Do you have a Dog with boundless energy? Are you looking to get fit?
Then Canicross may be the sport for you!
Dog Powered sports, and CaniX in particular, are one of the fastest growing sports in Europe, and are gaining popularity in Scotland. Lindsay Cloughley, from Cani-Fit – introduces us to running with your dog!
“Canicross is a fairly new sport and slowly but surely it is increasing in popularity. What is it? Why is it not simply called ‘running with your dog’?
Canicross is a little different from going for a run and taking your four legged friend with you on a lead or off lead. Canicross is a dog powered sport and requires you to drive your dog and work with them as part of a team.
To avoid injury to both you and your dog, they should be suitably harnessed and attached to you by a waist belt and a bungee line. The waist belt allows you to run hands free, and pushes your posture to a more up right position allowing you to run faster and with your dog. The bungee in the line is important as it absorbs excess shock and takes pressure of you and your four legged team mate.
Canicrossers prefer to use off road trails as their ground to run on , away from traffic, built up areas and of course tarmac which isnt good for a dogs pads or joints.
The sport is for all abilities, from beginners to advanced seasoned runners, as you can simply use the sport to help get yourself and your dog fit, or you can enter on a competitive level at the increasing number of CaniCross events up and down the country.
You don’t only gain from the exercise and get to experience the great outdoors, but it is an excellent way to build a bond with your dog. Dogs thrive on burning off excess energy and love to be outside exploring nature, however with CaniCross they are also put into a working position and this activates their mind as well as their body.
Your dog is steered by you through voice commands, using directions, some use the popular mushing commands “Gee” Right , “Haw” left , “On by” keep going and “Hike on” Lets go. It is important to also teach your dog , commands like “steady” and “wait,” otherwise you may find yourself involuntarily hugging a tree.
There are many places that welcome dog runners, ParkRun is one such group, with events across the UK.
If you are interested in learning more about CaniCross and would like to be part of a free CaniCross group.
The Canicross Trailrunners are a friendly non competitve organisation with groups all over the UK.
A new TrailRunners Scotland group has just formed, for updates on the Scottish group please visit Cani-Fit on Facebook.
These are free, friendly, local group meetings, where all abilities and all newcomers will be welcomed, and advice and support on the sport, training and equipment can be given.
Canicross is popular with owners wanting to gain more fitness with their pets, but also for seasoned competitive runners.
If competing is more for you and your dog then check out CaniX Official
CaniX is a large company that hosts CaniCross races and events all over the UK, including at Crufts and the Dog Olympics.
The Sled Dog Association in Scotland, hold sled dog rallies across Scotland and the North of England, they also have a CaniCross category at all of their rallies.
These are fantastic events, and also great to spectate the wonderful sled dogs in action.
Canicross races are open to all breeds, and non sled dogs can be registered in the open category. All tracks are well marked, marshalled and dog friendly. Sled Dog Association in Scotland
Well now you know the very basics, why not give it a go? Grab your dog, your trainers and see what new trails and paths you can explore.
Please ensure that your dog is in good health before running, as CaniCross is not suitable for all breeds, it is important to check with a Vet that your dog is fit and healthy enough to run.
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