Essential for recall work in a secure field — long enough for freedom, short enough for safety.
View on Amazon →Dog Field Starter Kit — What to Bring on Your First Visit
Updated 2026-04-08 · 8 minute read
A secure dog field is the most useful tool most UK dog owners aren't quite using right. Book a session, turn up with your dog, and suddenly you have a fully enclosed, exclusive-hire space for an hour — no surprise dogs, no off-lead unknowns, no crowded footpaths. But the difference between a brilliant session and a disappointing one almost always comes down to one thing: the kit you bring.
This is the PawsField starter kit for your first secure field session — the items that come up again and again when we talk to field owners and experienced regulars. Nothing on this list is optional fluff. Everything here earns its place in the boot of the car.
1. A long training line (10 metres). If you're going to be working on recall or your dog isn't yet reliable off-lead, a long line is the difference between a productive session and a stressful one. A 10m biothane or rope long line clips to a harness (not a collar — never a collar on a long line) and gives your dog freedom to roam while keeping you in control. It's also essential if you're visiting a field for the first time and aren't yet sure how your dog will respond.
2. Fresh water and a portable bowl. Most UK secure fields don't have a tap, and even the ones that do usually don't have a dog bowl. A 500ml–1L collapsible bowl or combined bottle-bowl costs very little and prevents your dog ending a summer session panting and dehydrated.
3. A quick-dry microfibre dog towel. This one is about car protection as much as dog comfort. UK fields in winter are muddy — all of them, everywhere — and a single microfibre towel will save you a week of car-interior regret. Keep one in the boot permanently.
4. High-value treats. The single biggest mistake new field visitors make is bringing a pocket of regular kibble. The whole point of a secure field is that your dog can be rewarded generously for good recall in a distraction-controlled environment. Bring something your dog genuinely loves — small cubes of cheese, dried liver, hot dog slices, or a known favourite commercial treat. A purpose-made treat pouch on a waist belt keeps it all accessible.
5. Poo bags — more than you think you need. Every field owner we've ever spoken to has the same request: please bring enough bags and please take waste home with you. Biodegradable bags are the responsible default. Keep a spare roll in the car so you're never caught out.
6. A whistle (optional but recommended). If you're working on recall specifically, a classic Acme dog whistle is cheap, incredibly effective and pairs well with a clicker-style training approach. It doesn't replace your voice — it supplements it. Secure fields are the ideal place to build whistle recall because the environment is controlled and you can practise safely.
7. Weather-appropriate kit for you. This is the item most people skip. A secure field session is 30–60 minutes outdoors, usually standing or walking slowly. Wellies from October to April, a waterproof jacket year-round, and a hat in winter will turn a reluctant session into an enjoyable one. If you're not comfortable, you'll rush the session and your dog will notice.
Below is the exact kit we'd recommend to a friend planning their first visit. Everything links to UK Amazon — these are affiliate links, which means PawsField earns a small commission if you buy something, at no extra cost to you. That money goes straight back into keeping the directory free and the listings maintained.
Recommended gear
Our go-to dog field starter kit
Keeps high-value rewards in reach during recall drills.
View on Amazon →Most fields don't have taps — a spill-free travel bottle is non-negotiable.
View on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, PawsField earns from qualifying purchases. Links are affiliate links — the price you pay doesn't change.
A few closing thoughts on your first visit. Arrive 5 minutes before your slot so you can do a calm approach to the gate — rushed arrivals often spike reactive dogs. Walk the perimeter once before letting your dog off-lead, just to eyeball the fence line and gates. Start the session with 2–3 minutes of calm engagement (sniffing, sit-stays, simple cues) before unleashing the chaos — it anchors your dog and sets the tone.
And don't be afraid to cut a session short if it's not working. Secure fields are rebookable, and a 20-minute great session is worth more than a 60-minute overwhelming one. If your dog is still a bundle of wired energy after 45 minutes, that's actually a sign they were overstimulated — next time, drop the duration and build up slowly.
Ready to find a field? Start with your county page in the PawsField directory, or read our complete guide to choosing a secure field if you want help deciding between multiple local options.
FAQs
Do I need all this kit for my first visit?
No — the non-negotiables are a long training line (if your dog isn't reliable off-lead), fresh water, poo bags and high-value treats. The rest makes life easier but isn't strictly essential.
Can I use a regular lead instead of a long line?
You can, but you'll miss the point of a secure field. A long line lets your dog practise recall with freedom and safety, which is exactly what most owners are paying for. A regular 1.5m lead defeats the purpose.
Is the whistle really necessary?
Not necessary — but if you're working on recall specifically, an Acme whistle is remarkably effective and cheap. Secure fields are the perfect environment to build whistle recall because distractions are controlled.
What if it rains?
UK weather happens. Bring a waterproof jacket for yourself, a drying towel or robe for your dog, and a boot liner for the car. Rain rarely cancels a session — most field owners keep going.
Now find a field: browse all UK counties, or read the guide to choosing a secure field.