When I first discovered the convenience of a local private dog field, it felt like the perfect solution. In theory, it seemed like a win-win for my dogs and me. No worries about off-leash encounters, no car fumes, and a chance for the dogs to burn off energy without interruptions.
Yet, after some time, I realised this setup wasn’t quite as idyllic as I initially thought. The Positives of Private Dog FieldPrivate dog fields certainly have their benefits:
📌 A Safe Space for Reactive Dogs: For owners managing reactive dogs or those still learning recall, an enclosed field offers invaluable peace of mind. 📌 Freedom from Pollution: Roadside pollution isn’t just harmful to humans—it can impact dogs too. Avoiding heavy traffic areas helps protect their respiratory health and overall well-being. 📌 Room to Run: These fields allow dogs to stretch their legs and run freely in a secure environment, ideal for high-energy breeds or younger dogs. But, as with anything, there’s a flip side. Why I’m Moving Away from the Field
Over time, I began noticing some recurring issues that outweighed the positives:
1. Lame Dogs and Overexertion Uncontrolled exercise can be a double-edged sword, especially for breeds with specific joint considerations or puppies with developing bones. My Bulldogs love to run, but the field’s permanent agility equipment encouraged activities unsuitable for every dog. After a few limping puppies and several vet visits, I realised that controlled exercise was far better for their long-term health.
3. My Own Fitness
Surprisingly, standing still while my dogs zoomed around wasn’t helping me stay active. Unlike road walks, where I move alongside them, I wasn’t meeting my daily fitness goals. Walking my dogs on the road ensures I stay active too, giving both the dogs and myself structured, beneficial exercise. The Benefits of Returning to Road WalksSwitching back to road walks has brought several improvements for both me and my Bulldogs:
✅ Controlled Exercise: While the dogs don’t get to sprint wildly, they still release energy through structured movement. A Flexi lead allows them short bursts of freedom on wide verges, but the exercise remains measured and safer. ✅ Healthier Joints: No more limping puppies! Flat, predictable surfaces are far better for developing joints, particularly for Bulldogs, where joint health is always a priority. ✅ Natural Nail Maintenance: Pavement walking naturally wears down their nails, saving me from frequent trimming sessions—a win for both me and the dogs! ✅ Mental Stimulation: Road walks provide varied sights, sounds, and smells, keeping the dogs engaged and curious. This level of stimulation isn’t possible in the repetitive environment of a field. ✅ Human-Dog Bonding: Walking together strengthens our bond, as I’m more actively involved in their exercise. ✅ Maintaining My Fitness: I’m back to hitting my step count and feeling better overall. The dogs get their exercise, and so do I—a win-win! A Lesson in Reviewing Lifestyle Choices
This experience has been a valuable reminder that just because something is popular isn’t the best choice for everyone. While private fields have their place, they didn’t align with my goals or my dogs’ long-term needs. It’s essential to review routines every few months. If new problems arise—like limping puppies or increased pests—take a step back and assess what might have changed. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as returning to what worked in the past. Switching back to road walking has restored balance for me and my dogs. They’re healthier, exercise is more appropriate, and I’m staying active too. Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions really are the best. I was sent this intriguing study printed in the Telegraph that I think you'll find absolutely adorable. Researchers have found that our fascination with flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French bulldogs is due to their uncanny ability to tug at our heartstrings like babies. I've struggled to believe this because anyone who knows me knows my 'baby interest' is absolutely zero. Coo, I do not. These brachycephalic breeds, known for their cute, baby-like faces and large eyes, have been gaining popularity for decades. According to the study from Hungary, their helplessness is the key. When faced with a problem, they're more likely to seek help from humans rather than solve it themselves. I was dumbfounded by the above, but it's most certainly true from my years of experience, and I even wrote about my IQ and EQ differences with my Bulldog vs. Labrador emails.
 ⬆️ This is Captain Biggles (2023) The study suggests that this behaviour increases the bond between humans and these cute canines, making us feel more attached to and dependent on them. It's almost as if they've evolved to trigger our nurturing instincts.
And here's the kicker: While some may argue that Bulldogs are less independent, the researchers suggest they've mastered a different strategy. They use their "baby-like" behaviour to get humans to solve their problems. Pretty clever, right? So, the next time your bulldog looks at you with those big, innocent eyes, remember they're just tugging at your heartstrings with their irresistible charm! Introducing LaRoyal's comprehensive new puppy shopping list – your ultimate guide to preparing for your furry friend's arrival! We understand that bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and joyful experience, and we want to ensure you have everything you need to provide the best care. This meticulously curated list includes all the essential items to cater to your puppy's needs, from feeding and grooming to comfort and safety. With this shopping list, you can rest assured that you won't miss a thing. Be equipped with top-quality food, water bowls, a cozy bed, durable toys, grooming supplies, training essentials, a secure leash and collar, and much more. I've taken the guesswork out of the equation, enabling you to focus on creating a warm, loving environment for your new furry family member. Start your puppy parenthood journey right with our indispensable shopping list and give your puppy the best start in life. Shopping ListThis is shopping list has direct links to Amazon. For transparency, we participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.co.uk and affiliated websites. Bedding
Collar & Lead
Grooming
ToysNo thin plastic ‘squeaky’ toys or cowhide chews.
Health Supplements
Feeding
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AuthorWritten exclusively by Sara, a proud founder of the LaRoyal name and a seasoned bulldog enthusiast, our blogs are overflowing with an abundance of show wins, captivating ideas, and a plethora of thoughts and feelings. We are thrilled to embark on this journey, sharing our "real-life" dog ownership experiences with you, our valued readers. Archives
January 2025
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In summary ...Established breeders of high quality, breed typical, family focused, health tested English Bulldogs. I have lived with the breed for nearly 40 years and have been fortunate to win over 25 CC's to date and have been awarded the highest of accolades with home-bred dogs including Best of Breed at Crufts 2013.
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