Unleashing Canines on the Trail: A Guide on Kickstarting (and Avoiding Mistakes) in Canine Running
Hey there! I've got an interesting tale to share about my four-legged speed demon, Finley. This furry fella is no ordinary pet; he's got a serious need for speed! He doesn't require a ball, frisbee, or fox to chase, he simply runs for the sheer joy of it.
Now, I'm not saying he'd outrun Usain Bolt in the Olympic 100m sprint final, but we've timed him, and he does knock out some impressive miles! A few weeks ago, we embarked on a 10-mile fell run, and while I was puffing and panting, Finley casually covered 31 miles – yes, you read that right, 31 miles! This little chap moves at lightning speed, and his friendly mug is always sporting an ear-to-ear grin.
This got me thinking. Finley's energy and exuberance could be put to good use – maybe I could harness his power and become the fastest runner in Berkshire. That's right; I was considering using Finley as my very own personal locomotive!
I'm talking about canicross, a relatively new sport where dog and owner run together, with the dog providing a helping tow. Sound fun? Let me walk you through our canicross adventure!
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Equipment
Before we dove into this human-dog duo adventure, I researched the essentials of canicross. Finley's small size called for a well-fitting, comfortable harness, and we found a perfect fit after sifting through numerous options. A stretchy bungee lead was next on the list, offering a bit of leeway while still managing the shock of rapid movements. Lastly, a waist belt for me – again, there are plenty of options available to suit any budget.
Getting started
The internet is teeming with canicross groups, and it was heartening to find countless runners who had incorporated their dogs into their fitness routines – some even participating in organized races! While dedicated canicross events are still relatively scarce, many running races welcome canine competitors, too. And it's not uncommon to see dogs at parkruns, although there are usually rules about using belts and bungee leads.
Before joining any official events, I decided to test the equipment and Finley's enthusiasm with a trial run. Finley was raring to go, practically jumping out of his new harness when he caught wind of our outing. I was equally excited, envisioning us dashing off at remarkable speeds and setting new records.
Where to run
Our usual trails hadn't been in top shape lately, with horses and mountain bikes causing some damage. So, we headed to an old quarry site with hard-packed gravel tracks, hoping they would serve as the perfect playing field for our canicross debut.
With the harness clicked into place and the waist belt strapped on, I took a deep breath and spoke the immortal words, "Finley, I feel the need... the need for speed."
The quest for speed
Honestly, I had imagined that we'd blast off at record-breaking speeds, but Finley and I just stood there, looking a bit bewildered. I started to jog, and Finley followed closely by my side, trotting loyally as if on a leash. Considering the dog's reputation for boundless energy, this was disappointing, to say the least.
Realizing we needed a bit of guidance, I turned to Brian Slack, founder of the North Downs Canicrossers, for advice. He helped me understand that Finley might need additional motivation, such as running with other dogs or a pack. With this in mind, I introduced Luna, our eight-year-old labrador-lurcher cross, to the mix.
This time, Finley shot off like a rocket, leading the way with Luna and me in tow. Though our paces weren't exactly setting any world records, the adventure was an exhilarating experience – and it solidified the bond between Finley and me.
So, whether you're a running enthusiast or just someone looking to spend more quality time with your four-legged friend, consider giving canicross a go – it's a shared adventure that strengthens your bond, fuels your fitness, and brings pure joy to both canines and humans!
Top Tips for Running with Your Dog:
- Start slowly and build up speed gradually.
- Choose safe, well-maintained trails whenever possible.
- Stay hydrated and bring water for your dog.
- Practice basic commands and maintain clear communication.
- Keep your dog's breed, size, and fitness level in mind when planning routes and distances.
- Invest in quality equipment, suitable for both you and your dog's needs.
- Have fun and enjoy the adventure!
Finley, the four-legged speed demon, may not outrun Usain Bolt in an Olympic sprint final, but his impressive running speeds are evident during their 10-mile fell runs. Now, considering this energy and exuberance, canicross, a sport where dog and owner can run together with the dog providing a helping tow, seems like an exciting option for the future. By following essential equipment steps like finding a comfortable harness, stretchy bungee lead, and waist belt, Finley and the author aim to partake in this human-dog duo adventure and compete in canicross events together.
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