In this unique episode of Canicross Conversations, we switch things up as Tracey Powiesnik from No Fuss Fill asks Louise and Michelle the questions! Tracey is eager to start her canicross journey with her Springer Spaniel, Harvey, and she’s come prepared with all the questions beginners need to know.

Find out:

• the basic principles of canicross and how it differs from regular running with your dog
• the ideal age for dogs to start canicross
• breed suitability
• how to assess if your dog is physically and mentally ready
• cover common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
• essential training techniques and commands
• what equipment you'll need
• how to warm up and cool down
• tips on human running gear
• and much more!

Whether you're just starting out like Tracey or looking to refine your canicross technique, this episode is packed with practical advice to get you and your dog off to a great start.

Don’t miss this special episode. Subscribe now.

This episode is sponsored by Non-stop Dogwear

Join Non-stop in London for a fun and active day with your dog together with hundreds of other dogs and their owners.

Support animal welfare with every step! All entry monies received will be donated to the Mayhew Animal Welfare charity.

Complete a 1-mile course with your training buddy in any way you like, as many times as you would like! Whether you walk, jog, run or roll, the choice is yours. 

Meet Non-stop Dogwear’s team and learn how to be active with your dog. Get inspired by our brand’s ambassadors and test out demonstration gear during your loop. You can complete as many loops as you like and follow the results on a live timing board!

Treat your dog with a doggy cupcake when you are done with your loop.

EXCLUSIVE! Be the first ones to discover and try a brand-new Non-stop dogwear product. Our dedicated team of dog sports experts will help you select the perfect gear for you and your dog.

Where? Wormwood Scrubs, London, UK

When? Saturday 21st of September 2024 from 12:00 to 17:00. You can start your loop anytime between 12:00 and 17:00.

Entry fee: £5.00 per participant. All entry fees will be donated to Mayhew charity. If you wish to do more than 1 lap you will be able to.

Enter here

Follow the event for regular updates!

In this insightful episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle chat to dog behaviourist Alex Cooper, from Coxhill Behaviour.

Alex shares her wealth of knowledge on managing reactive dogs, and effective muzzle training.

This episode covers:

• primary causes of reactivity;
• how to identify triggers:
• steps to manage reactivity;
• desensitization versus avoidance;
• training tools and techniques;
• handling reactive situations;
• setting realistic expectations for progress;
• introducing a muzzle to your dog;
• common misconceptions about muzzles;
• signs to watch for ensuring your dog’s comfort wearing a muzzle;
• best types of muzzles for canicross.

Whether you're dealing with a reactive dog or considering muzzle training, this episode is packed with insights and expert advice. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the field, and discover how to better support your dog’s well-being.

Don't miss it—subscribe now.

Connect with Coxhill Behaviour on Facebook

In today's episode, Michelle and Louise chat to Merili Freear about how she went from lockdown runner to ultra marathoner in the space of just a few years, and how running with her schnauzer Jack brings her lots of joy.

Merili's book, Just Run, is out on 2nd July

Follow Merili on Instagram 

Louise and Michelle interview Sarette, the owner of Wilson for our regular Canicross Stories feature. Sarette chats about her running, competitiveness, and what the dream team will be getting up to for the rest of the year.

You can follow @woofswithwilson on Instagram here 

Louise and Michelle have a chat about how they can improve their running through discussing all the elements a training plan might contain, including strength training, hills, intervals, fartlek runs, tempo runs, long runs. 

Here is the link to Louise's Pilates course mentioned in the podcast.

Here is the link to Michelle's website if anybody needs run coaching advice

This week, Louise takes us on a live tour of Goodwoof, as she teaches Pilates with dogs, and chats to various cani-sports exhibitors, including canicross (of course!), bikejor, and scooterjor.  

Louise and Michelle chat to Jason Pascoe from Non Stop Dogwear about harnesses.

Find out:

• the difference between long and short harnesses
• how to fit a harness for your dog
• which harnesses offer the best adjustment
• what to look for in a well-fitted harness
• the signs of an ill-fitted harness
• how the dog's posture is affected by the harness, and how this differs for strong pulling dogs
• what should beginners look for in a harness
• how long should a harness last?
• harness care and cleaning
• should we use a different harness for cani-trekking?

It's a fact-filled episode with absolutely loads of useful information, so grab yourself a cuppa, or pop in your headphones and head out for a walk with your dog, and listen in.

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review.

You can find @nonstopdogwear on Instagram

How do you get into canicross after having spent your childhood fearful of dogs?

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Inein Victor Garrick who found running later in life, and decided to get a dog after meeting a few canicross runners in his running club. They are now a member of Cardiff Canicross group, and are enjoying being part of the racing scene.

We challenge those perceptions of whether running with a dog is easy, or challenging! What do you think?

You can follow @vikto_garik_runs on Instagram.

In this episode. Louise and Michelle chat with Barkrun founder Claire Martin. 

When parkrun decided to no longer permit the use of waist belts for running with dogs in April 2022, many people in the canicross community understandably felt excluded.

Barkrun was already in existence prior to this, a play on words for those who loved to participate in the free weekly timed 5k with their dogs, with regular runners sharing photos and running news, but when news of the parkrun rule change broke, Claire, a long time canicrosser, set up a Facebook group, encouraging runners to arrange to meet up to canicross their dogs at 8am before parkrun at venues where it is safe and allowed to do so (public land). The group encourages barkrunners to have a little impact on parkrun as possible, while also supporting (i.e. participating and volunteering at parkrun) where they can. 

The group now has in excess of 3000 barkrunners, and new barkruns are popping up all over the country. We chat to Claire about the last couple of months, and what the future might hold for Barkrun.

You can join the Barkrun Facebook group here

Like the Barkrun Facebook page here

In this episode, Michelle interviews Louise about Pilates, and why every runner could benefit from it.

Find out how to get started if you're brand new to it, and how to plan it into your week, around your running and canicrossing.

Find out more about Pilates here

Join Louise's Facebook group for runners and canicrossers here

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Rachel Spencer about our relationships with our dogs in our homes, and just how much a part of the family they are.

• Is your dog allowed on your bed or sofa?
• Do you have a wardrobe for your dog?
• Does your dog buy you birthday cards, and how do you celebrate your dog's birthday?

About Rachel 

Rachel Spencer is a freelance writer specialising in the pet industry for national newspapers and magazines focusing on human interest stories, health, trends and technology. She works with pet business owners helping them raise their profile in the media and clients have appeared in the Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, BBC Breakfast, Mail Online, Daily and Sunday Express, and a host of pet titles like Edition Dog, Your Dog, Your Cat and industry titles including Pet Gazette and Pet Business World. Each week she shares tips on how small businesses can secure coverage on the Publicity for Pet Businesses podcast. Rachel provides consultancy services and runs a publicity coaching programme helping pet businesses stand out from the competition. 

Find out more at www.publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk 

You can also find Rachel here:

https://www.instagram.com/rachelspenceruk

https://www.facebook.com/rachelspenceruk

https://twitter.com/rachelspenceruk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspenceruk/

Kate Mellor didn't have a dog when she decided she would love to try canicross; she saw it on a TV programme and decided it looked so much fun, so set the wheels in motion to adopt her collie lab cross Flash.

Collecting Flash just 2 hours before national lockdown came into effect in 2020 meant that Flash's puppy training and socialisation looked quite different to most puppies, but knowing that the duo were aiming to do canicross once he was fully grown, Kate had the time and the patience to carefully train him in all the canicross commands.

Now, two years later, the team love to race together, and can't imagine life without canicross.

What kit do the team use?

• Non Stop Freemotion Harness
• Dogfit waist belt / Non Stop Canix belt
• Non Stop canicross line

You can follow Kate and Flash on Instagram

Image by James Kirby

In this episode of Canicross Stories, Louise and Michelle chat to Nat, who runs every day with her dog Esme, Nat and Esme have developed a strong bond while canicrossing, and have completed ultra distances together.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Ben Skinner who is the 7th generation of his family to work in the business, and Nutrition Officer Zoe Russell, who gives us the lowdown on the Skinner's Get Out and Go! range. A family-run dog food business based in Suffolk, we learn all about Skinner's ethos, and history of feeding working dogs. A fascinating episode about what goes into dog food.

Poppy and Pickle certainly love their energy and recovery bars for fuel during and after a run!!

https://www.skinners.co.uk/

parkrun have decided that, effective from (and including) Saturday 2 April, they will no longer permit parkrunners to use waist harnesses when participating with their dog. Dogs will be still be allowed to participate with their owners, but the rules from 2nd April state: “One dog on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead by the side of the participant, and within reach at all times. Care must also be taken to avoid tripping other parkrunners.”

Louise and Michelle chat about the new rule and its implications for canicross and the safety of dogs and their owners. 

Here's a link to the parkrun blog we refer to

We would love to hear your thoughts too, so please do get in touch.

This season, we talk to canicrossers across the world to hear their stories of what inspired them to take up canicross.

In this episode we chat to Mel Grier, who is based in Scotland with her dog Breagha. Mel is a member of West Lothian canicross and is a keen canicross racer. 

In this episode, we chat to sports dietician Alexandra Cooke about how we should fuel our bodies to perform at our best. Alex really simplifies nutrition and hydration for us, and busts some myths too!

You can follow Alex on her Instagram @thesportsdietician  and find out more on her website thesportsdietitian.co.uk

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to dog trainer and behaviourist Zoe Willingham about why some dogs develop a dislike or fear of harnesses, and how we can help dogs overcome this aversion. We also chat about muzzles, and why they might be helpful. 

You can follow Zoe on Facebook and find out more Best Behaviour Dog Training here: https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/

Something slightly different for today's episode: Louise interviews Michelle about how best to get started if you're brand new to running. Michelle gives her top tips for building a running routine, how to know you're running at the right pace, warm ups, cool downs, stretching and following a training plan.

You can find out more about Michelle's online coaching here: www.mileswithmichelle.co.uk

Photo credit: Proviz Sports

This week, Louise chats to Sarah Gillam who is a DogFit canicross trainer living in Germany with her 3 dogs. Sarah's background is in sports technology, and she works for a trail running footwear brand so gives us lots of tips about trail running in general, as well as footwear. Sarah is also a qualified personal trainer and nutrition coach.

Follow Sarah on Instagram @run.and.smile and find her website here: www.trainandsmile.org

Join us for a canicross run in the West Pennine Moors today, as Michelle and Louise (and Poppy and Pickle) meet for the first time in real life. We have a chat about running, fitness, kit and what the new year might bring.

Louise currently has a Pilates for Runners course on sale focusing on:

• Posture
• Strength
• Flexibility

The course goes through both standing and mat Pilates exercises focusing on the muscles as a runner you need to strengthen as a runner.

The course consists of 12, 10-minute videos.  You have access for life and can take as long as you want to go through the course all for £27. Find out more here: https://studio44pilates.com/pilates-for-runners/

We chat to veterinary physiotherapist Dominique Armitage-Riley about how to tell if your dog has a muscle imbalance, how common injuries are treated, and how dog owners can help prevent injuries in their active dogs. Dominique gives us plenty of tips on warming up and cooling down your dog before and after exercise. 

You can find Dominique on her Facebook page or via her website, Yorkshire Animal Therapy

In this episode, we're joined by Dr Caroline Taylor, also known as the Slim Pet Vet, to chat about the best time to start canicrossing.

We chat first of all about whether lockdown has affected our dogs' health and wellbeing, and how canicross can be a tool to help pets lose excess weight safely. Caroline also tells us how to check our dogs' body condition to know if they're overweight or not.

We also talk about the best time to start a young dog canicrossing, and how over-exercising a puppy before its growth plates have fused can cause a myriad of problems later in life. Did you know, for example, that neutering a dog too early can stop the closure of the growth plates, so dogs grow a little bit bigger, and their bones consequently aren't as strong.

Lastly, we chat about the importance of warm ups and cooldowns for your canicrossing dog, and the injuries we need to be aware of that might affect our dogs.

You can join Caroline's Facebook group Slimline Canine here

Today we chat to Lara Trewin. Lara adopted Tilly, her German Shorthaired Pointer, from Spain 4 years ago, and never expected her to completely transform her life by leading her to canicross. Canicross has helped Lara not only to form a strong bond with her nervous rescue Tilly, but it has also led her to a new career as a canicross instructor with DogFit UK. We chat to Lara about the ups and downs of adopting a rescue dog, and how canicross has been transformative for them both.

Throughout December, Lara and Tilly are running every day to raise funds for the charity that rescued her from a Spanish pound. You can follow the link to donate to SeBPRA here, and all money raised will go directly to those dogs being helped by SeBPRA for all shelter, medical and food needs

You can follow Lara on her Facebook page or Instagram page, or visit her website.

Have you found the perfect dog friendly cottage to take your dog away on holiday in?

In this episode we chat to Rachel Spencer about what makes the perfect dog friendly cottage, and hear about how she has created on in Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire.

Sunnyside cottage: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoods Dog owner’s guide to the cottage and RHB: https://thepawpost.co.uk/travel/dog-owners-guide-robin-hoods-bay/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnysidecottagerhb On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysidecottagerhb https://rachelspencer.co.uk/

Louise and Michelle chat to Tracey McLennan who specialises in dogs with a high prey drive. 

Pretty much all dogs - apart from companion breeds - are bred to do something with prey animals, whether that is finding animals which have been shot, such as spaniels. or to hunt animals such as sighthounds, or to catch and kill vermin such as terriers.

Understanding the motor sequence in all predatory dogs - such as pointing, orienting, eyeing, stalking, chasing, grab or kill bites, dissecting and consuming - is crucial to understanding our predatory pets, but this sequence has been disrupted by breeding.  

Tracey chats about the types of behaviour to look out for in your high prey drive breed that may be a precursor to their instinctive need to hunt prey, and strategies for how to build confidence in your high prey drive breed and learn to trust them off lead.

You can find out more about Tracey's work at www.bestdoglearningandstuff.co.uk and join her free Facebook group here

We chat again to Hannah Lyon, a vet and behaviourist who works with dogs who have problems with other dogs. We chat about the difference between a dog behaviourist and a dog trainer, how and why canicross can help reactive dogs, and what we as dog owners can put in place to help our reactive dogs. 

If you haven't listened to our episode with Hannah all about fireworks yet, do check it out here

You can get in touch with Hannah via her Facebook page Dog Meets Dog

Do you know what it means when you see a dog wearing yellow?

In this episode, we chat to Sarah Jones, who founded My Anxious Dog, after realising her working cocker spaniel Bella was very anxious around other dogs and people. Sarah is raising awareness of her #YellowArmy of dogs wearing yellow, and how it is helping other dog owners keep their dogs at a comfortable distance so Bella can continue to enjoy her outside space without being fearful. We also chat about how canicross is helping Bella become less anxious.  

#DogsInYellow Day is happening on 20th March 2022

You can learn more about My Anxious Dog here and follow the Facebook page here

In this bonus episode, Louise and Michelle chat to vet and dog behaviourist Hannah Lyon about how to help dogs who are anxious or scared of fireworks through this difficult season.

Hannah gives lots of advice, including:

• How to differentiate a normal fear reaction from a phobia  (2:00)
• How pets with muscular-skeletal pain can develop a greater fear of fireworks (5:50)
• Tips for getting through the fireworks season (7:00)
• How our reactions can affect our dogs' reactions (8:00)
• How to train a puppy not to worry about fireworks (10:00)
• How to create a safe environment for your dog (15:00)
• Using synthetic pheromones (17:00)
• Should we ever leave a dog on their own while fireworks are going off? (18:10)
• When to talk to your vet about medication (20:00)
• How to desensitise your dog to the sound of fireworks ( 21:05)
• What to do if your pet suddenly develops a fear of fireworks (24:00)
• Knowing when to contact a behaviourist (25:30)

Here's a link to the Sounds Scary therapy which Hannah mentions

You can contact Hannah via her Facebook page Dog Meets Dog

Louise and Michelle chat to DogFit founders Gail Walker and Ginetta George about their experience of starting up DogFit to help introduce the joy of canicross to others.

Gail and Ginetta have very different running backgrounds, which brought them to the same canicross social group, where the idea of DogFit was born. DogFit now prides itself on introducing beginners to the sport - not just another kit supplier, they are the place to go to find out what the best kit is for their dog, buy good quality kit, find a qualified person to help them get started, and find out lots of information about the sport. 

To find a DogFit trainer near you, visit www.dogfit.co.uk

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to ultra-running journalist Lily Canter, who writes for Trail Running Magazine and Runners World. She is soon to feature in a special article in the January 2022 edition of trail running magazine about when she tried canicross running for the first time, with Louise's dog Pickle. This weekend, Lily has competed in her first canicross race with Pickle, and we chat to her about her experience of trying canicross for the first time with somebody else's dog, how it differs to normal running, as well as the various challenges of adopting a rescue dog.

If you have enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave us a review.

You can find Lily on Twitter @lilycanter and Instagram @lilycanter

This week we chat to Georgie Lambert, who reveals her extraordinary story from non-canicrosser to international canicross medallist with her dogs, Benson and Bee.

Georgie reveals how she got started in competition, and her top tips for beginners to the sport of canicross racing.

Georgie talks about:

• how the start of each race works (10:21)
• tips on how to keep your dog calm at the start (13:34)
• warm ups for your dog (15:47 and 31:37))
• the GB selection process for international competition (17:05)
• choosing a dog bred for canicross racing (20:08)
• advice for a first-time racer (29:24)

Links to canicross races:

www.dogfit.co.uk/pages/canicross-events

www.thebssf.org.uk/race-and-events/information

This week we chat to Dr Juliet McGrattan, former GP and author of two books, her second of which, Run Well, has recently been published.

Juliet joins Michelle and Louise on the run with her dog Honey this week, and answers common running related questions, such as:

5:30  How do we recognise the signs of overheating in ourselves?

9:35 Why do your fingers sometimes swell up when you run?

11:13 Hayfever and running

13:37 Why does your nose run when you're running?

16:02 As we head into autumn and winter what are the main things runners should be looking out for in our bodies?

18:37 Strength and conditioning for runners

22:53 Running technique and canicross

25:34 Recognising when to rest an injury and when to seek specialist help

28:05 Warm ups

30:00 Preparing your mind for a run

31:00 Should you run with a cold?

33:41 Heartrate while running and how do you know if there's a problem

You can contact Juliet and find out more about her book on her website www.drjulietmcgrattan.com

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to canine researchers, canicrosser Anne Carter and vet Emily Hall, about how to spot the early signs of heatstroke when exercising your dog. Not just an issue over summer, but something to be aware of all year round. Early signs of heatstroke in dogs can include:

• Excessive panting, that doesn’t ease when you stop the activity
• A longer, or spade shaped, tongue
• A reluctance to move, or lethargy
• Changes in how your dog moves, such as poor coordination

If not caught early, severe heatstroke can be fatal, and preceding symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Diarrhoea and vomiting, which may contain blood
• Bleeding under the skin
• Losing consciousness

It’s important to cool your dog quickly, if you suspect it is suffering heatstroke.

• Stop the activity you’re doing
• Find shade
• Douse the dog in water (river, hose, wet towel, whatever you can find, or use car aircon)
• Get your dog to a vet quickly if you’re worried

Dogs don’t just die in hot cars; a lot of dogs overheat by over exertion, and not just in hot temperatures (this includes walking as well as running), as they can’t cool themselves as effectively as we can. Thanks to Anne and Emily at Hot Dogs Research. You can read all of Anne and Emily's research at https://heatstroke.dog/

In this first episode, Louise and Michelle take their dogs for a run while introducing the new podcast, the basics of canicross, and chat about the importance of the correct kit. 

Michelle and Louise chat to James Maiden about his love of running ultra marathons with his Siberian Husky, Gunnar

From a body builder and weightlifter who had never run until lockdown, to adopting a rescue dog and discovering canicross, Michelle chats to Helen Milton who tells us about her Egyptian rescue spaniel Riley. 

Louise and Michelle chat to Sue Round about canicrossing in her fifties

Louise and Michelle chat to BBC newsreader and runner Sophie Raworth about her first canicross race with her cavapoo Luna.

Sophie's reveals how running with Luna has added a new dimension to her life, blending her love for running with the joy of being active with her dog, Luna. 

For Sophie, running with Luna has become a part of her daily routine, fitting seamlessly into her busy life and marathon training. “I run with the dog,” she explained. “I’m in charge of walking the dog in the morning, so I run with the dog. I got up this morning at 6 to go to the gym at 6:30, so I did that first thing. I’m running home tonight... I’ve got to run 10K today, and I’ve forgotten to do that. So I will run home.”  

Sophie's first canicross race with Luna was a memorable experience. They participated in a 10K race, which took place in Dorking, on a day marked by torrential rain. Luna, who had been freshly groomed, ended up covered in mud, but that didn’t dampen their spirits. Sophie initially worried about whether Luna should wear a coat during the race, but ultimately decided to remove it just before the start. Despite these concerns, both Sophie and Luna enjoyed the race immensely. Luna kept Sophie motivated, pulling her along the muddy course, and they successfully completed the race together. To top it off, Luna even received her own medal.

She tells us how rewarding this simple act of running with her dog is: “It’s one of the most rewarding things that I’ve done in my life. I love it. I absolutely love it. And I love that. I’m so glad I discovered it, even though it was later in life.” Sophie’s story is a testament to how canicross can inspire people, regardless of age, to start something new and discover the unexpected joys that come with it.

Louise and Michelle interview Reece Maltby about canicrossing with a small dog breed 

Chloe discovered canicross by accident when she was competing in agility at a dog show and was asked to take part in a canicross taster session - she soon discovered a talent for racing and a love of mud and is currently ranked 4th in Great Britain. Louise and Michelle chat to Chloe about her training, and her goals for the future. 

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, the spotlight is on a crucial topic that many dog owners face: understanding and supporting anxious and reactive dogs. The episode features Sarah, the founder of the "Dogs in Yellow" initiative, who shares insights into her work and the importance of raising awareness for dogs that need a little extra space.

Sarah's journey began with her own dog, Bella, who displayed signs of anxiety and reactivity when interacting with other dogs and people. Recognizing the need for a way to communicate Bella's needs to others, Sarah came up with the idea of using a yellow ribbon or bandana as a signal that a dog requires space. As she explains: "The yellow ribbon or bandana is a universal symbol that signifies a dog needs some space or is anxious. It's a simple yet effective way to communicate without words." This initiative has gained momentum, with more dog owners embracing the concept and using it to advocate for their pets.

Challenges Faced by Anxious and Reactive Dogs

Anxious and reactive dogs face numerous challenges in their daily lives, from feeling overwhelmed in busy environments to struggling with social interactions. Sarah emphasizes the importance of understanding these challenges. By raising awareness and promoting empathy towards anxious and reactive dogs, we can create a more inclusive and understanding community for both dogs and their owners.

Yellow Space Zones: A Safe Haven for Dogs

One innovative solution that Sarah has introduced is the concept of "yellow space zones" at dog shows and events. These designated areas provide a calm and safe space for dogs and their owners to relax and recharge, away from the hustle and bustle of the event. Sarah shares her excitement about this new initiative, saying, "The idea is really exciting. It gives people a little bit of confidence to go out and try attending a dog show, knowing that there's a yellow space zone where their dog can feel safe and comfortable."

The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Dogs

Beyond physical exercise, dogs also benefit greatly from mental stimulation. Sarah highlights the importance of engaging dogs in activities that challenge their minds and keep them entertained, such as canicross and enrichment games. She shares, "Our dogs are bright, intelligent creatures. Canicross is a great activity that provides both physical and mental stimulation for them." By incorporating these activities into their daily routines, we can help reduce anxiety and improve the overall well-being of our furry friends.

The Future of the Dogs in Yellow Initiative

Looking ahead, Sarah hopes to see the Dogs in Yellow initiative gain even more support from trainers, behaviourists, and dog owners alike. She expresses her desire to see the yellow ribbon incorporated into training classes and socialization activities, stating, "The more you see it, the more you want it. That's how I feel. It would be really good to see the yellow involved in classes and things like that a lot more." By continuing to raise awareness and promote the yellow ribbon symbol, we can create a safer and more understanding environment for all dogs.

Understanding and supporting anxious and reactive dogs is crucial for creating a harmonious and inclusive community of dog owners. Through initiatives like Dogs in Yellow and the introduction of yellow space zones, Sarah is paving the way for a more empathetic and understanding approach to dog ownership. By raising awareness, promoting mental stimulation, and advocating for the needs of anxious and reactive dogs, we can all play a part in creating a safer and happier environment for our furry friends. So, let's embrace the yellow ribbon symbol, show our support, and make a difference in the lives of anxious and reactive dogs everywhere.

Where to Find More Information

If you're interested in learning more about Sarah's work with the Dogs in Yellow initiative or want to follow her journey, you can visit her website at myanxiousdog.co.uk or follow her on Instagram and Facebook at MyAnxiousDog. 

This podcast episode focuses on the importance of dog safety while travelling.

Sharon from TransK9 discusses the benefits of using secure dog boxes, designed to keep dogs safe during travel. 

The conversation delves into the design and manufacturing process of TransK9 boxes, which are all made in Scotland to high standards. The boxes are crafted to fit specific vehicles and include features like a rear escape door for emergencies, something unique to TransK9.

This episode is sponsored by Non-stop Dogwear

Join Non-stop in London for a fun and active day with your dog together with hundreds of other dogs and their owners.

Support animal welfare with every step! All entry monies received will be donated to the Mayhew Animal Welfare charity.

Complete a 1-mile course with your training buddy in any way you like, as many times as you would like! Whether you walk, jog, run or roll, the choice is yours. 

Meet Non-stop Dogwear’s team and learn how to be active with your dog. Get inspired by our brand’s ambassadors and test out demonstration gear during your loop. You can complete as many loops as you like and follow the results on a live timing board!

Treat your dog with a doggy cupcake when you are done with your loop.

EXCLUSIVE! Be the first ones to discover and try a brand-new Non-stop dogwear product. Our dedicated team of dog sports experts will help you select the perfect gear for you and your dog.

Where? Wormwood Scrubs, London, UK

When? Saturday 21st of September 2024 from 12:00 to 17:00. You can start your loop anytime between 12:00 and 17:00.

Entry fee: £5.00 per participant. All entry fees will be donated to Mayhew charity. If you wish to do more than 1 lap you will be able to.

Enter here

Follow the event for regular updates!

Michelle has a frank conversation with author and runner Rachel Ann Cullen about running for mental health, body image, strength training, challenging oneself, owning a dog (who doesn't run), and writing books.

Back in October 2021, Louise and Michelle chatted to journalist Lily Canter about her experience of borrowing Pickle to try canicross (Episode 5). In this episode we find out how she's adjusting to life - and canicross - with her own dog, Zippy.

If you have enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave us a review.

You can find Lily on X/Twitter @lilycanter and Instagram @lilycanter

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to dog trainer Niki French about her book, Stop Walking Your Dog. Niki works with a lot of nervous and reactive dogs, and her training philosophy is to stop doing those things that can be stressful to your dog until you can learn how to overcome them with patience and training. It's a radical approach that goes beyond what humans feel conditioned to do with their dogs, and Niki's interview is well worth a listen, as she gears up for #DontWalkYourDogDay on 2nd April, and gives listeners plenty of tips on how to provide brilliant mental and physical stimulation without going through your front door.

We also ask her what she thinks of canicross ...

Find out more about Niki and the awareness day here: https://puptalk.co.uk/

Today, Louise and guests give a rundown of all the action at Crufts over the past weekend

Louise and Michelle chat to Kate Percy, a nutritionist with three best-selling cookbooks who helps people discover that magic link between what you eat, good energy, vitality and happiness. Lots of great information in this episode for runners, those experiencing menopause, and those finding cooking for a family challenging!

We also want to know: does your dog eat a healthier diet than you?! 

https://www.katepercys.com/

In this heart-warming episode, Louise and Michelle find out more about ultra-runner Allie and her rescue dog, Pickle, and her new book, There Is No Wall.

Allie Bailey is an ultrarunner, coach, speaker and podcaster who has run in some of the most extreme places in the world. She was the first woman to run 100 miles across frozen Lake Khövsgöl in Mongolia and to run the full length of the Panama Canal. She has crossed the inhospitable Namib Desert three times, run the length of the Outer Hebrides and completed a 1,000-mile off-road version of the classic Land’s End to John o’Groats route in just thirty days. Allie has finished over 200 marathons and ultramarathons all over the world, but the most remarkable thing about all of these achievements is that she accomplished most of them while battling depression and alcoholism. Although running ultimately became the vehicle that helped buy Allie the time to recover from a number of severe mental health breakdowns, it did not save her. In fact, there were times when it made her battle all the more difficult. After a seismic mental health crisis in 2021, Allie finally admitted to herself and those around her that she was an alcoholic and started her recovery. She left behind a dream career with major record labels and adventure companies and now works as a coach with a broad range of runners and endurance athletes, helping them unlock their full potential. In 2022, she was named as one of the most inspiring female adventurers in the UK by the Guardian, and she has appeared on numerous mainstream TV programmes including The One Show and Lorraine. She lives in Yorkshire with her rescue dog, Pickle.

Today's planned guest has lost her voice, so Louise and Michelle chat about the one thing that is missing from many runners' training: accountability!

Could accountability be the one thing that takes your running to the next level?