Canicross Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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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.

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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