Your first Canicross Session – what to expect
Canicross is for every ability, you don’t have to run, power walking with your dog in harness results in the same benefits for both you and your dog – you’re both working as a team wearing specifically designed equipment to allow your dog to pull you forward keeping your posture upright and aligned (no more sore shoulders or twisted hips from a dog pulling on a lead held on one hand).
As well as the physical benefits your dog benefits from a mental workout too, listening to your requests to either speed up, slow down, go left or right.
Whether your aim is to be able to power walk for ½ mile before stopping, jog continuously for a mile or participate in a canicross race we can help you to achieve your goals.
Once you have completed your booking form you will receive an email containing the final details about the session such as what to wear, where to park and which instructor to look out for. Your instructor will usually arrive 15 minutes before the session start time.
First things first. Your instructor will kit you out in canicross equipment – a correctly fitted harness for your dog and a running belt and bungee line for you. They’ll explain how each piece of equipment fits and what the benefits are for you and your dog.
When everyone is kitted out then there will be brief group introductions so everyone can say hello, some of the group might be complete newbies, others might have had a go but not had any proper canicross training. Like any sport, the more you understand about what you can achieve and how, the more you will benefit and enjoy.
The group will then walk to a safe practice area to learn the basics of how to teach a dog to canicross and canicross etiquette. This also allows everyone time to get used to the feel of the equipment and the dog pulling.
Once the basics have been grasped it’s time to head out on the trails. The pace will be increased or decreased according to ability, trail surface and whether there are any hills! They’ll also be plenty of stops along the way to teach a few more skills.
All too soon you’ll be back at your car, taking the harness off your dog and wriggling out of your running belt. Now it’s time for the group to stretch and reflect on a successful lesson.
Once you’ve got the canicross bug we offer improver sessions to keep your motivation going and work on and maintain fitness levels. We have Bronze, Silver and Gold canicross standards to keep you focused.
Our Canicross Kit Partner
