Opinions Please: Renting time in a exercise field

AdoJrts

Knowing the concerns today of dog parks and the fact that some people are not comfortable with their dogs off leash and they may not have a large fenced yard.

I am seriously considering fencing in a large area (1 1/2 acres) near my training rings and indoor training building to be used as a dog exercise field. There will also be no agility equipment in the field. It will NOT be a dog park, but a place where people can rent time by the 1/2 hr - 1 hr to have their dogs off leash in a safe area. They can also invite a friend so their dogs can play off leash without the worries of being off leash or of strange dogs on the field.
Provided: Fenced area, bench/chairs, trash can for doggy pick up. Quiet country setting, portable toliet.
No water bowls provided, bring your own water/bowl (to avoid disease from dog to dog).
Proof of Vacc's. (min puppy vacc's with at least first yearly booster).

Doggy pick up is a Must, first offence would be fine, second offence, Don't come back, no refunds.

Anyone taking classes could purchase a membership for a reduced rate.
Rates: Single time use, Monthly, Semi-yearly, Yearly.

At this time, I have only figured out a monthly rate of $25.00 for 1 time a week. Per booked appointments by the month.

I live about 15 -20 minutes from two small cities and serveral smaller towns/villages around me.

Question:
Would you use such a service?
Reasonable price or not?
How far would you travel for such a service?

Thanks,
Lynn

Criosphynx

That sounds brilliant!


I'd pay it...and I'd travel under about ten miles.

BoxLove

I would also use it. My trainer used to offer socialisation classes in a field just like this. Maybe you could also think about that.

MySoulmateEmmy

I like the idea and would totally go cus I wish there was something like that around here.

I totally get where you are coming from, I hate it when people walk their dogs and there are bags and trash cans placed around the neighborhoods, but especially at night and when you step in it it is TOTALLY gross! Bring a flash light if you can't see, and just cus others don't pick up after their dogs doesn't mean you can let your dog go where ever! And just cus there was a blizzard doesn't mean when you walk your dogs they can poop all over the roads and your allowed to just leave it, bring your own bags so we don't step in them when WE walk on side roads, how can people NOT anticipate their dogs pooping!? (but THAT vent is a bit off topic, sorry )

~MSE

AdoJrts

Thanks, everyone.

It will cost me a lot to build such a big exercise yard/field, I have to make sure I can get back what I put into it in a relative short period of time. (6 months tops).

So if anyone has any pro's or con's please share.

Criosphynx

probably should put *som'thing* out in the field...water faucets...maybe a bench...you know basic stuff

AdoJrts

Crio,

There would be chairs/bench but no water available. Would cost me a small fortune to get water out there. We are in the country although close to cities/towns.

Mikey

I'd use it-we're working with my parents dog and need an area like that. We may rent an indoor area like that for the purpose

So yes-I'd use it, I'd travel for it (say up to 40 minutes) and I think the charge is fine.

fawkese1

sounds like a great idea! i would also use such a place.... i like the monthly use rate type thing, what about a punch card tho? like if you buy this card for x amount of $ you get x amount of visits and each is punched out...

Mischief

I would probably use something like that, especially if I didn't live out in the country. My only concerns would be, how would you ensure that they are actually picking up and disposing of their pet's waste? Also, fencing in an acre and a half would be very costly, might take longer than 6 months to recoup your costs, depending on the amount of interest you had and repeat clients.
Love the idea of a punch card.

I'd travel 20 to 30 minutes for something like that.
Maybe you could offer a special introductory rate for people, just to get the word out and see how well it goes, then when you have them hooked, jack up the price!!! haha j/k
Seriouly though, maybe set a limited time special price as part of your grand opening.
You could even sell tickets to your regulars for doggie gift baskets and such.
I love the idea.