If you’ve tried booking a secure dog field recently, you’ll know — there are now thousands of them across the UK.
At first glance, that sounds like heaven for dog owners like me (and my two ‘challenging’ dogs!). But the truth is: more doesn’t always mean better choice.
In fact, the explosion of new dog fields has triggered some really interesting shifts — for dog owners, for field owners, and for the entire industry.
More Fields, More Choices… or Are They?
When secure dog fields first popped up, dog owners were just grateful to have anywhere safe and private to exercise their dogs.
Maintenance standards? Amenities? Ease of booking? Those were luxuries, not expectations.
Fast forward to today, and dog owners can afford to be much more discerning.
With so many fields available, we now get to “vote with our paws” — picking fields that are clean, secure, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed.
Poorly maintained fields? Bad customer service? Lack of facilities?
Thanks, but no thanks. We simply move on to a better option.
Good Fields Are Thriving
Some farmers and field owners have started to worry:
“Has the market become saturated? Is it even worth it to open a new field?”
It’s a fair concern. But here’s what our data — and the conversations we’re having every day with field owners — show:
- The good fields are doing as well (if not better) than ever.
- Demand for quality experiences is up, not down.
Secure dog fields are no longer niche. Dog owners of all types — not just those with challenging dogs — are booking private fields for many reasons:
- Owners of young puppies needing safe early socialisation.
- Families wanting a relaxed walking experience.
- Seniors who prefer gentle, private walks with their older dogs.
- Enthusiasts training for sports or competitions in distraction-free environments.
In other words, the market has expanded, not shrunk.
The Natural Evolution of a New Industry
Yes, there’s some turbulence. Some dog field owners feel the squeeze of increased competition.
Yes, a lot of the “COVID puppies” are growing up and becoming easier to manage.
And yes, there will probably be fields that close their gates for good.
But that’s normal. This is what happens as any new industry stabilises.
The fields that aren’t keeping up — whether that’s poor maintenance, confusing booking systems, or lack of customer care — are either having to dramatically improve… or make way for better-run businesses.
And honestly? That’s a good thing.
It means dog owners are getting better experiences.
It means hard-working, quality-focused field owners are being rewarded.
(You can learn more about setting up a successful dog field in our comprehensive guide.)
The Numbers Tell an Exciting Story
Here’s what we’re seeing in the data from across the UK:
- Canine populations are still rising — but in interesting ways (more multi-dog households), with a broader demographic of owners investing in better dog experiences.
- Demand is expanding to include a much wider range of dog owners, not shrinking.
- The best fields continue to rise to the top — setting higher standards for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity
If you’re a dog owner?
You’re in a golden age — where you can be picky, confident that your dog deserves the very best.
If you’re a dog field owner who’s investing in a brilliant experience?
You’re in the right place. Your dedication will continue to pay off.
More choice isn’t a threat.
It’s an opportunity — for standards to rise, for experiences to get better, and for all of us (two- and four-legged alike) to enjoy the benefits.
Dog Owner?
🐾 Ready to find the best dog fields in your area? You can use the filters to select your county, range and look for any specific features you want from your field here.
Dog Field Operator?
If you are genuinely struggling and not just experiencing a seasonal blip or the fallout from a shiny new field opening nearby, we have an online course you can work through. It’s easy to follow and we guarantee you’ll see some results if you follow the steps. You can read a bit more about that here.