Running free, endless sniffing, and discovering the surroundings at their own pace. For many dogs, a visit to an off-leash area is one big adventure. And for the owner? They often get a wonderfully relaxing walk in return.
Fortunately, the Netherlands has plenty of places where dogs are allowed off-leash. From vast forests and sand flats to dunes and special dog parks. But before you unclip the leash, there are a few things you need to know.
For example, is your dog really allowed everywhere in an off-leash area? Do you still have to clean up dog poop? And what do you do if you encounter a dog on a leash?
We've listed the most important rules, unwritten etiquette, and useful tips for you. And of course, we'll conclude with 10 beautiful off-leash areas in the Netherlands that are worth exploring.
When is a dog allowed off-leash?
In the Netherlands, not all areas have the same rules for off-leash dogs. Municipalities and land managers can designate areas where dogs are allowed off-leash, must be on a leash, or are not allowed at all.
In nature reserves, dogs are often welcome, but usually on a leash. Staatsbosbeheer (National Forest Service), for example, states that dogs are welcome in almost all nature reserves, but that off-leash walking is only allowed in designated areas.
Rules can also change throughout the year. During breeding season, for example, dogs may temporarily need to be leashed to avoid disturbing birds and other wildlife.
Therefore, always check the signs at the entrance to the area before unclipping the leash.
Off-leash does not mean: disappearing from sight
You are in an official off-leash area. The leash can come off. Does that mean your dog can disappear hundreds of meters into the forest?
No.
Even in an off-leash area, you must maintain control over your dog. Your dog must respond well when you call him back, and you must be able to intervene when necessary.
This is important for other dogs and walkers, but also for wildlife and the safety of your own dog.
For example, in Natuurmonumenten (Nature Monuments) off-leash areas, a dog must stay within 10 meters of its handler and respond immediately to commands.
If your dog cannot reliably come back when called yet, a long leash can be a good intermediate step.
The unwritten rules of the off-leash area
In addition to the official rules, there's also something called off-leash etiquette. With a little consideration for each other, an off-leash area remains enjoyable for everyone.
1. A leashed dog? Call your dog back for a moment
This is perhaps one of the most important.
Do you see someone approaching with a dog on a leash? Call your own dog to you and pass each other with sufficient distance.
A dog can be on a leash for various reasons. Perhaps they are anxious, recovering from an injury, in training, or simply don't like contact with other dogs.
"My dog doesn't do anything" doesn't automatically mean the other dog wants contact.
2. Don't let your dog run up to everyone
Not every dog wants to play, and not every walker likes dogs.
The same applies to runners, cyclists, children, and horse riders. Give others space and call your dog to you when necessary.
3. Keep an eye on play between dogs
Running and roughhousing can sometimes get quite wild. Therefore, pay close attention to the body language of both dogs.
If one dog clearly wants to leave, hides with its owner, or the play becomes increasingly wild? Interrupt the contact for a moment.
Not every dog that runs away automatically wants to be chased.
4. Clean up dog poop where it is mandatory
An off-leash area does not automatically exempt you from the obligation to clean up. The rules vary per municipality and area.
Therefore, always bring enough dog poop bags and check the local rules.
5. Respect nature and wildlife
A dog running off-leash can suddenly smell a rabbit, deer, or bird and follow its nose.
Prevent your dog from chasing wildlife and stick to the designated paths and zones. This is especially important during breeding season.
Useful tips before going to an off-leash area
Good preparation makes the walk a lot more relaxing.
Check the current rules in advance
Check if dogs are actually allowed off-leash and if there are temporary or seasonal restrictions.
Always bring a leash
Even if you're going to an off-leash area. You might encounter a section where dogs need to be leashed again.
Bring water
Especially during longer walks and on warm days, sufficient drinking water is important.
Bring more poop bags than you think you'll need
That one time you only bring one...
Make sure your dog is identifiable
A tag with a phone number on the collar or harness can be useful if your dog unexpectedly disappears from sight.
Practice recall
A well-trained recall command makes off-leash walking a lot more enjoyable.
Bring tasty treats
Even during a fun walk, coming back to the owner should remain worthwhile.
Check your dog after the walk
Especially after walks through forests, heaths, and tall grass, it's wise to check the fur and skin for ticks and other unwanted hitchhikers.
Does every dog need to run off-leash?
No. And that's perfectly fine.
Some dogs find a busy off-leash area fantastic. Other dogs are overwhelmed by all the smells, people, and unfamiliar dogs.
Therefore, look primarily at your own dog.
A quiet walk on a long leash can be much more pleasant for some dogs than a busy dog park. The most important thing is not how many dogs you encounter along the way, but that you have fun together.
The 10 beautiful off-leash areas for dogs in the Netherlands
Feeling like going on an adventure together? The Netherlands has a surprising number of beautiful places where dogs are allowed to roam freely, either entirely or partially.
Here are 10 areas that, in our opinion, should be on your dog-walking bucket list.
1. Loonse en Drunense Duinen | North Brabant
Forest, heath, and enormous sand flats: the Loonse en Drunense Duinen feel almost like a mini-desert in some places.
There are two special off-leash dog routes of about 4 and 4.5 kilometers, and also a larger off-leash area near Bosch en Duin.
Why it's fun? The combination of forest and shifting sand makes every walk different.
2. Kootwijkerduin | Gelderland
In the Veluwe, near Kootwijkerduin, you'll find a large fenced off-leash dog area of about 56 hectares.
This makes this place especially interesting for owners who like to give their dog a lot of space.
Why it's fun? Plenty of space and a natural Veluwe environment.
3. 't Leesten | Gelderland
Another great spot in the Veluwe. At 't Leesten, there's a fenced off-leash dog area of about 16 hectares.
Additionally, you'll find the 'Natte Neuzenroute' (Wet Noses Route) here. On this route, dogs are allowed off-leash on the designated part of the path.
Why it's fun? You combine a real hike with a special area for dogs.
4. Harskamp | Gelderland
Also near Harskamp, Staatsbosbeheer has a fenced off-leash dog area. The area is about 17 hectares in size.
Why it's fun? A great option if you prefer to walk in a clearly demarcated area.
5. Brunssummerheide | Limburg
For those who love heathland, Brunssummerheide is a beautiful destination. Within the nature reserve, there are designated zones where dogs are allowed off-leash.
Why it's fun? A completely different landscape than a traditional dog forest, with beautiful heathland and elevation changes.
6. Sint-Pietersberg | Limburg
At Sint-Pietersberg in Maastricht, there is a large fenced off-leash zone on the city side of the nature reserve.
Why it's fun? Ideal to combine with a day trip to South Limburg and a walk in a special landscape.
7. Looserplas | North Brabant
At the Looserplas, there is a fenced off-leash area of about six hectares. Outside this area, dogs are also welcome, but they must be on a leash.
Why it's fun? A well-defined off-leash area for dogs who like to sniff around and move freely.
8. Schoorlse Duinen | North Holland
The Schoorlse Duinen are beautiful for a long walk through forests and dunes.
Pay extra attention to the season here: currently, dogs must be on a leash from March 1st to September 1st. Outside this period, according to current rules, dogs are allowed off-leash under control, with exceptions in certain grazing areas.
Why it's fun? One of the most beautiful combinations of forest, dunes, and coastal landscape in the Netherlands.
9. Zeepeduinen | Zeeland
Beautiful places can also be found in Zeeland. At the Zeepeduinen in Burgh-Haamstede, there is a designated off-leash area along the Moolweg.
Why it's fun? Perfect to combine with a day trip to Zeeland and a beautiful walk through the area.
10. Landgoed Lievensberg | Bergen op Zoom
And of course, we also include a favorite from our own region.
On Landgoed Lievensberg, the municipality of Bergen op Zoom has a specifically designated path where dogs are allowed off-leash.
Why it's fun? Wooded, wonderful for walking, and a great option for dog owners from West Brabant.
And now: leash in hand and off to adventure!
Whether you choose the sand flats of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, the forests of the Veluwe, or the dunes on the coast: there is so much to discover with your dog.
Remember above all that an off-leash area provides freedom, but also brings responsibility. Keep an eye on your dog, respect other dogs and walkers, and always check the current rules of the area you are visiting.
Then there is really only one question left:
Which off-leash area will you discover next?