There is a reason why dog is called man’s best friend. And running together is a good way for dogs and their owners to exercise and connect with each other. In fact, this joint running has been recognized
as a legitimate activity and even as a new sport. This activity is formally called Canicross, and you and your dog can do it either as a hobby or in a competitive capacity. Canicross is also a way of meeting other dog owners and their dogs.
In this article, you will find some tips about dog running and things you will need if canicross is something you want to do.
History
Canicross originated in Europe to do fitness training for dogs in the mushing or sledding community. Some do this training in the summer when there is no snow. It then developed as a participant sport. The first canicross event took place in 2000, so it is relatively an incredibly young sport. The sport has since spread to other parts of the world.
The concept is quite simple: one or two dogs are attached to the human runner using an elastic towline. The runner usually has a waist belt and the dog or dogs have a harness each. The elastic line helps prevent collision against each other, especially if a dog pulls suddenly or if the runner falls. The dog and the owner run together in the countryside or in a park purely for fun, for fitness and training, or competitively.
Which are the best running dogs?
Initially, the breeds of dogs used for canicross were those that were also used for dog sled racing, such as malamutes and huskies. But the more people got into canicross, the more breeds got into joining, too. Now, even small dogs are welcome. Apart from competing, participants are encouraged to attend the events just for fun.
Benefits for you
- Encourages more exercise, with your furry friend being your own personal fitness trainer.
- Allows you to enjoy the countryside and get tons of fresh air.
- Lets you bond and spend quality time with your dog.
- Helps improve your dog’s behavioral problems caused by lack of exercise and stimulation.
- Helps you control your own weight.
- Encourages you to make new friends and meet like-minded people.
Benefits for your dog
- Lets your dog enjoy more outdoor exercise.
- Helps your dog get fit and trim.
- Improves your dog’s strength and stamina.
- Improves your dog’s behavior around other dogs.
- Stimulates your dog’s his brain.
- Allows your dog to socialize with other dogs.
- Allows your dog to bond and spend time with you.
Equipment: dog running leash and others
The basic equipment needed is a waist belt harness for you, a padded harness for your dog, and a two-meter elastic towline to connect you and your dog.
Training and preparations tips
- You and your dog should build up your stamina and improve your fitness gradually. Do not attempt to run long distances together while you’re still new at canicross.
- If your dog is going to do competitive racing with you, have him checked by a veterinarian first. Make sure to get your vet’s go-signal for your dog to start training.
- The main health risk for your dog is dehydration, so make sure you have water and a bowl with you on the run and give your dog a drink.
- Avoid running in hot temperatures.
Canicross races
Canicross has various categories. These categories may be according to the age and gender of the runners, the size of the dogs, or the distance for the run. A typical full-distance race is usually over 10 kilometers, but there are also shorter events, like 5 or 2 kilometers.
Because dogs don’t sweat and have more difficulty losing body heat when running compared to humans, official events are held only in outdoor temperatures not exceeding 20 degrees Celsius.
Organisations and links: make your own event calendar
In Europe, the European Canicross Federation governs the sport:
http://www.cani-cross.eu/site/index.php/es/