Walk Together, Heal Together: The Mental Health Benefits of Secure Dog Fields for Humans and Their Dogs

Spending time in nature with your dog is not only a joy; it is a powerful tool for improving both your wellbeing and your dog's. While secure dog fields like Poundon Pastures are often viewed as places for dogs to run freely, practise recall, or burn off energy, the benefits extend well beyond the lead. Research in both human psychology and canine behaviour demonstrates that time in natural, secure environments has significant mental health benefits for owners too.

This post explores the science behind why spending time with your dog in safe, open, outdoor spaces is beneficial for both ends of the lead.

1. 🌿 Green Space Exposure Improves Human Mental Health

Spending time outdoors, particularly in green, natural environments, has consistently been linked to improved psychological wellbeing in humans. A large-scale study published in Scientific Reports (White et al., 2019) found that people who spent at least 120 minutes per week in nature reported significantly better health and mental wellbeing than those who did not.

Secure dog fields offer this nature exposure in an accessible, structured, and low-pressure way, especially for those who might feel anxious in crowded parks or unpredictable public spaces.

At Poundon Pastures, surrounded by open countryside and quiet hedgerows, even 1 hour of playtime can help lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and provide a mental reset.

2. 🐶 Bonding with Dogs Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Interacting with dogs is scientifically proven to have psychological and physiological benefits for humans. Studies have shown that oxytocin (the hormone responsible for social bonding) increases during positive human–animal interaction, while cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases.

Spending focused time with your dog, playing fetch, practising recall, or simply walking at your own pace in a secure field, strengthens the emotional bond. Unlike public walks, where owners may be constantly alert to other dogs or traffic, secure fields offer peace of mind and allow for calm, present interaction.

3. 🤝 Quality Time Builds Trust and Enhances Behaviour

A secure field creates opportunities for deeper engagement that builds trust between dog and owner. Without the distractions of other dogs, bikes, or off-lead encounters, owners are typically more relaxed and able to respond more sensitively to their dog’s cues.

This type of safe, uninterrupted interaction promotes training that is relationship-led rather than reactive. Over time, it contributes to improved communication, a stronger bond, and more effective recall and behaviour outcomes.

4. 🚶 Encourages Healthy Habits and Outdoor Activity

For many dog owners, particularly those managing reactivity or behavioural issues, walks can feel like a source of stress rather than enjoyment. The result is often reduced outdoor activity, which is known to contribute to low mood, weight gain, and reduced overall wellbeing.

Secure fields remove many of these barriers. They encourage owners to walk more regularly, stay outdoors longer, and engage in activity with less stress or anticipation of unwanted encounters. Regular access to these spaces supports cardiovascular health, mental resilience, and better sleep patterns.

5. 🧠 A Safe Space for Neurodiverse and Mental Health Communities

For individuals with autism, PTSD, anxiety disorders, or sensory sensitivities, public parks can be overwhelming. The unpredictability of off-lead dogs, sudden noise, and social interaction may feel intense or unsafe.

Secure dog fields provide a controlled, private, and quiet environment where people can enjoy their time with their dog on their own terms. At Poundon Pastures, many of our regular visitors include people who identify as neurodivergent or who are in mental health recovery. They find that having access to a safe outdoor space improves their ability to manage stress, practise grounding techniques, and spend meaningful time with their dogs.

Oxfordshire’s Space to Breathe

Serving owners across Bicester, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, and surrounding areas, Poundon Pastures is more than just a dog park. It is a quiet sanctuary where both dog and owner can decompress, connect, and build confidence in a way that benefits their mental and emotional health.

Whether you're managing a reactive dog, need a space to safely practise training, or simply want 1 hour in nature with your best friend, secure fields like ours offer a well-evidenced way to support the wellbeing of everyone involved.

References

1. White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., et al. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 7730. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

2. Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human–animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234

3. Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3947–3955.