I love getting outdoors with my dog – it does both of us good, both physically and mentally and is a great way to spend time together. There are days when just going on a walk isn’t really satisfying either of us, so I’ve been looking at other options for us to exercise together. One option that looks particularly interesting to me is a sport that offers the athletic challenges of cross country running, but your dog comes along too – it’s known as Canicross.
What is Canicross?
Canicross originated in Europe as a way to keep sled dogs fit during the summer. It then evolved into a sport in its own right with competitions across Europe. The human wears a waist belt and an elastic leash is attached from the belt to the dog. It’s a sport that suits complete beginners and professional athletes alike.
How do I get into Canicross?
In the UK there are quite a few organisations that can help you get into the sport including Canix UK, Canicross UK and TrailRunners.
Pretty much any dog breed can participate in Canicross, but it’s worth checking with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is physically capable of this type of exercise. Check with your own physician to make sure you’ve got the green light for this activity too.
Ideally, start out with walking using the waist belt and elastic leash and then gradually progress to jogging and then running when you are both at the right fitness level.
What gear do I need?
The waist belt and elastic leash combo are available from various suppliers and DogFit UK offers supplies, training and advice on the sport on their website. Trail shoes for the human team member are recommended and are available from most good sports shoe manufacturers. To transport your dog comfortably and securely to a Canicross event or training session, a dog guard and boot liner such as the Travall Guard and Travall Liner are advised. The Travall Liner helps keep your boot’s interior clean after muddy runs and the perfect fit of the rattle-free dog guard means your pup can sleep soundly on the way home.
Why not see if there is a canicross club in your area?
