Frequently asked questions
Secure Dog Field FAQ’s
This page is dedicated to answering the usual questions we receive from our dog owners when using the secure dog field.
Will my session be just for me and my dogs?
Your booked session is just for you and your dog and anyone else you want to bring and their dog/s up to the number of dogs permitted on your booking. We have clear entry and exit rules to prevent crossover of dogs in the car park or field.
We ask that you allow yourself plenty of time within your session to put your dogs on leads and put them in the car so you can leave at the time your slot ends ready for the next user to enter.
We want to prevent dogs meeting in the car park as some dogs may be nervous or reactive.
How many dogs can I bring?
We accept a maximum of 8 dogs at any one time. Please ensure you have selected the correct booking for the number of dogs you are bringing and leave plenty of time to get your dog’s back into your vehicle ready to leave before the next slot.
How secure is your field?
All our fences comply with the standard recommended height for secure dogs fields of 1.8m, so if you think your dog is able to jump higher than this its important you do not let them off lead in the field.
We also have rabbit wire round the base of the fence to ensure smaller dogs can’t get through.
There is a coded lock on all three access gates – two vehicle gates and a pedestrian gate. The road can get busy so it is the responsibility of all customers leaving their session to ensure their dogs are secured before they open the main access gate.
For those customers waiting to come into the car park please do not open the gate if there are cars in the car park.
CCTV
We have CCTV which covers the entrance to the car park and road to allow us to ensure the site is only accessed by customers.
What if I can’t make my slot?
We completely understand things can change so if you can’t make your slot reschedule to a time you can make. You can do this up to 12 hours before the time you were due to come.
If you want to cancel, we can do this up to 24 hours before your slot. After this time, we are not able to issue a refund.
What facilities do you have on site?
We currently have some enrichment equipment for dog use only. We also provide drinking water, poo bags and poo bins. There is a bench and a picnic table to sit and enjoy the views.
Are there livestock nearby?
There are sheep and cows in the fields around Hounds Haven but we have taken steps to leave a good sized channel between our secure fences and the stock fences and we are leaving the grass long in this area, so it provides a natural barrier.
These channels cannot be accessed other than by the Hounds Haven team for maintenance purposes.
My dog is reactive – is your field suitable?
Every dog is different and you know your dog best and what can trigger a reaction so you will need to ensure the field is suitable for your dog to enjoy off lead time. However, we are happy to discuss further with you if you have any specific questions that are not included on our website or social media pages.
There are livestock in the surrounding fields with a channel between the fences. You may also occasionally see people walking with or without dogs along the road depending on the time of day. We have left a significant channel between the pavement boundary and our secure fencing and have left the grass long in this area to provide a natural barrier.
We also have clear entry and exit rules to avoid crossover of dogs in the car park.
Is there somewhere I can park?
We have a dedicated waiting area outside the main gate that can accommodate 2 cars where you can wait until the person using the field before you are ready to leave. If your group has 3 or more cars, please do not park on the road to wait. Members of your group can go down the hill towards Hadfield a short distance and park safely and appropriately on the road whilst they wait for the car park to become available.
There is a parking area that is fully secure when the main gate is locked and can accommodate 4 cars comfortably. Please keep your dog/s on a lead until you access the field through the pedestrian gate. If you have an XL bully or other banned breed they need to remain on a lead and muzzled until inside the field with the gate locked. There is also an infield parking area for one car.
Do you accept XL Bullies, and other banned breeds?
All dogs are welcome. We just ask that you follow the required government guidelines that are detailed in full on our ‘RULES‘ page.
