Hi there, I'm new to the site and this question may have been answered in the past so apologies if that's the case! I have a Staff cross that was a rescue dog a year ago. She'd been badly abused, used for breeding and mauled by another dog when the RSPCA got to her. She's come on loads since but unsurprisingly she's not good around other dogs. I'd like to let her off the lead in the fields behind my house but in the past she has attacked dogs out of fear and now she stays on the lead and on the pavement. I've tried dog training classes but she just gets in too much of a state during them and as successful as they could eventually be I don't think she'd ever get to a stage where I could happily let her off the lead. I've heard of private fields people rent out for dog training/exercise but haven't been able to find anything in the Birmingham area. If anyone knows of any or rents one themselves then I'd be very grateful for any help you can give me.

Cheers, Evan.

Have you tried all your local boarding kennels? The ones I used to use advertised their secure dog walking area for hire for £5 / hr.

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Have you thought of using a long line in the fields behind your house? I have a 100ft lunge line I use for my pup to let her run in unsecure areas, you could teach her to wear a muzzle when she is 'off lead' in case a dog comes near.

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I think this is your best bet. Ask boarding kennels if you can rent their paddocks for half an hour or so. Someone on here said she had permission from one of the local schools to use their playing fields after hours, but I am sure most schools do not allow dogs in case their owners do not pick up the mess.

Local dog trainers might know somewhere if you ask them. Or you could try asking farmers who have fields that they haven't planted. Sometimes they are happy to take some money.

Poor little dog. I hate to see dogs ruined like this, it breaks my heart.

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Could you just use a flexi lead or long line and a muzzle to take her to parks, fields, country parks etc? It means she gets the stimulation of these sorts of walks, but also other dogs are protected from her too.

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Cheers for all the replies. I've taken her out with a muzzle on a lot until recently but still wouldn't trust her without a lead more from the view that other dogs might attack her if she tries to 'go' for them. If that makes sense! As for the long lead, I own one but again in fields and public spaces its more the fact that other dogs are generally off leads and can run over to her - which unfortunately has happened in the past. Also the main reason I want a private space is so I can play football with her as she loves it!

The dog kennels sound like a great idea so I'll have a phone around. There's a few nearby which I can try first.

Again thanks for the replied and Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you too....and welcome to PF .

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Whereabouts in South Brum are you?

Have you heard of Elmdon Park (nr B'ham Airport)? There are a good few fields at the back of there (granted you need to walk through the park and woods to get there - or you can walk up the "road" part in the middle) where you can see far enough ahead to let your girl offlead if she has a decent recall (you can see all the entrances to the fields).

The fields aren't exclusive, but they're generally very quiet

Here are a few pics of the fields to show how big they are.

Also try asking as riding stables etc- they often have unused fields you could walk in. Sad that idoits allow their dogs to run up to yours when they can see she is on a lead and muzzled.

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