You have booked your first session. Now the questions start. What do I bring? What if my dog will not come back? What if someone else is there? If your dog is nervous or reactive, those worries can almost put you off going.

This guide walks you through a first visit from start to finish, so you can arrive relaxed and let your dog enjoy it.

Before you go

Check the fence height of the field you have booked. If your dog can jump or climb, choose a field with 6ft fencing. Each site page lists the fencing: Basildon, Upminster, Great Bromley, Eight Ash Green and Colne Engaine.

If your dog is nervous, pick a quieter time for your first session, such as a weekday. Read the field rules so you know what to expect.

What to bring

Water and a bowl.
Poo bags.
Treats and a favourite toy.
A long line, if recall is still a work in progress.
A towel for wet days.

When you arrive

Park, and keep your dog on the lead. If the previous visitor is still leaving, wait by your car until the gate is clear. Walk through the gate and shut it behind you. If there is a double gate, close the first one before you open the second.

Before you unclip, walk the fence line together on the lead. This lets your dog take in the new smells and lets you check the space. It also helps a nervous dog settle.

Unclipping the lead

When your dog seems calm, unclip and let them go. Some dogs run straight away. Others stay close for the first few minutes. Both are normal. Keep your voice calm and let them find their own pace.

If you are working on recall, keep the long line on to start with. Our recall training guide explains how to build it up.

During your session

Let your dog sniff, run and play. Sniffing is good exercise for the mind, so there is no need to keep them moving all the time. Practise a few easy recalls, with a treat and a release back to play each time. Keep an eye on the time so you are not rushed at the end.

Leaving the field

Call your dog back with a few minutes to spare. Clip the lead on before you open the gate, pick up after your dog and leave the gate as you found it. The next owner may have a nervous dog too, so leaving on time helps everyone.

After your first visit

Many dogs go home tired and settled. If your dog was unsure, that is fine. A second visit to the same field is often easier, because the place is already familiar. Booking a regular slot builds that confidence week by week.

For more help with an anxious dog, read our tips for reactive dogs in a private field.

Book your first session in 3 steps

Pick your field online. It takes about 2 minutes.
Arrive, go through the gate and shut it behind you.
Unclip the lead and let them run.

Compare every site on our dog fields page.

Your First Visit to a Private Dog Field: What to Expect