For many of us, enjoying the company of our dog is a necessity. But enjoying your favorite sport in the company of your four-legged friend is already a real dream.
Many runners are encouraged to run with their dogs because of the benefits, both for the runner and the dog. In addition to the pleasure of the experience, it's a great way to help your pet get exercise and spend more time with you.
What is canicross?
Canicross is a modality derived from "mushing" (sled dog racing) which consists of running with a dog and having the dog pull the runner in order to go faster than he would on his own.
In this sport, what predominates is to have a great connection with the dog and work as a team, since the dog will be tied to the runner, either in front or on the side, and it will be the runner who will guide him by using verbal signals to maintain a constant pace.
In order to perform this sport it will be necessary to have a canicross harness for the dog, a canicross belt for the runner and a bungee line to connect the dog's harness and the runner's belt.
It is important to remember that canicross should be practiced responsibly, with the safety and well-being of both the dog and the runner in mind.
What are the benefits of running with your dog?
Canicross is a fun and healthy activity for both dog and owner, and can be an excellent way to strengthen the bond between the two, as well as providing cardiovascular exercise and a good form of mental stimulation.
Photo credit: Håkon Mæland
Generally, physical exercise in dogs helps them to deal with problems such as anxiety when separated from their owner, boredom and also to avoid being overweight, as this sport will help them to strengthen their muscles and improve their health.
Another of the great benefits of practicing canicross is the improvement of the dog's education, as well as its socialization. The language, both verbal and physical, will create connections and a special closeness with the four-legged friend, creating with time and experience a bond between the two.
Reasons why you should do canicross with your dog
Photo credits: Håkon Mæland
The reasons why you should canicross with your dog are many, but the most important ones are:
It releases stress
In general, practicing sport is one of the best allies to significantly reduce stress for both the runner and the dog. Running brings wellness to the mind of everyone who practices it, since it helps you to escape from problems for a moment, to break the daily routines and increases the concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps to soften the brain's response to stress.
A great way to keep both you and your dog active and fit.
Canicross helps create a routine with your dog and maintain a daily activity, which will help create a great connection between the two of you. In addition, the practice of exercise will make the dog gain strength in his muscles, keeping your four-legged friend in shape and avoiding overweight.
The dog, a good ally to keep up the pace of running
One of the great benefits that the dog brings to the human when running together is to maintain a constant running pace, as well as to increase the pace, following the one set by the dog, who will normally be the one who vaya ahead of you if not by your side.
Better bonding between the two of you
Surely spending time with your dog is one of the things that makes you happiest every day, and if it is possible to share with him another part of your day that you normally do alone, such as the time you go out to hit your shoes, the time you spend with him will be greater and therefore, the bond and connection.
Spending time outdoors
Breathing fresh air and disconnecting in nature, surely the place where your furry friend will be happiest.
Which dogs can do canicross?
Any dog is valid to practice canicross, always bearing in mind what we want to achieve with the dog. Besides, it is important to emphasize that we cannot want to achieve the same with a small dog than with a big dog.
Although any dog can practice it, there are certain breeds that due to their skeletal and muscular genetics, can have a greater intrinsic facility and achieve better results, especially mongrel dogs bred specifically for the practice of canicross. Among the most popular breeds are the Weimaraners, Border Collie, German Pointer, Jack Russell terrier, Labrador, Greyhound, English Setter.
A point to consider before putting your four-legged friend to practice this sport is to be very sure that it is fully developed, which is usually between 12 and 18 months of age. In addition, to start with it will be necessary a previous preparation by practicing activities such as freerunning and hiking, since this way the dog will strengthen his body and the runner will make sure that he is prepared and has no risk of injury.
Although canicross is a fairly safe sport and should not cause injury unless the dog has known serious health problems, in case you are not sure if your dog is ready for it, you should not hesitate to ask your veterinarian.
Non-stop dogwear, the perfect ally for running outings with your dog
To make the experience with your furry friend rewarding from the very first moment, it is important to choose good equipment that does not neglect safety and comfort, both for the dog and the runner.
At RUNNEA we prioritize quality in everything we do, and if it also has to do with the safety of your best friend, even more so, and one of the best is Non-stop dogwear. The Norwegian company 's passion for animals means that they put all their passion into designing and manufacturing all their products. In addition, their experience and the use of the best materials and technologies have made them become one of the favorite brands of many of the best athletes in the world.
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