Canicross

Canicross, also abbreviated as CaniX, is a great option for you and your dog if you've grown bored of the usual walks. In a nutshell, it's an off-road run where you are connected to your dog via a harness and a canicross leash. Even as a beginner, it is easy to learn for both dog and human. In your free time, you can explore rough terrain and forest trails this way, but there are also canicross competitions where you have to complete a set course together.

Canicross equipment during a joint cross-country run

This sport is still relatively young; the first events took place in the 80s. If you want to test with your dog how you work as a team and even improve your relationship, all you need is the right canicross equipment.

In this sport, the expenses are kept within limits: What is necessary is a canicross belt that you tie around your belly, a pulling harness for dogs, like you probably know from sled dog races, and a pulling rope that connects the two of you.

When it comes to the rope, make sure that it is about two meters long and has a jerk absorber. This will alleviate sudden jerks, making walking much more comfortable for both you and your four-legged friend. While your dog is likely to walk in front of, to the side of, or behind you during a normal walk, Canicross requires him to be exclusively in front of you. The canicross leash must be taut, otherwise you run the risk of tripping over it. Also, your dog will be able to sense you better and feel safer while completing the course.

Canicross keeps fit

Many dogs have a lot of fun getting a good workout during canicross. For this to work, you'll need to set a decent pace. While you might run ten kilometers in an hour and then collapse broken, your companion will manage this speed at an easy trot. Still, that shouldn't be a reason for you not to try this sport. If you run as a team and the pull line is tightened, you will profit from the power with which your dog pulls you. Slowly but surely, this will make you both faster and fitter. In a competition you can either start alone or in a group. Which you choose depends on personal preferences on the one hand, but also on the compatibility of your four-legged friend. While there are no different classes for the dogs, the humans are divided according to age and gender. Small dogs can participate here as well as big ones - the main thing is that you have fun.

Save the joints - When it comes to canicross accessories, make sure that your dog wears a high-quality pulling harness. This distributes the load from the pull very well, which means there is no stress on the rib cage. To protect the joints, many runs take place in the forest. You should also think about your joints at foot and knee! Good running shoes, which are adapted to your running style, are available in sports shops. Since it goes over hill and dale, trail shoes with a rough profile are right, so you can keep up with the pace of your dog. We will be happy to advise you and put together your individual canicross equipment!