Should You Use a Dog Field? The Pros and Cons Explained

Ever felt that familiar knot of anxiety tighten in your stomach as you approach a public walking spot with your gundog? The worry of an unexpected encounter, the fear of a recall gone wrong, or simply the desire for a moment of pure, unadulterated freedom for your dog. You’re not alone, my friend. Many of us have been there, and that’s where the allure of a secure dog field often comes in. This week on Found It, Fetched It, myself, Jo Perrott, and LWDG Group Experts Samantha Thorneycroft-Taylor and Jemma Martin, delved deep into the world of secure dog fields. Are they the training saviour we’ve been looking for, or can they inadvertently hold us back? Let’s explore how to make these fantastic resources truly work for you and your gundog.

The Freedom Factor: Why We Love Secure Dog Fields

There’s no denying the immediate relief that washes over you when you step into a secure dog field. It’s a feeling of safety, a moment to breathe, and a chance for your dog to truly stretch their legs without the constant vigilance required in public spaces.

A Safe Haven for Confidence

For many gundog owners, especially those with young, boisterous, or reactive dogs, secure fields are a game-changer for confidence. As Sam highlighted, “The main benefit is the owner handler confidence because it means that they can then take the next step in their training.” Knowing that your dog isn’t going to bolt across a road or disappear into the distance if a recall isn’t perfect is invaluable. It allows you to relax, and that relaxation translates directly to your dog. Jemma added that it gives you “the ability to manage distractions in the environment as well. ‘Cause you know that someone’s not just gonna pop around the corner with their dog.” This controlled environment is perfect for building foundational skills without the pressure of the unknown.

Beyond the Open Field: Hidden Benefits

It’s not just about the fences, though. Many secure fields offer more than just an open space. Some boast varied terrain, rough patches of grass that might hide the odd bird or rabbit, allowing you to practice your dog’s responses to natural wildlife scents in a contained setting. “It gives you the ability to practice the correct responses from your dog in those situations,” Sam explained, “and also the confidence that if it does flush a bird or if it does flush a rabbit, it’s not just gonna keep running into the distance.” Beyond nature, many fields are equipped with shelters, agility equipment, or even climbing frames, offering opportunities to engage your dog in new and exciting ways that you might not have access to elsewhere. For some, it’s simply the first time they’ve truly been able to enjoy a walk with their dog, free from the constant worry of public interactions.

The Hidden Traps: When Secure Fields Hold You Back

While the benefits are clear, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential pitfalls. Without a mindful approach, secure dog fields can inadvertently create habits that hinder your gundog’s progress in the real world.

The False Sense of Security

The biggest danger, as Sam pointed out, is when owners “take a huge sigh of relief and they go, right, I’m gonna let my dog off and my dog can now go and do whatever it wants for 30 minutes or an hour.” In this scenario, your dog is rehearsing behaviours that are undesirable outside the field – ignoring commands, not paying attention, and simply having a “blowout.” Jemma echoed this, explaining that dogs quickly learn the boundaries of the field. “Quite often you get this false sense of security that your dog’s doing really well and it’s listening and it’s coming back. And then you take them out and they go, well, hey, we are not in the secure field anymore. I don’t have boundaries. I can go further.” This can lead to a “pen wise” dog, one that behaves perfectly in the secure environment but struggles elsewhere, creating a frustrating cycle for owners.

The Cost of Comfort

Another aspect to consider is the financial commitment. Secure fields, while beneficial, come with a price tag. If you find yourself relying on them daily, the costs can quickly add up, potentially ranging from £50 to £100 a week. This can lead to a different kind of trap: either overspending or, conversely, restricting your dog to a short lead for most of the week, only to give them a “massive blowout” day in the secure field. This inconsistent approach can confuse your dog and prevent them from generalising good behaviours to different environments. It’s about finding a balance that supports consistent, progressive training, not just occasional bursts of freedom.

Making Them Work For You: A Stepping Stone to Success

So, how do we harness the power of secure dog fields without falling into these traps? The key lies in intentional, goal-oriented use. Think of them as a valuable tool in your training kit, not the entire toolbox.

Intentional Training for Real-World Results

As Sam wisely advised, “Always bearing in mind that when you are using them, you always want to use them with your future goal in mind.” If your ultimate aim is a reliable recall anywhere, then you must practice that within the secure field. Jemma stressed the importance of avoiding “gray areas” for your dog. “It needs to be black and white with them wherever you go. Wherever they’re off lead, there’s no point trying really, really hard to keep your dogs nice and close six of the days of the week, and then on the seventh day, they go to the secure field and they’re two acres away having their best life ignoring you.” Use the secure field to progress specific training elements, like retrieve work, steadiness, or building distance, especially if your dog struggles with concentration in busier public areas. It’s a controlled environment to solidify skills before introducing more distractions.

Your Safety Net for Progress

Consider the secure field as a stepping stone. Start with exercises you’ve practiced on a long line, then gradually introduce off-lead work, knowing you have that extra layer of security. If you encounter a problem in the real world, you can always “step back inside the field… and start working on rectifying that before we take it back out,” as I mentioned. It’s a place of safety to reinforce desired behaviours. You can even invite friends with their dogs to train together, helping your gundog get used to working alongside others in a controlled setting. As Sam perfectly summarised, it can be “either a stepping stone of progression or it can be a place of safety if you’ve come up against an issue that you need to go back and you need to work through.”

Conclusion

Secure dog fields are a fantastic resource for gundog owners, offering a unique blend of safety, freedom, and controlled training opportunities. However, their true value lies in how we choose to use them. Approach them with intention, always keeping your long-term training goals in mind, and never let them become a crutch for undesirable behaviours. Remember, progress over perfection! Every small, intentional step you take with your gundog, whether in a secure field or out in the world, is a victory. For more insights and inspiration, listen to the full episode. And if you’re finding an older dog difficult to handle, don’t forget to download our Calm Dog Blueprint – it’s a fabulous structured support tool to help you calm yourself and your dog.