Cani-cross — getting started

No special equipment or training is needed. You can start today, go out for a training run and enter cani-cross races with your dog on collar and lead.

Many choose to harness their dog’s pulling power and chase instinct with a dog running harness, waist belt and cani-cross line. This is more comfortable for both you and your dog and gives you extra assistance (handy for the hills)!

Dogs soon learn the difference between their collar and their running harness – understanding that they can pull with one and not the other. The running harness directs all the pulling power to the dogs chest and shoulders away from the neck. The feel is totally different to the collar and significantly more comfortable. Running with your dog in harness can help with loose lead walking.

Cani-cross is a brilliant way to get out in the fresh air and spend quality time with your dog. You and your canine chum can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings and get in shape at the same time with an invigorating workout. Cani-cross:

• maintains a healthy lifestyle for you and your dogs.
• strengthens the bond between you and your dogs.
• can be enjoyed by all ages, male or female.
• is a versatile sport that can be practiced anywhere.

There is no handicap for the breed of dog as, regardless of breed, most dogs can run faster than their human team mate. You ARE the weakest link!

Do I need to be super-fit? No, it’s for all levels. Take it easy at first and build up slowly, alternate between walk/run. Use a cani-cross event as a goal. Enter the 2.5km Have-a-go class and when you feel comfortable try the 5km. Everyone at the event is primarily a dog lover, the race is secondary, so you will be in good company.

If your dog is unfit, go at their pace, give them lots of breaks, plenty to drink and gradually increase your distance and speed. If you don’t carry water, ensure your route will take you past water (natural springs, streams, rivers or lakes).

Dogs under the age of one should not be given excessive exercise. Growth plates in their legs are still forming and, if put under too much stress, will give complications later in life. Consult your vet for recommended exercise for your breed.

Training when it’s hot. Never underestimate the heat. Heat exhaustion can kill, and it will kill your dog before it kills you. Your dog will run until it drops whereas you will stop before then. Be responsible – always put your dog first. Forest trails benefit from the shade of trees and running in the morning or evening will avoid the heat of the mid-day. Keep an eye on your dog in the minutes after the run, until they have fully recovered and returned to normal breathing.

Consider the surface you are running your dog on – dogs do not have the benefit of hi-tech trainers and could develop impact injuries if running on hard ground such as tarmac. Tarmac is also very abrasive and could wear away your dogs pads. For your dog, grass and dirt trails are the best, followed by sand, wood chip and crushed gravel.

Remember, your dog will not complain. Even if injured and in pain, they will be more than happy to join you for a run. There are more safety notes in the guidelines.

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