Discussion
Anyone have any experience of this?
Just about to adopt a 1 year old Malamute, and as I've hit 41 and suddenly developed a middle aged spread, I thought this could be a great way for the pair of us to get some good exercise.
Anyone recommend any good suppliers of harnesses etc. and know of any groups in Surrey
TIA!
Just about to adopt a 1 year old Malamute, and as I've hit 41 and suddenly developed a middle aged spread, I thought this could be a great way for the pair of us to get some good exercise.
Anyone recommend any good suppliers of harnesses etc. and know of any groups in Surrey
TIA!
He's a big bonny dog , lovely markings
I use a ezy dog harness on my ridgeback . easy to put on and looks good and cuts down on his pulling power
http://www.ezydoguk.co.uk/
I use a ezy dog harness on my ridgeback . easy to put on and looks good and cuts down on his pulling power
http://www.ezydoguk.co.uk/
Hi Guys, Just picked up this thread via google. I run the canicross trailrunners webpage and facebook group which is all about running with your dogs. In fact i made the initial contact with the Human Race events, mentioned by Terminator X, about allowing the dogs to run.
Kit required:
A properly fitting dog harness, designed for canicross. My dogs run in custom made harnesses from www.kisi.co.uk (ask for Sindy) but there are also off the shelf harnesses and Sindy stocks them as well.
You then need a waist or sit belt for you, again Sindy can custom make them or search on the web for canicross belts.
Lastly there is a line between you and your dog, make sure it has a bungee (elastic section) this reduces the sudden shocks when your dog chases a squirrel up a tree or stops for a call of nature when you are travelling at speed.
There are local groups setting up across the country if you wanted to meet with other nutters, and when you are ready there are various races, some with other humans, some with loads of dogs, your choice anywhere from 5km up to ......... 100milers and 9 day events!!! okay it may be a while before you and your dog wish to attempt these.
For more info and like minded nutters, check out the facebook group canicross trailrunners.
Happy Trails
Simon
Kit required:
A properly fitting dog harness, designed for canicross. My dogs run in custom made harnesses from www.kisi.co.uk (ask for Sindy) but there are also off the shelf harnesses and Sindy stocks them as well.
You then need a waist or sit belt for you, again Sindy can custom make them or search on the web for canicross belts.
Lastly there is a line between you and your dog, make sure it has a bungee (elastic section) this reduces the sudden shocks when your dog chases a squirrel up a tree or stops for a call of nature when you are travelling at speed.
There are local groups setting up across the country if you wanted to meet with other nutters, and when you are ready there are various races, some with other humans, some with loads of dogs, your choice anywhere from 5km up to ......... 100milers and 9 day events!!! okay it may be a while before you and your dog wish to attempt these.
For more info and like minded nutters, check out the facebook group canicross trailrunners.
Happy Trails
Simon
Another canicrosser here. I use Kisi kit too. Run with a Belgian Shepherd who does not pull much 
but still it makes me fitter having to keep up with everyone elses dogs.
Can't really help with your area as I run with Wiltshire and Cotswold groups. Try searching Facebook for a local group. There is usually always someone to go running with. The more serious people tend to have a bit of extra kit and might let you try a piece before you spend your money.
Might be an idea to just go along to one of their regular meets for introductions before you have a go running just to make sure your new dog is OK in that sort of environment. The dogs tend to get a bit excitable and barky/ edgy at the start of a run.
Just to add to the equipment list. If like us you intend to run x country then make sure you have a pair of good x country running shoes as you dont want to be going along mudskiing behind the dog. Also it is probably best to invest in a good head torch for the winter months or you end up falling over things in the woods in the dark like me last week
but still it makes me fitter having to keep up with everyone elses dogs.Can't really help with your area as I run with Wiltshire and Cotswold groups. Try searching Facebook for a local group. There is usually always someone to go running with. The more serious people tend to have a bit of extra kit and might let you try a piece before you spend your money.
Might be an idea to just go along to one of their regular meets for introductions before you have a go running just to make sure your new dog is OK in that sort of environment. The dogs tend to get a bit excitable and barky/ edgy at the start of a run.
Just to add to the equipment list. If like us you intend to run x country then make sure you have a pair of good x country running shoes as you dont want to be going along mudskiing behind the dog. Also it is probably best to invest in a good head torch for the winter months or you end up falling over things in the woods in the dark like me last week
Don't know about any guidelines except for maybe to wait until the dog is fully mature so the pulling does not put a strain on any growing bits or joints etc.
I think in general a healthy dog will run as far as you are willing to, provided you stop for it to have a drink every now and then.
You can usually see when the dog is getting tired while you are running so maybe just take yours out and see how far you get before it is really panting, head down, loose lead. A friend has gert big Malamute that gets bored and starts rolling around after 4-5 miles.
At a guess the really small and rather large breeds should probably run less but your average medium/ large size dog will go on forever.
Other friends of mine will do 20-30 miles at a time with their Husky type dogs. I'm only an average runner and the furthest I have ever done with my shepherd in one go is 9 miles. She was absolutely fine with this, still pulling, head up and going fast. When we got home she had a big drink then went and got some toys to play with.
I'm sure I have read somewhere that serious working collies can cover 50 miles in a day.
I think in general a healthy dog will run as far as you are willing to, provided you stop for it to have a drink every now and then.
You can usually see when the dog is getting tired while you are running so maybe just take yours out and see how far you get before it is really panting, head down, loose lead. A friend has gert big Malamute that gets bored and starts rolling around after 4-5 miles.
At a guess the really small and rather large breeds should probably run less but your average medium/ large size dog will go on forever.
Other friends of mine will do 20-30 miles at a time with their Husky type dogs. I'm only an average runner and the furthest I have ever done with my shepherd in one go is 9 miles. She was absolutely fine with this, still pulling, head up and going fast. When we got home she had a big drink then went and got some toys to play with.
I'm sure I have read somewhere that serious working collies can cover 50 miles in a day.
Cheers for the info peeps, I'll be placing an order from Kisi once he arrives at the weekend. I'll keep those interested updated with our progress.
RB Will said:
A friend has gert big Malamute that gets bored and starts rolling around after 4-5 miles.
This sounds like a scenario I can see for myself, except it'll be me rolling around after 4-5 miles, not through boredom, more than likely from exhaustion Resurrecting this thread to ask a couple of questions to people running their dogs. I'm just starting the C25K program and feel bad leaving Ferdie behind, do you think the run/walk/run thing would be good to get him starting as well or do you think I should wait until I can run 5K? I don't know whether he will get confused by being asked to run and then walk again or if this will improve his fitness (on walks he is a potterer and sniffer).
Depends if you ever want him to be a very fast competing dog, if so you want to get as fit as you can then train him to pull hard and only that.
If you just want a jogging buddy that will occasionally help you out then its fine doing the run, walk, run thing. The distance/pace wont trouble the dog unless they are really old.
Might be worth just giving him a quick test run with you holding the lead attached to his collar or preferable a harness, 1/4 mile maybe just to see if he will run with you or if he is going to want to keep stopping and sniffing stuff before investing the money in the proper kit.
If you have him on a collar or your average harness and he starts really running and pulling then just stop before he hurts himself, then go buy some proper kit.
Where are you based?
If you just want a jogging buddy that will occasionally help you out then its fine doing the run, walk, run thing. The distance/pace wont trouble the dog unless they are really old.
Might be worth just giving him a quick test run with you holding the lead attached to his collar or preferable a harness, 1/4 mile maybe just to see if he will run with you or if he is going to want to keep stopping and sniffing stuff before investing the money in the proper kit.
If you have him on a collar or your average harness and he starts really running and pulling then just stop before he hurts himself, then go buy some proper kit.
Where are you based?
Edited by RB Will on Monday 24th February 16:43
RB Will said:
Depends if you ever want him to be a very fast competing dog, if so you want to get as fit as you can then train him to pull hard and only that.
If you just want a jogging buddy that will occasionally help you out then its fine doing the run, walk, run thing. The distance/pace wont trouble the dog unless they are really old.
Might be worth just giving him a quick test run with you holding the lead attached to his collar or preferable a harness, 1/4 mile maybe just to see if he will run with you or if he is going to want to keep stopping and sniffing stuff before investing the money in the proper kit.
If you have him on a collar or your average harness and he starts really running and pulling then just stop before he hurts himself, then go buy some proper kit.
Where are you based?
Thanks, based in Sussex. I have a friend who went into it as a runner who runs hers so and has spare kit(belt/harness/line). The belt will fit, but the harness may be a tad on the large size. I have tried a 60 sec jog with him in a collar, after a couple of excited leaps at the start he was pulling ahead. He's a bit of a puller on the lead so didn't want to encourage this as he is starting to learn plus I didn't want to damage him. If you just want a jogging buddy that will occasionally help you out then its fine doing the run, walk, run thing. The distance/pace wont trouble the dog unless they are really old.
Might be worth just giving him a quick test run with you holding the lead attached to his collar or preferable a harness, 1/4 mile maybe just to see if he will run with you or if he is going to want to keep stopping and sniffing stuff before investing the money in the proper kit.
If you have him on a collar or your average harness and he starts really running and pulling then just stop before he hurts himself, then go buy some proper kit.
Where are you based?
Edited by RB Will on Monday 24th February 16:43
I don't intend on competing, but may enter any local cani-x events or events which allow dogs.
I fancy have a go at this but not sure which site to look?
Does anyone have a good recomenations for the a good starting guide & the best "race site" to use for the UK?
I've looked at www.dogfit.co.uk and http://www.canicrossuk.com/
Does anyone have a good recomenations for the a good starting guide & the best "race site" to use for the UK?
I've looked at www.dogfit.co.uk and http://www.canicrossuk.com/
Have a look through the information section on https://www.k9trailtime.com/ if you need any kit Emily (the owner) will help you out. She could point you in the direction of many events too as she travels around with a stall to loads of race meeting. I'm not quite up to date on the best site for races as a whole now I'm retired from competition. My dog is getting old and is the wrong breed.
Its become quite a popular sport these days and people are getting set up with dogs bred for it and the dog does make a massive difference. eg I have a friend that I can beat over any distance, 5k,10k etc dogless but with dogs he is about 2-3 mins quicker than me over a 5k.
If you are serious about competition you can have a look at Canix and Checkendon Challenge events. Otherwise if its just wanting to do running races with your dog just keep your eye on local races and see if they allow it, nothing run to UK athletics rules will but a lot of events cater for it now.
Badminton Horseless Trials is a fun one with easy obstacles, Brutal events allow dogs at some as do Maverick races, Stowe Pacesetter is another.
I would say unless you are super serious and fast/ competitive I would avoid the dedicated dogsports events as they will have the more serious stronger competition and go more for the independent races as they just have more of a sense of fun about them.
Happy to try and help you with any other info
Edited to add you could try local Facebook groups too. I’m mod for Canicross Wiltshire and a member at Cotswold Canicross but there are lots of local clubs, where in Berks are you?
Its become quite a popular sport these days and people are getting set up with dogs bred for it and the dog does make a massive difference. eg I have a friend that I can beat over any distance, 5k,10k etc dogless but with dogs he is about 2-3 mins quicker than me over a 5k.
If you are serious about competition you can have a look at Canix and Checkendon Challenge events. Otherwise if its just wanting to do running races with your dog just keep your eye on local races and see if they allow it, nothing run to UK athletics rules will but a lot of events cater for it now.
Badminton Horseless Trials is a fun one with easy obstacles, Brutal events allow dogs at some as do Maverick races, Stowe Pacesetter is another.
I would say unless you are super serious and fast/ competitive I would avoid the dedicated dogsports events as they will have the more serious stronger competition and go more for the independent races as they just have more of a sense of fun about them.
Happy to try and help you with any other info
Edited to add you could try local Facebook groups too. I’m mod for Canicross Wiltshire and a member at Cotswold Canicross but there are lots of local clubs, where in Berks are you?
Edited by RB Will on Monday 13th August 14:55
This is more for a fun things and get my fat arse doing something again (I use to be pretty fit before I moved south).
The other half does lots of ultra races so I feel I need to do something and having 3 hounds it seems the perfect fit. However I'd only take one (5 year old Collie Cross with a husky type or a German Sheperard, we dont know which).
I'll check out facebook and the site you mentioned. I'm away for the next 2 weeks in Germany so I'm just trying to work out a few races towards the end of the year and start of next to give me a target. Without that I'm lazy
I'm near Pangbourne & Reading area.
The other half does lots of ultra races so I feel I need to do something and having 3 hounds it seems the perfect fit. However I'd only take one (5 year old Collie Cross with a husky type or a German Sheperard, we dont know which).
I'll check out facebook and the site you mentioned. I'm away for the next 2 weeks in Germany so I'm just trying to work out a few races towards the end of the year and start of next to give me a target. Without that I'm lazy
I'm near Pangbourne & Reading area.
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