We said “Of course” and I’m glad we did! Turns out this canine sport Canicross is a ton of fun and some hard work, and provides an amazing way to bond with your dog and practice teamwork and dedication. And, as an added bonus, you just may be able to say good bye to those few extra pounds you’ve been trying to lose. Run with us as Rachel takes on a journey through her story, and tells us what Canicross is really all about.
“EASY!” My voice echoed as I ran through the woods, over streams and downhill, the arm of my dominant hand outstretched with my knuckles white, gripped tight on the leash connecting me to my young Pit Bull, who was learning in that mile and a half, just how much fun running with his mom could be. This was far from a casual romp on a trail though, this event was his first time running with me, in a harness, at a race, AND a canine obstacle course race at that! Having never considered myself an athlete nor running an even slightly enjoyable activity for that matter, it is a surprise for many that despite the bruises, bleeding, shin splints, and sore shoulder, this race was the ugly start to my love of the sport of Canicross.
Born of off-season training for working dogs of much greater familiarity, sled dog handlers may have started this activity for necessary conditioning of their dogs, but Canicross has long since blossomed into a competitive sport of its own. Believed to have originated in France and Belgium in the 1980s, with the first European Championship being held by Belgium in 1998. The popularity of Canicross has crossed the pond as its following in the United States and Canada has grown dramatically over the last few years, but it is still largely unknown in mainstream media and even amongst lifelong dog sports enthusiasts. So, what is Canicross? To put it simply, Canicross is canine propelled cross country running. You may also see it referred to under the umbrella term of “Urban Mushing,” alongside other dryland, dog propelled sports such as bikejoring, scootering, carting, etc. Whether you are a runner looking to start incorporating your dog or a dog handler looking to try something new, Canicross is a fantastic new sport for you and your dog(s) to try.
Running is of course an excellent outlet for your dog’s energy, but it can also serve as a bonding experience as you join your dog in an activity they’re predisposed to enjoy, all while exploring new places together and pushing yourself and your dog out of your comfort zone. For those interested in the health aspect of sport, this is a fun way to get in shape with a new workout partner who will certainly help hold you