Running and Canicross

[Valentino]

Are there many of us on the forum who run with their dog? I run with Tilly a couple of times a week. We're in London, so it has to be in a park. It usually goes something like this: we set off on the street with Tilly on the lead. For the first couple of hundred metres she pulls excitedly and sniffs and jumps around uncontrollably, often barking and generally being a pain in the neck. I've stopped being embarrassed about it, but we certainly draw a bit of attention to ourselves. Then very suddenly something switches in her brain and she settles into a steady trot beside me. After a mile and a half we reach a big park and I let her off the lead, where she runs around on her own for the first lap or so (about a mile) then comes back to me and runs beside me, but with a few break offs for excursions to see other dogs, chase a squirrel or two etc. After two or three laps we head off home back on the lead.

We both love it and I've never really bothered about her over exuberance at the start of the run. However, I've been thinking of giving canicross a try. Tilly's nowhere near well behaved enough to do that, what with the need for obeying instructions for directions and not chasing small animals, so there'd need to be some serious training to bring her up to the necessary standard. Has anyone else done canicross with a schnauzer? Tilly's coming up to four, so I hope it's not too late to get into this. Anyone else done canicross, and how did it go? James

[Valentino]

Just giving the message above a bump as I'd really like to hear from anyone who's done canicross with a schnauzer.

[IrmaMac]

Hi James, we do canicross with our Giant Schnauzer, Bruce, who is now 21 months old. It's great fun and Bruce loves it. I'd definitely recommend it. We go to a class and also to canicross social runs. I wouldn't worry that Tilly may not be well-behaved enough - Bruce has his moments too but it doesn't stop us enjoying the sport. The dogs are always on lead, so no opportunities to run off and chase. The dogs get the hang of it very quickly and soon focus on the task in hand - I think it's instinctive for most of them to run along in the group. I would encourage you to contact your local canicross group and go along to a beginner's class. They usually have equipment for you to borrow while you try it out and can advise on sizing etc if you want to buy your own. If you prefer, you can also have 1-to-1 session(s) to give it a try. It is quite addictive though ;) . Not sure where you are in London, but I know there is a DogFit (I think that'sthe name) group near Wimbledon Common. Try the DogFit website to find your nearest group. Enjoy

[Valentino]

Thanks Irma, that's really encouraging. I've had a look at the DogFit site and will give it a go. It's good to read that the dogs learn the instructions as you go along and rise to the challenge on the day. Maybe I'll see you and Bruce at a meeting some time. Thanks again.