55Had a lovely time.
There was a cute doodle visible at the far end of the perimeter of the sniffspot for the duration of our visit. I had to put a long lead on my dog to prevent him from rushing to the wire fencing and air snapping at the other dog.
After my dog did an aggressive air snap at the dog while off leash, I kept him on the long lead for the remainder of the visit. Totally no fault of the spot- as the listing states dogs are sometimes visible.
We had an otherwise lovely time. I won’t be able to come back, just in case there is a visible dog- but it was a serene, beautiful location.
You can hear the marsh birds and see them. Lots of dog amenities and a couple agility items- which was really cool to try out.
Love this spot! It’s just not for me with my dog as he is very reactive. Ami K.
Ami K.
May 2023
Had a lovely time.
There was a cute doodle visible at the far end of the perimeter of the sniffspot for the duration of our visit. I had to put a long lead on my dog to prevent him from rushing to the wire fencing and air snapping at the other dog.
After my dog did an aggressive air snap at the dog while off leash, I kept him on the long lead for the remainder of the visit. Totally no fault of the spot- as the listing states dogs are sometimes visible.
We had an otherwise lovely time. I won’t be able to come back, just in case there is a visible dog- but it was a serene, beautiful location.
You can hear the marsh birds and see them. Lots of dog amenities and a couple agility items- which was really cool to try out.
Love this spot! It’s just not for me with my dog as he is very reactive.
55Wow!! Everything I imagined and better. More than enough space to explore. And the space is beautiful, well kept, and comfortable. I have a crew of 4 rescued misfits and each of them enjoyed this spot for different reasons. To my surprise they all loved romping around in the pond together. The agility equipment was fun to introduce them to and engage with them on. The sounds of the birds and frogs was enjoyed by all, especially me! I wasn't sure how they would do with seeing horses, luckily only one of my dogs was naughty and harassed them a bit through the fence, but the horses were safe in an adjacent field, and not bothered in the slightest by her antics. I would have booked my next visit before even leaving, but was having too much fun to take away from the time I had to spend here! Oh and being able to pull my vehicle completely into the fenced area and let them loose was a huge bonus!April N.
April N.
March 2023
Wow!! Everything I imagined and better. More than enough space to explore. And the space is beautiful, well kept, and comfortable. I have a crew of 4 rescued misfits and each of them enjoyed this spot for different reasons. To my surprise they all loved romping around in the pond together. The agility equipment was fun to introduce them to and engage with them on. The sounds of the birds and frogs was enjoyed by all, especially me! I wasn't sure how they would do with seeing horses, luckily only one of my dogs was naughty and harassed them a bit through the fence, but the horses were safe in an adjacent field, and not bothered in the slightest by her antics. I would have booked my next visit before even leaving, but was having too much fun to take away from the time I had to spend here! Oh and being able to pull my vehicle completely into the fenced area and let them loose was a huge bonus!
55We had an excellent visit! Plenty of high ground to not get super duper muddy, my dog isn't much of a mud puppy anyway. Plenty of room to run around and lots of good farm and wetland smells. Also, an awesome little toy box filled with apparently really good smelling toys that he was obsessing on.Tammy S.
Tammy S.
March 2023
We had an excellent visit! Plenty of high ground to not get super duper muddy, my dog isn't much of a mud puppy anyway. Plenty of room to run around and lots of good farm and wetland smells. Also, an awesome little toy box filled with apparently really good smelling toys that he was obsessing on.
55My dogs loved it!! My reactive girl was able to relax and enjoy. We could have stayed all day. Thank you so much for the safe, clean wonderful space for the pups!Carlee R.
Carlee R.
April 2023
My dogs loved it!! My reactive girl was able to relax and enjoy. We could have stayed all day. Thank you so much for the safe, clean wonderful space for the pups!
55This is such a convenient spot for anyone visiting the island for river time or fishing/birdwatching! I can run my dogs and not worry about encountering others. I did see a neighbor dog but mine were fine ignoring it. Beautiful views and tons of space to play ball, too! Lea H.
Lea H.
March 2023
This is such a convenient spot for anyone visiting the island for river time or fishing/birdwatching! I can run my dogs and not worry about encountering others. I did see a neighbor dog but mine were fine ignoring it. Beautiful views and tons of space to play ball, too!
55Beautiful large field with everything promised! Took my dog and his 2 elderly dog friends and they ran and sniffed and loved it. I also loved the rocking chair in the middle of the field. Kristi H.
Kristi H.
March 2023
Beautiful large field with everything promised! Took my dog and his 2 elderly dog friends and they ran and sniffed and loved it. I also loved the rocking chair in the middle of the field.
55Absolutely one of our favorite places. The dogs love it - it’s spacious and interesting and beautiful. I’m so grateful that my dogs have the opportunity to run and play like other - less barky/growlie - pups. I can see the joy in them as they bound through this lovely parcel of land, so generously shared. Jaimee K.
Jaimee K.
March 2023
Absolutely one of our favorite places. The dogs love it - it’s spacious and interesting and beautiful. I’m so grateful that my dogs have the opportunity to run and play like other - less barky/growlie - pups. I can see the joy in them as they bound through this lovely parcel of land, so generously shared.
55Wonderful open grassy field to throw the ball! We had fun watching the birds, listening to frogs in the adjacent pond and stretching our legs :) picnic table and toy basket were lovely additions. There was a dog in the neighboring yard, heads up for those that may be a problem for. My dog is reactive towards other dogs and was totally unphased, the space is big enough it wasn’t an issue at all! Liana C.
Liana C.
March 2023
Wonderful open grassy field to throw the ball! We had fun watching the birds, listening to frogs in the adjacent pond and stretching our legs :) picnic table and toy basket were lovely additions. There was a dog in the neighboring yard, heads up for those that may be a problem for. My dog is reactive towards other dogs and was totally unphased, the space is big enough it wasn’t an issue at all!
55My boys LOVED our visit to this awesome sniffspot. It feels like stepping right off the street and onto a trail. There are lots of blackberries so my dogs got a few thorns in their feet, but the space was large, paths were clear, and I enjoyed watching my city dogs testing creek crossing. Thank you for this oasis! Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
July 2024
My boys LOVED our visit to this awesome sniffspot. It feels like stepping right off the street and onto a trail. There are lots of blackberries so my dogs got a few thorns in their feet, but the space was large, paths were clear, and I enjoyed watching my city dogs testing creek crossing. Thank you for this oasis!
55This is a wonderful spot. My dog enjoyed walking the trails and splashing in the creek. There are some open areas to play fetch. The host provides towels and wipes to help with muddy dog paws. There is also fresh drinking water, toys, and poop bags. We would love to visit again some time. Kristin S.
Kristin S.
July 2024
This is a wonderful spot. My dog enjoyed walking the trails and splashing in the creek. There are some open areas to play fetch. The host provides towels and wipes to help with muddy dog paws. There is also fresh drinking water, toys, and poop bags. We would love to visit again some time.
55Great spot! When you pull into driveway, turn through yard over to Pasture on the right. Drive in and close gate. Well fenced and lots of toys in yard to discover. Horses in next field, very mellow. Beth B.
Beth B.
February 2023
Great spot! When you pull into driveway, turn through yard over to Pasture on the right. Drive in and close gate. Well fenced and lots of toys in yard to discover. Horses in next field, very mellow.
55This is a great spot, and only 10 minutes from the west end of the St. John’s bridge! Perfect for some intense games of fetch, and our dogs loved sniffing around. The fencing is very secure, grass is short enough to not lose the ball, the spot is fairly flat for humans that might not want as much of a work out as their dogs, and everything is very simple :) the neighbors do have a dog who was out barking at the fence while we were there—the spot was big enough that we kept to the other end and our dogs weren’t bothered. The wetland area is fairly small and is shallow, our dogs loved playing in it (and no trouble with cockle burrs for our short-haired dogs)!Hannah B.
Hannah B.
February 2023
This is a great spot, and only 10 minutes from the west end of the St. John’s bridge! Perfect for some intense games of fetch, and our dogs loved sniffing around. The fencing is very secure, grass is short enough to not lose the ball, the spot is fairly flat for humans that might not want as much of a work out as their dogs, and everything is very simple :) the neighbors do have a dog who was out barking at the fence while we were there—the spot was big enough that we kept to the other end and our dogs weren’t bothered. The wetland area is fairly small and is shallow, our dogs loved playing in it (and no trouble with cockle burrs for our short-haired dogs)!
55Great large open space. We were warmly welcomed since it was our first visit.
Be careful of tripping hazards as like most fields there are some gophers or moles active here.
I love it being wide open. Directions were easy and accurate. We’ll be back! Thanks!Lisa W.
Lisa W.
February 2023
Great large open space. We were warmly welcomed since it was our first visit.
Be careful of tripping hazards as like most fields there are some gophers or moles active here.
I love it being wide open. Directions were easy and accurate. We’ll be back! Thanks!
55Perfect property for reactive dogs! It is removed from high traffic areas, and just a great place for your pup to roam around without too much stimuli! The fencing was secure, but honestly, Birdie was in such pure bliss that she didn’t even want to find a way out, there was so much land to sniff! Lilli G.
Lilli G.
February 2023
Perfect property for reactive dogs! It is removed from high traffic areas, and just a great place for your pup to roam around without too much stimuli! The fencing was secure, but honestly, Birdie was in such pure bliss that she didn’t even want to find a way out, there was so much land to sniff!
55Fantastic spot on Sauvie Island - just a short drive from the bridge off the 30. It's as described and is probably my favorite SniffSpot so far. Ample space that seems to be quite secure (I didn't feel the need to scan the entire perimeter) and was easily able to keep my 56 pound belgian malinois mix inside the designated area. Hachi and I had a lot of fun there today, Saturday, 2/25/23. I plan to be back on the regular. Thanks, Kris!Christopher H.
Christopher H.
February 2023
Fantastic spot on Sauvie Island - just a short drive from the bridge off the 30. It's as described and is probably my favorite SniffSpot so far. Ample space that seems to be quite secure (I didn't feel the need to scan the entire perimeter) and was easily able to keep my 56 pound belgian malinois mix inside the designated area. Hachi and I had a lot of fun there today, Saturday, 2/25/23. I plan to be back on the regular. Thanks, Kris!
55What a great sniffspot! It’s completely fenced in. Plenty of room to run and play fetch, plenty of things to sniff. Great for training or working on recall.  The owner came out and greeted us and was super friendly. Aneesah R.
Aneesah R.
March 2023
What a great sniffspot! It’s completely fenced in. Plenty of room to run and play fetch, plenty of things to sniff. Great for training or working on recall.  The owner came out and greeted us and was super friendly.
55Large, flat, clean and beautiful open fully fenced pasture on Sauvie Island with a few balls/toys and water for the dogs. Our dogs had a blast.
Kris was very accommodating by allowing us to pospone our first scheduled visit due to an unexpected snow storm and helped us to reschedule for the following week.
Thanks Kris for sharing your beautiful property with us!
Jayna K.
Jayna K.
March 2023
Large, flat, clean and beautiful open fully fenced pasture on Sauvie Island with a few balls/toys and water for the dogs. Our dogs had a blast.
Kris was very accommodating by allowing us to pospone our first scheduled visit due to an unexpected snow storm and helped us to reschedule for the following week.
Thanks Kris for sharing your beautiful property with us!
55Great place to visit our dogs love it. Lots of trails to explore. Nice little creek for cooling off on warm days. Plenty of shade and water provided. If your dogs love to explore this is definitely the place. Terry L.
Terry L.
July 2024
Great place to visit our dogs love it. Lots of trails to explore. Nice little creek for cooling off on warm days. Plenty of shade and water provided. If your dogs love to explore this is definitely the place.
How do South Bend's private dog fields work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our South Bend dog fields
Are dog fields safe?
If you are looking for an adventure, but also looking for safety, Sniffspot dog fields are a great option. While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, distracted dog owners, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer than public dog parks. With Sniffspot all bookings are private space for just you and doggy friends you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). Especially for training, privacy is ideal. Contrary to public dog parks, all Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog for off leash exercise or outdoor training. 93% of reviews on Sniffspot visits are 5 stars, while public dog parks often do not even have verified reviews. All payment is done securely online by credit card in a few simple clicks.
All park rental information is available online. Start by filtering parks by fencing, size and distractions, to find a private spot that works for your dog. If your dog has poor recall, you can visit one of our secure fields. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our dog fields where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. You can review the details of the listing to make sure it works as your desired activity space, for example, safe dog exercise, dog training, a stress-free adventure with your furry friend or even a puppy event. You can even check the park amenities chart for amenities such as indoor training facilities, agility field, synthetic turf, exercise balls or field parking availability in advance. If inclement weather is an issue or poor field conditions, you can reschedule your visit up to 2 hours in advance.
What are the requirements to bring my dog to a Sniffspot dog field?
We require that all four-legged friends have basic vaccinations or equivalent titers. We do not allow dogs with a bite history. We require that guests sign our waiver and agree to follow our safety rules. Make sure to check host rules before visiting to ensure, for instance, that you are following allowable sports activities rules and any special events rules.
Will there be other dogs at the Sniffspot field at the same time as me?
No. Facility rentals are for private play time and any host dogs are required to be kept away from the area during visits, so this is perfect for a private adventure for you and your doggie friends, and perhaps a human friend. Hosts understand that many guests have dogs in training and are nervous owners. So when you book a Sniffspot dog field you have the entire private spot to yourself. We also enforce 30 min time buffers between time slots so you will not run into other guest dogs or a previous person when coming or leaving in the field parking area. Some hosts may have multiple fields, but there is always a buffer between fields.