You’ve already nailed the running part, but have you ever considered combining that with a dog? Well, now’s your chance. Canicross is a recognised sport that lets you do just that, in a safe, comfortable and often exhilarating way.
Hands-free trail running with your dog has been growing rapidly in the UK, attracting both social runners and competitive runners alike. It has also captured interest from TV companies (DogFit featured on the BBC’s Countryfile), local and national radio stations, and various press titles, including specialist running magazines.
All you need to get started in Canicross are three items; a running belt for you (which is designed to sit low so the pull comes through your hips rather than back), a harness for your dog (also made specifically for the sport) and a bungee line that attaches you to one another. The line takes up any slack when the dog isn’t pulling so hard but also absorbs any shock when it does. It is important that you only use equipment designed for Canicross in order to avoid discomfort and injury to you or your dog. A normal dog harness is not recommended and the running belt enables you to run hands-free and thus maintain good running form.
When we established DogFit back in 2015, Canicross was very much regarded as a niche sport in the UK. Our mission was, and still is, to make it as inclusive as possible and to help promote the many health, fitness and well-being benefits that it brings.
Fast forward to today and we have an expansive network of Certified DogFit Trainers across the UK who introduce people and their dogs to Canicross, run dedicated training programmes and regular drop-in classes. We also have online training programmes and support, and we sell a range of Canicross equipment including our own popular DogFit Starter Kit that we manufacture here in the UK. It comes with a free Canicross guide and kitbag. If you are not sure which is the best harness for your dog, we do have an online consultation form you can complete and someone will then come back to you with a recommendation.
If you are a dog owner, Canicross is a great way to combine your love for the trails with your love for dogs.
The bond you build with your dog through Canicross is also truly special. We incorporate commands or cues (such as ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘with me’ etc) so just through communicating in this way you are instantly working as a team. We’ve lost count of the number of stories we have received from customers with anxious or reactive dogs where Canicross has completely transformed them – or people struggling with their mental health and how Canicross has given them a purpose. We’ve captured these stories and more in our popular My Story series. For the dogs themselves, running in a pack with other dogs helps them to focus and really helps build their confidence by having that job to do along with listening out for instructions from their owner.
Many people ask ‘who can do Canicross?’. The short answer is any dog (as long as they are fully grown) and any person can take part. Some dogs are not built for longer distances or certain temperatures but it’s about adjusting accordingly and there is even the option to Canitrek which is hands-free walking as opposed to running. If in any doubt, we suggest you consult your vet and/or GP to be safe.
It is not advised to take your dog on all your long runs and you should build up their mileage just as you would yourselves. Running whilst pulling into a harness requires much more power and stamina than off lead walking or running, so do bear that in mind. So it may be that you incorporate some Canicross in the earlier weeks of an ultra training programme. That way your dog is building up their endurance and strength gradually too which is really important for avoiding injury.
As we enter the autumn/winter season, this really is the time to take advantage of the cooler climate to try Canicross. Over the years we have enjoyed running on some stunning courses with our dogs; from coastal paths to wooded trails and also more technical routes. We avoid Canicrossing when it is too hot and/or humid as dogs really struggle so do be mindful of this and always put the needs of your dog first. We have written a really helpful blog on this topic which is worth a quick read.
If you fancy a bit more of a challenge, did you know you can enter races with your dog? Some are dedicated Canicross-only events and others are cross-over races where they accept Canicrossers alongside the dogless runners or have a separate Canicross-only start. You have to experience it yourself to really appreciate the atmosphere at the start of a Canicross race. But trust us, it’s incredible and you and your dog will love it. Find an event here.
If you have a dog that isn’t up to running the longer distances for whatever reason, don’t be put off as you can easily include them in your shorter runs. This is a wonderful way to mix up your training and enjoy some special bonding time together.
At DogFit we have a truly special community. If you are interested in finding out more, accomplished runners may find it helpful to have a Taster session with one of our Certified DogFit Trainers. They can also recommend which equipment to use, including the best harness for your dog.
Do check out our website as it has a wealth of information about Canicross. You can also find us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, as well as subscribe to our Talk Canicross podcast. Our podcast includes a fascinating interview with a nutritionist which will be of interest to many of you as it touches upon considerations for your dog over longer distances.
We hope reading this has whet your appetite to give Canicross a try and that we see you out on the trails with your dogs sometime soon.
