A secure site has opened to offer a place for dogs and owners to enjoy the countryside.
Toby Speke has launched a new business near Aydon Road, on Corbridge's outskirts, offering a safe place for dogs to be let off the lead.
Corbridge Dog Field is a 3.5-acre private field located on his family farm and opening it offered an interesting way to diversify the farm's business, he explained.
Toby and his wife own a whippet and had heard of the idea being a success elsewhere.
"Whippets are sighthounds, so they were bred to chase things. Taking that dog for walks in the countryside has its challenges because there's wildlife and livestock, and you're always a bit nervous about letting it off the lead in case it runs off.
"It got me thinking to set something up at home. I also wanted people to have that nice experience walking in the countryside," he added.
He said the business, which officially opened on June 13, has been 'very busy' so far with positive feedback.
"It sounds like something people are very glad has been installed in the local area," Toby said.
Facilities at the site include parking, picnic benches, tyres, poles and a tunnel.
Half of the field's grass is short while the other half will be kept longer to offer variety for dogs to enjoy running in.
"You may have a dog that you can't let off the lead because it will run off or is anti-social with other dogs. What's important to say is that if you have an anti-social dog, you will not run into anyone else there. You have exclusive use of that site for an hour.
"If your dog is anti-social or chases wildlife or livestock, you can feel safe in the fact your dog cannot get out, but it is over a large enough space your dog can run free. Dog walkers and trainers can use it to train their dogs too," Toby said.
"We will always be looking at things to improve the experience for dogs and dog owners."
For more information, go to https://www.corbridgedogfield.com/.
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