move at their own pace allows them to regulate stress, improve recall and use their natural problem-solving instincts (Horowitz, 2009).

Yet off-lead access is becoming more limited. Public parks are increasingly restricted, and for good reason. Not every dog can be off-lead safely around livestock, bikes or children. But in a secure dog field, off-lead time becomes safe, predictable and low-pressure.

Many of our visitors use the space to practise recall in a secure area, where any hiccups don’t result in disaster. This kind of environment is particularly useful for young dogs, rescues or breeds that need space to move – from spaniels to shepherds.

It’s not just dogs who benefit

A secure field doesn’t only provide a safe place for dogs. It also provides peace of mind for the humans on the other end of the lead.

Many people who book our space are recovering from difficult experiences – their dog has been attacked in the past, or they’ve felt ashamed or scared walking in public. Others may be older, unwell, or supporting children during the walk. What they have in common is a desire for control, quiet and calm.

When people feel safe, they can slow down. They can engage with their dog, rather than constantly scanning the horizon. That connection – unhurried, present, and uninterrupted – is what makes the field more than just grass and fencing.

A countryside setting designed with purpose

Poundon Pastures is located overlooking the peaceful Oxfordshire countryside. We’ve deliberately kept the space simple: one enclosed field, for one dog or household at a time. This reduces sensory clutter and allows dogs to decompress naturally.

We offer water, waste bins, sensory areas and a wash-down area, but we don’t believe in overstimulation. Just a field, space and time.

In doing so, we create an environment where dogs can exhibit natural behaviours – sniffing, foraging, running and resting – which research has shown is directly linked to lower heart rates and improved welfare (Westgarth et al., 2019).

Final thoughts

The phrase “secure dog field” might bring up an image of fences and gates. And those things do matter. But what matters more is what those boundaries protect: time, trust and freedom.

Whether you’re training a young pup, supporting an older rescue, or simply looking for a place to walk without worry, a private, secure dog park offers something valuable. A pause. A breath. A chance to enjoy each other again, without looking over your shoulder.

If you’d like to experience it for yourself, our booking page is open.

Sources:

• McPeake, K., Collins, L. M., & Mills, D. S. (2019). The use of positive reinforcement training in the management of behaviour disorders. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 32, 36–42.

• Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.

• Westgarth, C., Christley, R. M., & Christian, H. E. (2019). How might we increase physical activity through dog walking? A comprehensive review of dog walking correlates. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(1), 26.