Hounds Haven

The Rules

By booking and using our secure dog field you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and to following the rules below. We know it can be boring but please take the time to read through these to make sure you, your dog(s) and fellow users have a safe and enjoyable time at our field

Hounds Haven white website logo
  • You can only use the field if you have booked a timeslot and received a confirmation email.
  • Bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours before your slot.
  • Bookings can be rescheduled up to 12 hours before your time. A refund will not be issued but you can book another slot to suit you.
  • This is a rural open space with natural features such as uneven ground, mud and puddles when wet. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions.
  • We accept a maximum of 8 dogs in the field at any one time. Please ensure you have selected the right type of booking for the number of dogs attending.
  • Dog Trainers & Dog Walkers, in charge of somebody’s dog(s) must have their own Public Liability Insurance & Care of Custody Insurance to cover any training & activities undertaken at Hounds Haven secure dog field.
  • When you arrive, please wait in the designated area outside the main gate so that the dogs using the field can exit it safely. This is to prevent dogs getting onto the road but also because some dogs may be nervous or reactive and we want everyone to have a good experience of using our field.
  • Do not enter the field or the car park until the previous user is in their vehicle with their dogs secured and ready to leave.
  • Dogs must be kept on a lead until safely in the secure field.
  • Close the gates behind you and secure them with the padlocks provided if you wish to do so or if your dog Is subject to BSL.
  • Do not leave your dog unattended in the field.
  • Dogs should wear a collar or harness and have an ID tag.
  • Please take any toys you use home with you including any damaged or broken ones.
  • Please do not throw balls near the road.
  • Choke chains, prong collars and other such devices are not permitted to be used in the field.
  • Pick up after your dog. Poo bags and poo bins are provided at different points around the field.
  • Don’t leave any litter or food waste in the field. Please take it away with you.
  • When you are leaving, please leave promptly. The time slot you have booked includes time to get your dog back into your vehicle to allow the next person to enter on time.
  • There are no dog washing facilities available on site.
  • Drinking water is provided for your dog, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
  • Verbal and physical abuse towards dogs or other users will not be tolerated.
  • No smoking including using vapes is permitted in the car park or field.
  • Please don’t let your dog bark excessively or dig in the field.
  • You are responsible for your own dog and any other dogs or people with you.
  • For every booked slot there must be a responsible adult (18 plus) present throughout the session.

Please make sure you have read the terms and conditions for the Hounds Haven Secure Dog Field Terms as by booking to use this field you are agreeing to the terms of condition shown on this page.

Liability

No responsibility will be taken by the Hounds Haven team for damage or injury, sustained to property, individuals or animals whilst using the field you are advised to insure your pet for all eventualities.

The enrichment/activity equipment is only for use by dogs and is used at your own risk.

All vehicles parked at Hounds Haven are left entirely at the risk of the owner, no responsibility for damage, theft or accidents can be taken by the Hound Haven secure dog field team.

 

Bookings

Bookings are made through the website.

Confirmation of your booking will be sent by email and will contain the date and time of your booking. if you do not receive our confirmation email, please check your junk folder  – if you do not receive an email confirmation the field is not booked so please contact us as soon as possible.

Bookings can be cancelled 24 hours before the start of your time slot, or can be rescheduled 12 hours before that time.

Cancellations within 24 hours will not be refunded.

 

Payments

Payments must be made through the online booking procedure and the secure payment platform, PayPal or stripe.

 

Cancellation policy

No extension is allowed for late arrival to the field.

No refunds are given for a no-show to a session booking. If you cannot attend, please rearrange your slot as per our booking policy.

The Hounds Haven team reserve the right to close the field at any time and a full refund will be given. Cancellation will be notified to anyone who has booked.

 

Health and welfare

It is recommended that all dogs using the field are fully updated with their vaccinations, and flea treatments.

The risk of tick’s and grass seeds is low as the grass will be cut on a regular basis, but this is a rural open space, so we advise owners to check their dogs.

If your dog is showing signs of ill health, please reschedule your appointment as per our booking policy.

 

Entering leaving the field

It is the responsibility of those using the field to book a slot, which allows enough time to get your dog(s) out of your vehicle, use the field and get them back into your vehicle within the timeslot

You must inspect the field to ensure is suitable for use by your dog.

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the gates are locked in the field.

When not in the secure field area dogs must always be kept on lead.

Please keep dogs in your vehicle until the previous users have secured their dog/s in their vehicle.

 

Children

Children are welcome at the field but must always be supervised by an adult. The enrichment activity equipment is only designed for dogs so if children are allowed to climb then they do so at their own risk.

 

Use of the Field

Hounds Haven reserve the right to withdraw permission to use the field at any time.

Dog trainers and dog walkers are welcome to use the field but must have their own Public Liability insurance and Care of Custody insurance cover for any training and related activity you undertake in Hounds Haven secure dog field.

 

Data

The Hounds Haven Team will only retain your contact details in order to allow them to contact you regarding your booking. This information is not used for any other purposes of shared to other parties.

If your dog is affected by the BSL restrictions, they are welcome to enjoy off lead time in our field with the following guidelines in place:

 

  • You must register your dog(s) Public Liability Certificate and Certificate of Exemption by uploading them to our booking platform.
  • You are not permitted to book the field for your dog, until we have received these documents.
  • Your dog must be neutered and microchipped.
  • When using the field, the gate must be locked using the padlock provided so your dog cannot get out.
  • Your dog must be muzzled and, on a lead, until you have entered the secure field closed the gate and secured the padlock. You can then remove the muzzle and unleash your dog.
  • If you have one dog subject to BSL but also have other dogs in the same household, they can come to the field together ensuring there is a minimum of one handler for the dog subject to BSL and one handler for the other dog(s).
  • If you have more than one dog subject to BSL they can come to the field together, but each dog must have its own handler who is aged over 16 years provided there is an adult over 18 present.
  • If you have a dog that is subject to BSL and you want to visit with dogs from another household your dog will have to remain muzzled and on lead within the field.

 

If you’re Trailing with us, please view the Trailing T&C’s tab that illustrates our guidance around dogs subject to BSL.

Users must inspect the field to make sure it is suitable for them and their dogs. Do not enter with your dog if you have any concerns at the site may not be suitable or secure enough for your dog.

The Hounds Haven team will inspect the field and fencing regularly for maintenance purposes. However, please notify us immediately if you have any concern.

You are responsible for:

  • the actions and behaviours of your dogs all times.
  • any injury or damage caused by your dog.
  • your own and your dog’s safety.

Hound Haven is not responsible for:

  • any injury or damage caused by your dog.
  • any injury caused to you or your dog.

The field is surrounded by fencing 1.8m high with rabbit wire along the bottom. Steps have been taken to make this secure, but we cannot guarantee that it is escape proof. Hounds Haven is not responsible for any escaping dogs.

We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will take immediate effect and it is the responsibility of our customers to read these.

All confirmed or pending bookings are subject to Hound Haven’s Terms and Conditions.

The Terms and Conditions set out an agreement between ‘you’ the owner and ‘Hound Haven’, ‘the service provider’.

These are governed by UK law.

  1. Bookings:

1.1 No booking is confirmed until the Terms and Conditions are accepted.

1.2 Payment is required in full before attending a trailing session or trailing related workshop.

 

  1. Attendance at a booked Session:

2.1 The customer must ensure they arrive at the right venue and at the correct time.

2.2 Should trailing sessions have to be cancelled due to bad weather or changes relating to COVID-19 the customers will be informed and alternative dates offered or a refund if no suitable alternative date can be agreed.

2.3 All dogs must always remain on lead, unless specified by the instructor, regardless of whether your dog has good recall and is friendly with other dogs.

2.4 We have a variety of dogs with differing needs that come to trailing sessions and we want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. Please do not allow your dog to interact/play with any other dogs, even if they are friendly. If you wish for your dog to play with another dog, please arrange to meet away from the trailing location.

2.5 The Service Provider accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss incurred by you, be that to personal property, belongings or a vehicle left whilst attending a Session.

 

3. Cancellations:

3.1 If you need to cancel your session please inform the Service Provider, allowing 48 hours’ notice.

3.2 Cancelled appointments within the 48-hour timeframe will not be refunded.

Insufficient numbers booked onto a trailing session or trailing related workshop may result in it being postponed or cancelled. In this instance, you will be notified of future dates. If this is not acceptable a full refund will be given.

3.3 Requests for a refund and any cancellations are made at the discretion of the Service Provider and a decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

 

  1. Confidentiality:

4.1 When you supply your details to the Service Provider, they are stored and processed for 2 reasons:

  • We need to collect personal information to provide our services safely and effectively and as such have a ‘Legitimate Interest’.
  • Provided we have your consent, we may email you news, updates, announcements and offers for our trailing sessions. You may withdraw this consent at any time by emailing us.

4.2 Your records are stored electronically and on our email systems  (password protected)  Only the following people will have routine access to your data: Sara Barnes

4.3 We will never pass your details on to other parties.

4.4 You have the right to see what personal data we hold about you, and you can ask us to correct any factual errors. Provided the legal minimum period has elapsed, you can also ask us to erase your records by emailing us.​​

 

  1. Vaccinations:

5.1 It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure your dog’s vaccinations or titre tests are current.

5.2 You may be asked to verify vaccinations or a titre test.

 

  1. Welfare and safety:

6.1 We accept no responsibility for any damage to, theft of, or from your vehicle. Please do not leave valuables in your car and never leave dogs unattended in a vehicle.

6.2 When arriving at trailing sessions or trailing related workshops please avoid meeting the other dogs on lead. Not all dogs like to be near other dogs when restrained on lead. Do not crowd any cars , doorways or gates and allow plenty of room for a dog to enter and exit.

6.3 Please be a responsible dog owner and always clean up after your dog. Take home or properly dispose of, all used poo bags.

6.4 Please consider others in the trailing session and switch off/silence your mobile phone.

  • We ask that you do not hold conversations on your phone.
  • Photography or video recording is not permitted unless agreed with the instructor
  • We may record for promotional purposes, however, please alert us if you do not wish to appear.

6.5 All dogs must be kept under the owner’s control and on a lead, except where specifically instructed by our instructors.

6.6 You are responsible for the conduct of your dog at all times.

6.7 We endeavour to run all trailing sessions and trailing related workshops in as safe and professional manner as possible but trailing is conducted in public spaces. However remote, dog trailing is not without risk therefore participation in trailing and trailing related workshops is at the owner’s risk.

6.8 Trailing is conducted in outdoor public spaces and dogs are required to rest in cars between trails. It is the owners responsibility to ensure the dog is comfortable and safe in the car in all weather conditions.

6.9 The Service Provider or any of its assistants, or helpers, are not responsible for any loss, injury or damage to any persons, or dogs attending a session, or to their property howsoever caused during the provision of trailing activities.

6.10 Owners are advised to have appropriate pet insurance cover that includes third-party liability insurance. The Service Provider has public liability and relevant business insurance to run trailing sessions and trailing related workshops providing adequate cover for our business liabilities.

 

  1. What to wear:

7.1 Trailing sessions are held outdoors, and terrain may be uneven and slippery in places. Trailing involves practical handling therefore appropriate shoes and clothing are recommended for the terrain and the weather conditions.

7.2 Please wear comfortable flat shoes for safety reasons, as you will be moving about. You may be required during trailing to get down on the ground therefore suitable attire is recommended.

 

  1. Our methods:

8.1 We practice kind, fair and effective techniques in all our training. Harsh handling of dogs is actively discouraged and the use of coercive or punitive methods, including but not limited to, shouting or smacking, are not permitted.

8.2 You agree not to use aversive equipment or devices and will not be permitted to attend a session with these.

8.2.1 No refund will be issued if you turn up for a session with such devices and are then not permitted to participate.

 

  1. Dogs unfit for class:

9.1 The welfare and safety of all dogs is paramount to us. Dogs in an unfit state of health due to illness, disease or injury cannot be brought to sessions.

9.2 Do not bring your dog to class if they have been in contact with an infectious disease, such as kennel cough or conjunctivitis.

9.2.1 If you are unsure about whether your dog is well enough to attend, please refer to your Vet.

9.3 Bitches in season are not permitted to attend a session.

9.3.1 Please notify us if you consider your bitch may come into season preventing attendance at a trailing session.

9.3.2 Refunds are not given, though we may offer alternative arrangements, such as deferring to another session.

 

  1. Dogs that are considered to be XL Bully type and/or ‘Dangerous’.

Have you registered your XL Bully with Hounds Haven? If you own an XL Bully, please contact Hounds Haven directly, before booking, to complete your dogs registration with us.

 

07310 226 776  –  https://hounds-haven.co.uk/contact-us/

 

10.1 If your dog is considered to be an XL Bully-type (or dangerous) as per government guidelines you are welcome to trail with us. This includes any dog that must be registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Dangerous Dogs (amended) Act 1997, or equivalent legislation.

10.2 You will need to ensure:

  • The dog is registered with the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED) and a copy of the life certificate should be provided before commencing trailing with us.
  • A copy of the public liability insurance certificate for the dog is provided before trailing with us.
  • The dog-handler ratio is 1:1 at all times, i.e. you, as the handler will only be able to handle one dog at a time.
  • The dog is neutered in line with government guidelines.
  • The dog is micro-chipped.
  • The dog is kept on lead and muzzled at all times in public — for trailing classes squeezy cheese makes a great reward that can be delivered through a muzzle.
  • The dog is kept in a secure place, so it cannot escape (i.e. safely and securely in your car when not trailing).
  1. Damage caused by you or your dog.

11.1 If you or your dog causes property damage, or your dog bites or injures any dog, animal or person (including but not limited to the Service Provider and the Service Provider’s agents), during or after the term of this agreement, then you, the customer agree to pay all resulting losses and damages suffered or incurred and to defend and indemnify the Service Provider and Service Provider’s agents from any resulting claims, demands, lawsuits, losses, costs or expenses, including legal fees. If the dog is injured in a fight or in any other manner during or after the term of the agreement, you, the customer assume the risk and agree that the Service Provider should not be held responsible for any resulting injuries, losses, damages, costs or expenses.

11.2 At the Service Provider’s sole election, trailing shall terminate if

(a) in the Service Provider’s sole judgment the dog is dangerous or vicious to the Service Provider or any other person or animal, or interferes with the trailing of other dogs, or

(b) you, the customer breaches any term or condition of this agreement.

Upon termination following the foregoing, the Service Provider’s duties shall terminate but all other provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

11.3 You must not knowingly book a dog that shows aggression or nervousness onto a trailing course or session, without first advising and discussing the details with the Service Provider.

11.4 If you do not advise us of potential problems and your dog shows aggression during a trailing session or workshop and the Service Provider feels it is unsafe for the dog to remain, you will not be entitled to a refund.

11.5 Please contact us if you are not sure whether a trailing session or workshop  is suitable for your dog. If you are unsure about the suitability of your dog for a trailing session and have not asked us to assess your dog before your attendance, you will not be refunded if your dog is unsuitable for the session you have booked.

11.6 If we have agreed to your dog attending but the dog is not suited to the trailing  environment, we may refund at our sole discretion.

Will not take responsibility for misinterpretation of advice.

Any injury to a person or a dog is the sole responsibility of the owner.

 

  1. External links:

12.1 Any external links via Hounds Haven Social Media page(s) or website are provided for convenience. Use of links or their content is at your own risk.​​

 

  1. Vouchers and offers:

13.1 Unless otherwise specified all vouchers are accepted at the discretion of the service provider and may be declined without reason.

13.2 Errors and omissions in the issue and use of any voucher are excluded from any offer and the voucher may be deemed null and void at the sole decision of the Service Provider

13.3 Vouchers may only be used once per person unless specifically stated otherwise at the point of any offer.

13.4 No cash or alternative is offered for unused vouchers or those unable to be applied for any reason.

13.5 Clause 13 in its entirety applies to all and every voucher or offer code unless specifically outlined in an individual voucher/offer terms and conditions

If you have any questions regarding these terms contact us before your session. Failure to comply could result in you being unable to trail with us.

Book your time

To book your secure dog walk simply navigate to our easy to use booking system and pay online with Paypal or Card.

8 Dogs Max

No more than eight dogs are allowed at any time. Every booking must have a responsible adult (18+) present. 

Park and Walk

Please keep all dogs on leads once parked so they can enter the secure field. Always keep the dog field gate closed.

Run FREE

There is lots for your dog(s) to enjoy in our safe and secure space, allowing you to relax, take in the scenery, and let them run free.

Bye Bye Poop

Kindly tidy up after your dog or dogs.  We have made poo bags and poo bins available on the site for you to use.

Stick to your Time

Wait outside the main gate if someone is using the field. READ: Access Rules. Please leave on time to ensure fairness for all users.

Close the Gate

The gates are there to keep the field secure and you and your dogs safe, please close them when entering or leaving.

Come Back

Enjoyed your visit? Book again.

FYI: You can book multiple slots in advance.

Run FREE + Safe

Let's Get Sniffing