Not every dog needs the same field. A young sprinter, a nervous rescue and a 12 year old who likes a slow sniff all want different things. Pick the wrong field and your dog may not settle. Pick the right one and you can relax from the moment the gate shuts.

Here is what to look for, and how our sites compare.

1. Fence height

This matters most if your dog can jump or climb. Every one of our fields is fully fenced, and the height varies by site:

6ft fencing: Eight Ash Green, both fields at Great Bromley, Fields A and B at Basildon and Fields A and B at Upminster.
5ft fencing: Fields C and D at Basildon and Field C at Upminster.
4ft fencing: Colne Engaine.

If you are not sure what your dog can clear, choose 6ft.

2. Size and space

Fast, high energy dogs love room to stretch out. Fields C and D on Wash Road, Basildon are around 3.5 acres each and offer 110 minute sessions on weekdays. A smaller, quieter field, such as Field C at Upminster, can suit a dog who is unsettled by a big open space.

3. Features

Some dogs need something to think about as well as space to run. The Paw Patch at Great Bromley is our agility field, with tunnels, a seesaw, hurdles and weave poles. Colne Engaine offers a rural walk with views over the Colne Valley, which suits dogs who love to sniff and explore.

4. Off lead or on lead

If your dog is not ready to be let off, our Upminster leaded walking trail is a private nature trail where your dog stays on the lead throughout. It starts from £7 for 25 minutes, and it is a calm way to enjoy a walk with no crowds.

5. Session length and price

At Basildon and Upminster, enclosed field sessions are 25 or 55 minutes, from £10. At Great Bromley, Eight Ash Green and Colne Engaine, sessions are 55 minutes, £13 on weekdays and £15 at weekends. You see the exact price before you pay.

6. Location

The best field is one you will actually visit regularly. Our Basildon fields are handy for the A127 and towns such as Billericay and Wickford. Upminster is close to Romford and the M25. Eight Ash Green, Great Bromley and Colne Engaine are all near Colchester.

Which field suits your dog?

The jumper: any field with 6ft fencing.
The sprinter: Fields C and D at Basildon.
The busy brain: the Paw Patch at Great Bromley.
The nervous or reactive dog: a quiet weekday slot at a smaller field, plus our tips for reactive dogs.
The puppy: a 6ft fenced field for recall training.
The dog who is not ready off lead: the Upminster leaded trail.
The older dog: Colne Engaine or Eight Ash Green for a gentle wander.

Book 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.

New to private fields? Read what to expect on your first visit, or compare every site on our dog fields page.

How to Choose the Right Private Dog Field for Your Dog