Canicross - What is It?
Canicross is essentially running on trails with your dog out in front, wearing a harness and attached to your waist via a harness & a gang line.
I’ve Seen the Words Canicross/Canix and I'm Confused-Is There A Difference?
Yes! Canix is a group that you pay for membership to (they also do Have A Go races where literally anyone can have a go, so need for membership). Please be aware though, that Canix have been refused entry to the European Championships, so if you intend to take the sport one step further, then Canix membership will not automatically ensure your entry to European races.
The sport however is Canicross, & will be referred to as such here on in!
Can Any Dog Do Canicross?
Pretty much any dogs can do this sport, so long as they are fit and healthy (it may be advisable to get your dog checked out at your veterinary practice first if you have any concerns). Dogs who have short snouts like Boxers may struggle a bit-so use common sense. If your dog is unfit, start slowly with short runs of a minute or so & build up.
What Age Can My Dog Start Canicross?
Canicross isn't quite as hard work for your dog as it would be for pulling a sled, dry land rig or a scooter, however, use common sense and caution. The general consensus of opinion is around a year old.
What Equipment Do I Need?
A harness is a must, as is a canicross belt or a walking belt and a gang line with a bungee. As this is predominantly about sled dogs. ALL DOGS MUST WEAR AN X BACK HARNESS OR SIMILAR PULLING HARNESS/BELT/ GANGLINE WHEN CANICROSSING AT SDSW EVENTS. Any dog showing up with a collar & lead will not be permitted to run-NO EXCEPTIONS!
Other canicross organisations may be able to get away with letting have A Go newbie’s use just collars & leads in the beginning, but as you will know, you cannot afford these powerful dogs to potentially get loose!
For yourself, no specific equipment is necessary, but trail shoes are recommended for extra grip. A pair of gloves may also prove handy too.
How Do I Train My Dog?
If you are already walking your dog on a walking belt with a gang line and a harness, you are half way there already!
Use mushing terms to get them turning left/right:-
Left - Haw
Right - Gee
Go! - Hike On.
Carry Straight on - On By
And the universal stop command – Whoa!
Training sessions should be short & fun, use lots of praise & fuss. Start by gently jogging with them out in front of you & use the commands along with gentle pressure on the gang line when turning.
Dogs prefer to run on a defined track they can follow, rather than across a grassy field or park.
Try getting someone to run/cycle in front to encourage your dog to pull you along. If you have an older, more experienced dog, a young dog will pick up what to do pretty quickly.
If you run 2 dogs, use a neckline to keep them together.
Hydration
If you are going to be out for some time, it might be a good idea to invest in a hydro pack (a special ergonomically designed small rucksack you can put a water bladder in). Pop a collapsible water bowl in the hydro pack too, there's generally enough space for one.
Your Own Fitness
Ok, so up until now, we've talked about the dog’s welfare, but don't forget, you need to be hale & hearty too! If you are at all unsure about embarking on a fitness regime, please consult your doctor first.
Getting Started
For people who have never run before, we do recommend a fitness programme which has worked for a number of people, the Couch to 5K, which can be found by visiting this website; www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/get-running-with-couch-to-5k.aspx – it’s worth remembering that your canine friend will benefit from this too if you have never run your dog in harness before. If you have any concerns about the health of your dog or yourself, please consult your vet or doctor before you start any new fitness routine.
The best way to get you started is to join up with some people who are already organising canicross runs. There are a number of groups now (some really large ones too) that are offering membership as well as informal group runs. Many of these clubs have spare kit which you can borrow and can give you some great advice on how to make the most of your canicross runs. Below are some Internet web addresses that you might find useful. There are many more that operate through Facebook groups.
http://www.canicrossmidlands.co.uk/
http://www.ashridgecanicrossers.org.uk/Ashridge_Canicrossers/Home.html
http://www.canisportsscotland.com/
http://www.cotswoldcanicross.co.uk/
Canicross is essentially running on trails with your dog out in front, wearing a harness and attached to your waist via a harness & a gang line.
I’ve Seen the Words Canicross/Canix and I'm Confused-Is There A Difference?
Yes! Canix is a group that you pay for membership to (they also do Have A Go races where literally anyone can have a go, so need for membership). Please be aware though, that Canix have been refused entry to the European Championships, so if you intend to take the sport one step further, then Canix membership will not automatically ensure your entry to European races.
The sport however is Canicross, & will be referred to as such here on in!
Can Any Dog Do Canicross?
Pretty much any dogs can do this sport, so long as they are fit and healthy (it may be advisable to get your dog checked out at your veterinary practice first if you have any concerns). Dogs who have short snouts like Boxers may struggle a bit-so use common sense. If your dog is unfit, start slowly with short runs of a minute or so & build up.
What Age Can My Dog Start Canicross?
Canicross isn't quite as hard work for your dog as it would be for pulling a sled, dry land rig or a scooter, however, use common sense and caution. The general consensus of opinion is around a year old.
What Equipment Do I Need?
A harness is a must, as is a canicross belt or a walking belt and a gang line with a bungee. As this is predominantly about sled dogs. ALL DOGS MUST WEAR AN X BACK HARNESS OR SIMILAR PULLING HARNESS/BELT/ GANGLINE WHEN CANICROSSING AT SDSW EVENTS. Any dog showing up with a collar & lead will not be permitted to run-NO EXCEPTIONS!
Other canicross organisations may be able to get away with letting have A Go newbie’s use just collars & leads in the beginning, but as you will know, you cannot afford these powerful dogs to potentially get loose!
For yourself, no specific equipment is necessary, but trail shoes are recommended for extra grip. A pair of gloves may also prove handy too.
How Do I Train My Dog?
If you are already walking your dog on a walking belt with a gang line and a harness, you are half way there already!
Use mushing terms to get them turning left/right:-
Left - Haw
Right - Gee
Go! - Hike On.
Carry Straight on - On By
And the universal stop command – Whoa!
Training sessions should be short & fun, use lots of praise & fuss. Start by gently jogging with them out in front of you & use the commands along with gentle pressure on the gang line when turning.
Dogs prefer to run on a defined track they can follow, rather than across a grassy field or park.
Try getting someone to run/cycle in front to encourage your dog to pull you along. If you have an older, more experienced dog, a young dog will pick up what to do pretty quickly.
If you run 2 dogs, use a neckline to keep them together.
Hydration
If you are going to be out for some time, it might be a good idea to invest in a hydro pack (a special ergonomically designed small rucksack you can put a water bladder in). Pop a collapsible water bowl in the hydro pack too, there's generally enough space for one.
Your Own Fitness
Ok, so up until now, we've talked about the dog’s welfare, but don't forget, you need to be hale & hearty too! If you are at all unsure about embarking on a fitness regime, please consult your doctor first.
Getting Started
For people who have never run before, we do recommend a fitness programme which has worked for a number of people, the Couch to 5K, which can be found by visiting this website; www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/get-running-with-couch-to-5k.aspx – it’s worth remembering that your canine friend will benefit from this too if you have never run your dog in harness before. If you have any concerns about the health of your dog or yourself, please consult your vet or doctor before you start any new fitness routine.
The best way to get you started is to join up with some people who are already organising canicross runs. There are a number of groups now (some really large ones too) that are offering membership as well as informal group runs. Many of these clubs have spare kit which you can borrow and can give you some great advice on how to make the most of your canicross runs. Below are some Internet web addresses that you might find useful. There are many more that operate through Facebook groups.
http://www.canicrossmidlands.co.uk/
http://www.ashridgecanicrossers.org.uk/Ashridge_Canicrossers/Home.html
http://www.canisportsscotland.com/
http://www.cotswoldcanicross.co.uk/
