Sled Dog Society of Wales
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    • Gleblands Park - Newport
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  • Canine First Aid & Health & Wellbeing
    • Canine First Aid Kit Contents
    • Bandaging & Wound Cleaning
    • Emergency First Aid A - E >
      • Abscesses
      • Adder Snake Bite
      • Bee Stings & Insect Bites
      • Bleeding (external)
      • Bleeding (internal)
      • Bloat
      • Chemical Burns
      • Choking
      • CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resusitation
      • Dehydration
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Difficult Births
      • Drowning
      • Eye Injuries
    • Emergency First Aid E - O >
      • Electrocution
      • Fainting - "Syncope"
      • False Widow Spider Bite
      • Fever
      • Fox Bites
      • Fractures
      • Heatstroke
      • Hot Spots - Canine Acute Moist Dermatitis
      • Hypothermia
      • Nose Bleed
    • Emergency First Aid P - Z >
      • Paralysis
      • Poisoning and Exposure to Toxins
      • Penetrating Injuries
      • Rat Bites
      • Seizures
      • Shock
      • Straining & Constipation
      • Transporting Injurerd Dogs
    • Health & Wellbeing >
      • Health Conditions A - E >
        • Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Dogs
        • Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy (Sub acute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy)
        • B12 Deficiency or Cobalamin Malabsorption
        • Breathing Difficulties
        • Canine Athletes Heart Syndrome
        • Congenital Heart Disease in Dogs
        • Epilepsy
      • Health Conditions F -M >
        • Hip dysplasia
        • Hypoglycemia
        • Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
        • Joint Luxation
        • Ligament and Tendon Tears
        • Metabolic Myopathy
      • Health Conditions N - Z >
        • Paw Pad Problems
        • Portal Systemic Shunts
        • Pyometra & Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia
        • Snow Nose
        • Stomach Ulcers
        • Tendonitis
        • Urinary Tract Health
      • Infectious diseases >
        • Alabama Rot
        • Cryptococcosis
        • Distemper
        • Erlichiosis
        • Hepatitis
        • Histoplasmosis
        • Parvovirus
        • Rabies
      • Welbeing A - G >
        • Anal Glands/Sacks
        • Burns
        • Coconut Oil
        • Dry Dog Food
        • Grooming and maintenance
      • Wellbeing H - Z >
        • Heat Stroke
        • How To Trim Your Dogs Claws
        • Raw Feeding
        • Toxic Food - Fruits, vegtables & Fish
        • Turmeric Powder
        • Vitaimin E
        • Zinc Deficency
      • Dental Care
      • Nutrition
      • Vaccinations, Worming, Microchipping >
        • Kennel Cough
        • Microchipping
        • Vaccinaions
        • Worming, Flea & Tick Prevention & Parasites
      • Spaying & Neutering
      • Veterinary Clinical Examination
  • Controlling Your Dog In Public
    • Banned Breeds
    • Dangerous Dog Act 2017
    • Dog fouling
    • Public Spaces Protection Orders
  • Donation & Fundraising
  • Easy Fundraising
  • Evolution Of Dogs
    • Breeds >
      • Spitz Breeds >
        • Alaskan Husky
        • Aalaskan Klee Kai
        • Alaskan Malamute
        • Chow Chow
        • Crossd Breed - Huskamute
        • Greenland Dogs
        • Japanese Akita Inu & American Akita
        • Samoyed
        • Siberian Husky
        • Tamaskan
      • Wolf Hybrids >
        • Czechoslovakian wolf dog
        • Saarlooswolfhond
        • Timberwolfdog
  • Equipment
    • Collars
    • Cooling Coats & Mats
    • Scooters, Dry Land Rig and Sleds
    • Walking Belt
    • Dog Weather Shelter
    • Head Collar
    • Leads
    • Harnesses
    • Stake out lines
  • Puppy and dog walking tips
  • Training
    • Canicross
    • Crate Training
    • Obedience training >
      • Bite Inhibition
      • Leave it Training
      • Recall Training
      • Sit Training
      • Sit & Stay Training
      • Walking to Heel Training
    • Temperature Guide to Safely Work Your Dog
    • Toilet Training
    • Vocal Commands
    • Weight Pull Training
    • Working In Racing Harness Sled/Dry Land Rig or Scooter
Picture
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 book, 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/
 

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  • Home
  • About
    • Club Ethos
    • Club Code of Ethics
    • Club Dog Working, Showing & Pack Walks
    • Club Membership
    • Club Merchandise >
      • Pyrography
      • Car Decals
      • Clothing >
        • Size & Colour Chart
      • Custom Embroidery Designs
      • Dog Accessories
      • Keyrings
      • Miscellaneous
    • Meet the Pack & Club Event Photos
    • Rainbow Bridge
  • Education & Public Speaking
  • Contact
  • Ain't Nothing But A Hound Day
    • Gleblands Park - Newport
    • Victoria Park - Cardiff
    • Romilly Park - Barry
    • Roath Recreation Ground - Cardiff
  • Club Sponsors 2021
  • Canine First Aid & Health & Wellbeing
    • Canine First Aid Kit Contents
    • Bandaging & Wound Cleaning
    • Emergency First Aid A - E >
      • Abscesses
      • Adder Snake Bite
      • Bee Stings & Insect Bites
      • Bleeding (external)
      • Bleeding (internal)
      • Bloat
      • Chemical Burns
      • Choking
      • CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resusitation
      • Dehydration
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Difficult Births
      • Drowning
      • Eye Injuries
    • Emergency First Aid E - O >
      • Electrocution
      • Fainting - "Syncope"
      • False Widow Spider Bite
      • Fever
      • Fox Bites
      • Fractures
      • Heatstroke
      • Hot Spots - Canine Acute Moist Dermatitis
      • Hypothermia
      • Nose Bleed
    • Emergency First Aid P - Z >
      • Paralysis
      • Poisoning and Exposure to Toxins
      • Penetrating Injuries
      • Rat Bites
      • Seizures
      • Shock
      • Straining & Constipation
      • Transporting Injurerd Dogs
    • Health & Wellbeing >
      • Health Conditions A - E >
        • Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Dogs
        • Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy (Sub acute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy)
        • B12 Deficiency or Cobalamin Malabsorption
        • Breathing Difficulties
        • Canine Athletes Heart Syndrome
        • Congenital Heart Disease in Dogs
        • Epilepsy
      • Health Conditions F -M >
        • Hip dysplasia
        • Hypoglycemia
        • Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
        • Joint Luxation
        • Ligament and Tendon Tears
        • Metabolic Myopathy
      • Health Conditions N - Z >
        • Paw Pad Problems
        • Portal Systemic Shunts
        • Pyometra & Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia
        • Snow Nose
        • Stomach Ulcers
        • Tendonitis
        • Urinary Tract Health
      • Infectious diseases >
        • Alabama Rot
        • Cryptococcosis
        • Distemper
        • Erlichiosis
        • Hepatitis
        • Histoplasmosis
        • Parvovirus
        • Rabies
      • Welbeing A - G >
        • Anal Glands/Sacks
        • Burns
        • Coconut Oil
        • Dry Dog Food
        • Grooming and maintenance
      • Wellbeing H - Z >
        • Heat Stroke
        • How To Trim Your Dogs Claws
        • Raw Feeding
        • Toxic Food - Fruits, vegtables & Fish
        • Turmeric Powder
        • Vitaimin E
        • Zinc Deficency
      • Dental Care
      • Nutrition
      • Vaccinations, Worming, Microchipping >
        • Kennel Cough
        • Microchipping
        • Vaccinaions
        • Worming, Flea & Tick Prevention & Parasites
      • Spaying & Neutering
      • Veterinary Clinical Examination
  • Controlling Your Dog In Public
    • Banned Breeds
    • Dangerous Dog Act 2017
    • Dog fouling
    • Public Spaces Protection Orders
  • Donation & Fundraising
  • Easy Fundraising
  • Evolution Of Dogs
    • Breeds >
      • Spitz Breeds >
        • Alaskan Husky
        • Aalaskan Klee Kai
        • Alaskan Malamute
        • Chow Chow
        • Crossd Breed - Huskamute
        • Greenland Dogs
        • Japanese Akita Inu & American Akita
        • Samoyed
        • Siberian Husky
        • Tamaskan
      • Wolf Hybrids >
        • Czechoslovakian wolf dog
        • Saarlooswolfhond
        • Timberwolfdog
  • Equipment
    • Collars
    • Cooling Coats & Mats
    • Scooters, Dry Land Rig and Sleds
    • Walking Belt
    • Dog Weather Shelter
    • Head Collar
    • Leads
    • Harnesses
    • Stake out lines
  • Puppy and dog walking tips
  • Training
    • Canicross
    • Crate Training
    • Obedience training >
      • Bite Inhibition
      • Leave it Training
      • Recall Training
      • Sit Training
      • Sit & Stay Training
      • Walking to Heel Training
    • Temperature Guide to Safely Work Your Dog
    • Toilet Training
    • Vocal Commands
    • Weight Pull Training
    • Working In Racing Harness Sled/Dry Land Rig or Scooter