Here's an idea

I've been mulling this around for a while now and it's a possible business opportunity for me but I wanted to know what you guys think as I know quite a few of you have dogs that for whatever reason can't be offlead

My idea is this. What if I purchased some land, which could include woodland and made it secure then offered one hour to one hour 30 minutes slots for people to take their dogs for a walk. this offers a secure Safe haven for people to walk their reactive/unsociable dogs off lead with peace of mind that you won't run into other off lead dogs.

Would this be something you would use? How much would you be willing to pay?

I would start small then eventually offer other services like agility etc once I had the experience and qualifications. I'd also like to do behavioural courses and offer training BUT getting way ahead of myself lol. I just wanted to know if any of you would use this service! Bit of market research I guess

I think you may need to look at insurance implications of this venture before you get much further down the line. A great idea though and I would definitely book an hour for Rocky so long as there wasn't a chance of a double booking being made

Hmm, i've had a similar idea Debs. Some others have thought this to be a great idea too. Some things to consider would be secure fencing around the entire area and maybe some facilities to clean up and/or get a cuppa. location is also something to bare in mind as I know that someone from the South - South/West also had thoughts along this line though I can't remember who

I'm sure there is a practical need for an area just like this but not sure people would pay much over the £10 - 20 per hour if that. I've had a look through some old threads looking for a similar proposal to yours but indoors. they asked a similar question about price. here is the thread:-
https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t53182-your-opinion-on-an-indoor-exercise-facility-please

it might give you an idea of what people are prepared to pay although your idea is outdoor & might get a slightly different range.

Yeah I'm just throwing the idea around in my head at the moment and getting as much feedback as I can. I already thought about double bookings and that can't happen with my plan, there's no way someone can get in if another customer is already in the area.

Also, the fencing would be a no 1 priority, the idea would be based on a secure and safe area for people to walk their dogs

I was also looking at working with local rescue centres at first and offer them the land on days that arn't that busy (once I worked that out!) for a couple of hours free of charge with a view to appealing to potential adopters to use my land.

I really like the Idea Debs, I don't have need for it but agree that there are lots that would make use of a safe large area to run freely. Also offering other services to combine use is a good idea

As said above, you need to get insurance. It's essential. By taking money you assume a 'reasonable' responsibility for others' safety so if there were to be an accident you could be sued. And it's not just safety, you'd need insurance against loss, damage, etc. For example, if you said the site was secure and someone's dog got through the fence and was lost, or got run over, or injured someone, then you'd be liable.

Thanks for the input guys, I knew about getting insurance and would 100% make sure I was covered for things mentioned above and more

Debs I used to use such a field for my boy.  I paid £5 for an hour slot for
one dog, I think it was £8 for 2 dogs and £10 for 3 or more.  The field
was kept well, with the grass cut regularly and it was very very securely
fenced which cost a fortune to do!.  There was also a proper car parking
area.

The lady who owned the field allowed people like myself to walk their dogs or play games, people with bitches in season who might not go out otherwise, and dog walkers who walked other peoples dogs.  

It was always well booked and a lot of us had the same time and day
booked out for months in advance.

The problem of safety was managed because everyones hour was actually 50 minutes because we had to leave 10 minutes before the hour was up and
not arrive until our hour started.  I never once met anyone else in the
field all the time I was using it, so it worked well.

I no longer use it because I bought my own land about 6 months ago
and have had it stock fenced, gated and made very safe for my Harry to play
football or run around in.  I have put seats in for myself.  We both love it.
It is a very expensive thing to do and you have to cost in that the field
has to be cut regularly, hedges have to be trimmed, fences maintained.
Plus if you are renting it out, there is insurance costs and accounts to
be kept etc.  You also have to be on hand to lock it at the end of every
day and open it again the next morning. You would possibly need a website too.
I don't let mine out to anyone else but would be happy to let anyone local
use it free of charge if they wished.

Hope this helps you.  Good Luck

I've long since thought of doing the same thing Debs. Very much a need for it.
A lot of 'permanently on lead' dogs would benefit hugely

I've long since thought of doing the same thing Debs. Very much a need for it.
A lot of 'permanently on lead' dogs would benefit hugely

Forgot to say, if you buy what is agricultural land or green belt,
there are also a lot of restrictions on what you can and can't do
so that would have to be checked out as well.  

For example I'm putting a field shelter in mine, but it has to be
considered 'mobile' and not in a permanent position.

My friends are all asking if this is to be for the Bar

Ohhhhhh thanks for the input Lizzie really appreciate it and it's all things I need to think about so thanks for that! Ive seen a few woodland plots which I'd really like so that's the kind of thing I will probably go for but as you said there may be a lot of restrictions in place so will deffo look into that! All very interesting

A moving bar would be amazing lol!!

great idea, you could also rent it to sociable dogs whose recall is not so good and need secure fencing so dogs can come to no harm (running away whilst in training). But great idea for dogs who need to be kept on the lead, it would be great for owners to see their dogs running free without worrying

What a fab idea. I wish I could find a dog walking group in Leicester where we could all get together and walk our friendly dogs together at a certain time and day - but no one seems to have invented one yet.

https://m.facebook.com/dogwalkingfields

This might help some of you.
Also by the use of social media, I'm sure you could set up a walking club, even it's for all breeds.
Lynn takes Theia with a group called bullie walks uk (on fb). Mainly EBTs but there's a few SBTs and other breeds too.
Pete

Thanks Pete I'm going to have a look at that!

Sounds like a great idea, especially if you were wanting to start training sessions etc. as you then have your own safe place to do this in without having to rent out a building! Good Luck!