Tag: Canicross 101

Alright, you’ve dipped your toe in the canicross waters, and you’re loving that feeling of being effortlessly (well, mostly!) pulled along by your furry powerhouse. But here’s the thing: while we want them to pull in canicross, we also need them to do it in a controlled, consistent, and well-behaved manner. We’re not after a frantic, uncontrolled tug-of-war! This isn’t just about avoiding face-plants; it’s about building a respectful, powerful, and utterly joyous working partnership. So, let’s dive into teaching your dog to be a canicross pro – pulling on cue, and knowing when to ease off.

Ah, the glorious British countryside! Rolling hills, ancient woodlands, muddy puddles… and you, tearing through it all, powered by your enthusiastic canine companion. Trail running with your dog, especially when engaging in the exhilarating sport of canicross, is pure bliss. It’s fresh air, stunning views, and that incredible bond. But hold your horses (and your hounds!); with this freedom comes a bit of responsibility. Our trails are shared spaces, and ensuring everyone has a grand old time – safely – means following a few rules of the road (or, rather, the path).

You’ve got the kit, you’re hitting the trails, and your dog is, well, pulling. But are you truly running in harmony? One of the biggest ‘aha!’ moments in canicross comes when you realise you’re not just running with a dog; you’re running behind a dog, and they’re the ones setting the pace. Trying to force your dog’s powerful pull to match your desired speed is a recipe for frustration (and probably some strained shouting). For truly awesome canicross, it’s all about syncing your pace with your dog’s natural rhythm and pulling power. This isn’t just about being nice; it’s about getting the best, safest, and most enjoyable run for both of you.

Alright, so you and your four-legged speed demon have nailed those shorter canicross outings. You’re thinking, “This is brilliant! What if we went… further?” Welcome to the next level: endurance training! Imagine covering more ground, exploring new trails, and feeling that incredible, sustained pull. Extending your distances, from a comfortable 5K to a glorious 10K or even a cheeky half-marathon, is the next thrilling chapter. But hold your horses (or your hounds!); building endurance in canicross is an art, not a mad dash. It requires a proper plan that prioritises your dog’s unique needs, because let’s face it, they’re the engine!

So, you’ve seen those magnificent dog-and-human teams flying through the woods, looking utterly majestic (and possibly a bit mad). You’re thinking, “My pooch has energy to burn, and so do I… mostly!” Welcome to the wonderfully wild world of canicross! It’s like regular running, but with built-in doggy propulsion. And yes, it’s as brilliant as it sounds. But before you both go full Usain Bolt (or perhaps more accurately, full Wile E. Coyote chasing the Road Runner), let’s talk about how to start safely – and ideally, without any dramatic tumbles.