Field of Freedom - private dog walking field, for hire by the hour

27/03/2022

Hope you and your dogs are having a lovely day ❤️

They’ve taken an hour off our playing and eating time so get out there, dog mamas!

05/03/2022

DISTANCE ASSISTANCE
It’s not easy having a reactive dog. As much as we may feel frustrated, restricted, angry or even ashamed or embarrassed, our reactive dogs are also experiencing a range of negative emotions when they react to something that triggers them. A negative reaction is usually caused by fear or feeling threatened or frustrated. These emotions cause high levels of stress and stress prevents both us and our dogs from being able to learn a different, more positive way of reacting to whatever triggers us.
This is where the concept of creating enough distance is so important. I’m really scared of snakes and struggle to look at them. I panic, my heart pounds and I start sweating. The only thing I want to do is run away and create as much distance as possible between me and the snake.
If someone was restraining me, forcing me to look closely at the snake while trying to feed me my favourite chocolate (or any type of chocolate!), telling me there was nothing to worry about or trying to educate me about the specific species of snake, it would do nothing to alleviate my panic and would only increase my fear and stress levels.
Doing this at a sufficient distance, where I felt safe would be far more effective and my stress levels would be much lower. I may even eat the entire slab of chocolate! In time, with patience and practice, I may even be able to get much closer to the snake without having a negative reaction.
The same principle applies to reactive dogs. Creating sufficient distance where they can see the trigger but still feel safe, comfortable and don’t react is the best way of helping them to cope with their feelings. Distance decreases their stress levels, provides an opportunity to process information and helps them learn to respond in a different way.
Some dogs (and people) may never be able to decrease that distance and that’s also okay. Accept your dog for the unique individual they are, work on the things you can change and accept the things you cannot change …. there is wisdom & comfort in knowing the difference.

20/02/2022

The Field will be closed on Monday morning

Some areas could be hit by 80mph winds as the UK recovers from Storm Eunice. | UTV News

18/02/2022

Sit tight and stay safe. This time tomorrow it will be all over hopefully. Missing a walk is not going to hurt your dog. Going out in this weather might.

🌪 Dog Safety in a Storm 🌪

With winds of 76mph due to hit tomorrow we are recommending a duvet day! 🛌

🐾 Dogs don’t understand what storms are and why the air pressure is up, things move and there are strange noises. Don’t be discouraged if your dog’s stress levels are heightened - reassure them as much as they need and allow them time to decompress

🎶 Reggae music can provide a soothing rhythm for our dogs, BBC sounds have a fab reggae channel

👩🏼‍💻 Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date and their ID tags have the relevant info on

📍When dogs are scared they can bolt, even away from home

Stay safe everyone!

16/02/2022

Check your fences! Pop a lead on and go out in the garden together tonight and in the morning, just in case!

16/02/2022

Due to the amber weather warning ⚠️ for high winds on Friday, I have taken the decision to close the Field for the day. I have emailed everyone with bookings. 😞 Stay safe everyone.

13/01/2022

I've been asked if any dog owners I know would like to speak to a freelance journalist who's writing an article for a glossy magazine. I wondered if any of you would like to help me answer these questions?

"Why do dog owners pay money to rent a field to walk their dog rather than take them to a park?

"What are the advantages/disadvantages for dog owners in renting a field for walking their dog?"

Can you put me in touch with any dog owners in Sussex and Surrey who would talk to me about why they choose to rent a field to walk their dog?

Just been asked this question and I thought some of you might be the best people to ask!

"Why do dog owners pay money to rent a field to walk their dog, rather than take them to a park?"

What are the advantages/disadvantages?

01/01/2022

Happy New Year everyone! Availability will be back to normal as from Tuesday 4th, please email [email protected] with enquiries or to book for the first time. Please be aware there can be deep puddles to splash through from the car park to the field. It’s January, it can be muddy 😁🐶🐾

24/12/2021

Best I could do, sorry! 😂
Hope you all have a happy, healthy and peaceful time 🎄🐾
Please email [email protected] if you wish to book, the phone will be on but please only call if it’s urgent. Thank you 🥰

14/12/2021

02/12/2021

For all of you who can relate to this and also for anyone who finds it eye opening. Just noticing that person standing in the middle of a field, watching and waiting to see which way you are going will be a massive help to them 🐾

Do you see me

I am tired, so tired

Having a dog that is classed as ’reactive’ is draining
Constant micro managing and planning is emotionally tiring

I am the one who has to learn when the quiet times are to walk
I am the one googling on lead only places to go
I am the one who walks a new route on their own first
I am the one who moves out of your way without you realising
I am the one mostly on their own
I am the one in the trees, you probably haven’t seen me
I am the one who hovers in the middle of the field wondering which way you are going, before I can make my decision
I am the one watching where that ball is being thrown
I am the one with the stomach churning when there are dogs running around
I am the one with the full poo bag in my pocket because there are people near the bin
I am the one who drives to ALL of their walking areas
I am the one who silently cheers when its pouring with rain, as less people
I am the one mentally walking every other dog I see
I am the one who knows instantly, which dog my dog would be ok with getting a bit closer
I am the one who also knows instantly, which dog my dog would not be ok with getting closer
I am the one devouring every blog, webinar, course about how to help my dog
I am the one back and forth to the Vets, there has to be pain somewhere
I am the one crying in the car on the way home
I am the one who gets told I shouldn’t be walking my dog if he doesn’t like other dogs
I am the one who gets told it’s my fault, because my dog is on a lead
I am the one who quickens their pace to get to the exit before you let your dog’s off
I am the one who has to ask for you to recall your dog
I am the one who has spent money on good and not so good trainers
I am the one who knows all of the ‘Get out of Dodge’ places
I am the one whose dog has a large safe space bubble around them
I am the one who changes direction so I can increase my distance
I am the one who really gets to see who my dog really is

I am tired, so tired

Do you see me?

Debbie and Sabre
Paws and Train ©️

I see you 💛 I give you hope
Follow on post
https://www.facebook.com/369231053672417/posts/983402552255261/

26/11/2021

Struggling to find a healthy Kong filler? Check out our list filled with loads of ideas for stuffing Kongs and other interactive fun-feeders. Find out what flavours and textures your dog likes and start making some crazy combos to get your pup eager to clean out those last few scraps!

17/11/2021

One of my dogs, my Inuit Sylvi, can be reactive, she can overreact in certain (very predictable) situations. She doesn’t really like meeting dogs suddenly (with some exceptions!), she likes to get used to them before she says hi and she isn’t keen on unspayed adult bi***es. She has loads of dog friends though, she adores the dogs she lives with and she is a fabulous foster Mum to all the foster puppies we’ve had. She is incredibly gentle and kind, she loves people and she adores my children (and all children). She is hilarious, she makes us laugh every single day and she’s always happy- every day is her best day ever. She’s still a ‘nice’ dog even though she can be reactive and I wouldn’t change a single thing about her. It means that there are certain places I wouldn’t take her where I would take my other two dogs but her life isn’t less or restricted because I don’t put her in situations that she’d find stressful, quite the opposite and she has a fabulous, fun life.

People who are new to having reactive dogs often worry that people will think their dog is a ‘bad’ dog or an aggressive dog but I’ve yet to meet a reactive dog who doesn’t have wonderful qualities too. Their overreaction in certain situations, and often for good reason, does not define who they are. These dogs are so much more than a label- they are LOVED, they are VALUED and they are UNDERSTOOD ❤️ life may be different with reactive dogs and it can still be fun and fulfilling

13/11/2021

Some of you will have noticed the paint markings on the grass in the field. This is related to the new Esso pipeline which is due to be laid in Aug 2022. Surveys were taking place earlier this week. The plan is for the pipe to be laid underground across Chertsey Meads, then tunnelled under the river, our field and the main road. Although I have had to agree for the engineers to have access, I think we will be spared actually having to have a trench dug across the field, or have to be closed for very long. Fingers crossed. https://www.slpproject.co.uk/chertsey-meads-sang/

Installation of the replacement pipeline will likely take place in June and July 2022. Notices informing users of the SANG about the works will be in place prior to works starting. We will agree how we communicate this information with local authorities. The map above provides information on install...

11/11/2021

Colonel Richardson had the idea for a British Dog Army and so started the War Dog School in 1914. The first recruits came entirely from Battersea, Birmingham and Liverpool Homes for Lost Dogs.

This Armistice Day we remember them, along with all the brave soldiers who served in the war. 💙

11/11/2021

For our tomorrow they gave their today, never forget.

Lest We Forget

05/11/2021

We hope you’re all prepared for the weekend. You’ve got a few hours before dark to walk your dogs, check your fences & gates, knock round the neighbours, make a cosy den, give meds and settle in for a night on the sofa cuddling your dog (if that’s what they want). We’re hoping this firework season isn’t too traumatic for all of the wildlife, companion animals that live outdoors and our fellow humans that suffer from PTSD. Stay safe everyone 😊

03/11/2021

Dog owners- prepare yourselves for fireworks this weekend 💥

Advice written by full member Gemma Stephen at Natures Companions: Dog Behaviour Solutions, Grimsby.

https://www.apbc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Fireworks-Series-Behaviour.pdf

01/11/2021

Some thoughts on how walking equipment can hinder the dogs communication, offering the reasoning for use of longer leashes. However leash handling is a broader topic, with wider considerations than equipment choice and technique. Shared in the post are three known educational sources for longer leash handling, who offer broader education when giving consideration to leash handling.

"The reason for a longer leash is to allow the dog to express his natural behaviour and communication. The dog is able to interact with the environment by moving authentically. Dogs use their bodies to communicate. The dog should be able to express natural behaviour when on leash, such as investigating, sniffing, marking, and making choices." Continued in linked article.

https://www.silentconversations.com/reasons-for-walking-your-dog-on-a-longer-leash/

30/10/2021

😂🐾

Good luck!

28/10/2021

28/10/2021

TO BOOK - please email [email protected], or click on the "Send Email" blue button under the cover photo and you will be sent an email with all the details, including prices and the link to book online. Please note, the field is always closed on Sundays.

Email is the best way to contact me but if you phone, please leave a voicemail, or send a text, so the phone line remains available for people using the field to contact me if necessary.

Field of Freedom is a 1 acre field/paddock, with pedestrian access from a public footpath. Parking is nearby in a public car park, close to the River Thames in Surrey, on the Chertsey/Shepperton border. It is fully enclosed but the fencing is varied in type and height, approx 4' - 5' (1.2 -1.5m).

Charges per 1 hour (50 mins in the field) session
£ 5.50 - one dog
£ 9.00 - two dogs
£11.00 - three dogs
£13.00 - four dogs

20 minute and double sessions are also available on the booking system.

The Field was created for the purpose of exercising dogs in an enclosed area, free from the worry of meeting other dogs/people for whatever reason. For fun, for training, for recall practice, for dogs who aren't sociable with other dogs, or who are nervous. For owners with new dogs, rescue dogs, young puppies. Your own space, to do whatever you like with your dogs, for hire by the hour.

Covid-19. The field is open, subject to any new restrictions being imposed upon us by the Government.
Please continue to follow current social distancing guidelines. Stay alert, keep your distance and wash your hands 😉🐾
I have provided some basic hand washing facilities in the shelter and there is hand sanitiser gel on the gate.

27/10/2021

Only behaviour can be reinforced, not emotions, therefore giving your dog comfort and affection when they are afraid won’t make their anxiety worse. Think about it. When you are feeling worried about something and someone close to you puts their arms around you and tells you everything is going to be ok, do you feel better or are you more anxious? Would that comfort make you feel even more anxious in the future?

19/10/2021

DID YOU KNOW 🔎

A dog's nasal cavity is divided into two separate chambers and opens into two nostrils, or nares, that can wiggle independently and that can take in smells separately. As a dog sniffs, particles and compounds are trapped in the nasal cavity by mucus while scent receptors process them.

So when their nose does that little wiggle, you know why!

01/10/2021

😆😭

24/09/2021

Benefits of learning dog body language - 1. Making choices for your dog with confidence. Understanding your dog’s body language will give you insight and understanding into how your dog is feeling and allow you to be its advocate.

07/09/2021

This last week I have had several clients working though issues that are at least partly caused by ‘ The Tennis Ball Launcher’ or flanger, wanger, flingy thingy or whatever it is you call it.

Throwing a ball is something that many if not all pet dogs owners engage in at some point, if not on a regular basis.

Quite rightly, concerns within the veterinary and behavioural professions have been raised about the mental and physical impact the launcher can have on dogs.

For me, it’s the levels of excitement and arousal these games create. The increased arousal can involve increased heart rate and adrenaline levels. Adrenaline itself should be released in short bursts, such as during a one off during a chase , but repeated ‘throw it, chase it, catch it means Adrenalin is released for much longer periods.

Repetitive chasing in this way is not a natural behaviour for any dog.

This increase of Adrenalin in turn causes an increase in cortisol levels, and can lead to ‘frantic’ behaviours as a result of reduced impulse control and frustration tolerance. Cortisol levels take a good few days days to return to normal.

Adrenaline and cortisol both play a role in the regulation of behaviour. Promoting increased production of both over a long term period can trigger problematic and behaviours. No ‘off switch’, lack of frustration tolerance and general erratically behaviour.

Due to this ( and because they are being conditioned to behave in a certain way to get their ‘reward’ )you may find your dog plays ‘keep away’ and wants to be ahead of you to the distance where they usually have their ball thrown.

They will possibly struggle to walk beside you ( want to be ahead of you)

They cannot calm down or exhibit any self control around a ball or in the place you usually throw it.

If the potential behavioural issues are not enough to help you ditch the ball thrower, the physical impact of using one can be immense.

High speed impact, uncontrolled twists and turns, rotatory force on joints etc can cause a multitude of injuries. Let’s be honest, how many times is the dog even ‘warmed up’ before embarking on such vigorous exercise?

There is soooo much more you can do with a ball or toy to work your dog mentally and physically. You can, if needed use them in certain situations if your dog is happy to wait calmly by your side. However you may find they need a ball detox for a few weeks prior to using it in a new way ☺️

27/08/2021

Fancy a change of scenery, far from the madding crowd? You can drive in and Dogs and Dandelions near Egham is open on Sundays too!

Looking ahead! Jump into the long weekend tomorrow with a visit to the Paddock 🐾🐾

Fri 27th - 2pm, 4pm, 5pm or 6pm all available

Sat 28th - 7am

Sun 29th - 7am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm or 7pm

Bank holiday Mon 30th - 9am, 12pm, 5pm or 6pm

07/08/2021

“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”
Dean Koontz - A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog.

Amy Katherine Browning - Lime Tree Shade, 1913.

22/07/2021

What are Calming Signals? The term ‘Calming signal’ was coined by Turid Rugaas to describe dog body language signals used to calm another party down. Turid Rugaas and Ståle Ødegård spent countless hours observing dog body language, taking note of body language signals used by dogs to communic...