Dog ownership has boomed during the pandemic, but so have problems related to our four-legged friends, so how can we marry people’s desire for pets to people’s expectations of enjoying the outdoors?

Well one woman says she has the answer, Carol McColm has set up an enclosed dog walking field in Trabbochburn, where canines can run free, she’s calling the business Wag and Run.

It’s a secure two acre field, has 6ft fences throughout, a car park and is netted so even the smallest dogs can’t get out.

Carol was concerned by the rise in dog-owners and the subsequent attacks on sheep, which seem to have proliferated this year, and also instances of off-lead dogs approaching people who don’t like them or causing anxiety or stress to on-leash dogs. Carol’s own dog was attacked twice by off-lead dogs in public parks.

She said: “I know through my own experiences of having dogs that not all dog owners are responsible and not all dogs are friendly. Having dogs off the lead in public spaces is becoming more strained and not always sociably acceptable as not all members of the public want dogs running up to them.

“The need for a secure field where dogs can run in the countryside without the fear or harming sheep, running away or being hurt was now in more demand all over the country.

“Puppies needing off the lead to practice recall, dogs who have been previously attacked, dogs healing from injury or illness, dogs who are reactive, intact dogs, dogs who run off, dogs who are maybe in more danger of being stolen for their pedigree or unusual markings etc.

“Sometimes we just like to be left alone to play with our dogs safe in the knowledge others will not bother us.”

Cumnock Chronicle: The logo is based on Carol's beloved Labrador, Hamish.The logo is based on Carol's beloved Labrador, Hamish.

Dog owners can hire this facility for themselves for 25minutes or 55 minutes. It is £6 for 25 minutes for 1-3 dogs. £10 for the 55minutes for 1-3 dogs. Friends or family members who’s dogs get on can share the hire as the car park comfortably takes two cars.

There are fun things for the dogs to enjoy: jumps, tyres and a sandpit etc and Carol hopes to build this up with lots of hills and tunnels and climbing things over time.