Follow My Lead: An Introduction to Canicross
We asked Clarke Midgley from Canicross Cambridgeshire to give us the lowdown on this little-known sport.
How is Canicross different from just going out for a run with your dog?
Canicross is no different from just going out for a run with your dog, that’s exactly what it is. However, in Canicross the dog is always attached to the waist of the human runner with a lead or bungee line.
What’s the best way to get started?
The best way to get started is to join a group on Facebook, make contact and arrange to meet at one of their regular runs where you can meet the people and dogs and possibly try some gear.
Do you need a large working-type breed of dog for it? (I can see why it might not work with a Chihuahua or Dachshund but what about other small dogs?)
No, you don’t need a large working type breed. Most breeds, with exceptions, can take part. We have friends that run with Huskies, Pointers, Hungarian Viszlas, but also with JRTs and West Highland Terriers…and everything in between. You are correct though, you probably shouldn’t run with a Dachshund or flat nosed breeds such as Pugs or Bulldogs.
Is it a competitive sport or just about participation?
You can be as competitive as you like…and most people are at least a bit. There are dog sport events hosted by many of the groups around the country, but also a lot of trail running events are Canicross friendly. Primarily though, it is a very social sport and inclusive for all sporting levels of human and dog alike.
How well trained does your dog need to be before starting?
You do need to train your dog to run out front and hopefully pull enough to keep the line taut, which I suppose is the opposite of obedience training! It is also helpful to teach them the command for left and right. Really it is just a matter of getting out there, by yourself and with others, and run. Keep using the commands and encourage them to run and very quickly they pick it up.
Where in Cambridgeshire can people get involved with Canicross?
Canicross Cambridgeshire uses Wimpole Estate Parkrun as its unofficial base and many of us meet there each Saturday morning for a 9am run, but very often there is an informal run during the week too. See the Canicross Cambridgeshire Facebook page for more details.
Is there anything else you think we should know?
It is a very simple sport and therefore also relatively cheap to get into. A dog harness, a line, a running belt and a decent pair of trail shoes is the bare minimum. So for under £150 you can be equipped ready to go. From there you may buy more technical running gear and different shoes for different terrains, perhaps wet weather gear, a head torch, a hydration pack for when running longer distances or in slightly warmer weather.
Canicross is about the only dog sport you can do all year round, if you are careful about when you run through the warmer months.
There are restrictions on age, but there are often junior classes at events. My 10 year old son will happily run a 5k and he started when was eight. But as far as I am aware there is no upper age limit, just your ability to run as you get older.
What would you say to persuade dog-owners to have a go?
You have no excuse not to give it a try. It’s just like walking your dog on a lead only a bit faster. It’s fantastic exercise for both of you and gives you the chance to see some amazing areas of the country and continent. Too many people say ‘I can’t run’, and mostly (not always) that is just a very poor excuse! Come to Wimpole and watch the dog start at 9am every Saturday. It’s boisterous, noisy and the dogs love it!
Right. That’s told us then. See you at Wimpole at 9am on Saturday…!
