Running free Words & photos: Alison Alderton
Barge Beagle – sniffing out good finds for crews with canines
OUR dogs love to run free and watching them do so can fill us will happiness.
Unfortunately there are not many areas where this can be safely achieved for varying reasons: the urban sprawl has, in places, encroached into the countryside; traffic has increased; the recent pandemic has resulted in our waterways and the surrounding areas becoming more sought after for rest, relaxation, exercise and general well-being, making them busier than in the past.
While out in the country, wildlife and farm animals have to be considered. Perhaps your dog doesn’t have good recall skills or, like Barge Beagle, can be led away for hours at a time by the slightest whiff of an inviting scent. Being a dog owner comes with huge responsibility – thinking about your surroundings before unclipping the leash being one of them.
There are a growing number of privately owned safe and secure off-leash areas popping up all over the country. Where, generally for a charge though some are free, your dog can experience off-leash freedom in a safe environment. These can vary from securely fenced open fields to wooded areas, some may even have a water course flowing through them or a lake where your dog can swim.
These type of ‘dog parks’ can be booked in advance by the hour or longer. There are usually options regarding sole use or sharing with other dogs – check this out when booking. Your dog may be required to have up-to-date vaccinations so don’t forget to take the records with you, especially on the first visit. Enquire if fresh drinking water is available or if you need to bring your own – your dog will relish a drink after a run around! Finally don’t forget the poo bags, picking up is vital and will guarantee the next visitors have a clean environment to play in.
If you belong to a dog training or dog breed group why not book a longer session to allow your dog to play at length with his mates or embark on some group training – perhaps practise those recall skills? The socialising is beneficial as well as being fun.
Barge Beagle loves to meet up with his fellow hounds at the Hunsdale Fields near Hull which, as well as two large meadows (three acre and five acre) with agility equipment, also include an indoor activity barn. We visit by car but there are dog parks closer to our canals and rivers or within a short walking distance of a mooring. For instance: on the tidal Trent there is the Paws and Play Paddock at Dunham and on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Alvechurch Dog Grooming offers a secure two- acre site as well as pooch pampering!
Find your nearest dog park by visiting: www. dogparksnearme.co.uk