Guide

Getting started with canicross

The gear, the first sessions, and the best practices for running with your dog safely.

Canicross means running while connected to your dog: it wears a pulling harness, you wear a belt, and an elastic bungee line connects you. It runs in front, you follow. It is an accessible sport that can be practiced alone or in a club, on trails rather than asphalt.

Equipment

A pulling harness for the dog, which distributes the effort across the back and chest (never a collar).
A belt for you, with leg straps, so that the pulling force is transmitted through the pelvis and not the lower back.
A bungee line of about 2 m, which absorbs shocks at the start and during acceleration.

Our beginner canicross kit brings together these three pieces, adjusted to work together.

Before your first outing

Wait for your dog to finish growing: generally between 12 and 18 months depending on the breed.
Get a check-up at the vet, especially if your dog is older or overweight. Dogs with short noses do not handle physical exertion well.
Get it used to the harness at home, then on walks, before running.

The first sessions

Start with 2 to 3 km, on soft ground, two or three times a week.
Alternate between running and walking, and increase the distance gradually.
Let your dog relieve itself before leaving, and keep a pace it can maintain while breathing normally.

Useful commands

Choose one word per action and always keep the same one: one to start ("Go"), one to turn right, one to turn left, one to slow down ("Easy"), and one to stop ("Stop"). Practice them while walking first.

Heat and safety

Dogs do not regulate their temperature well: in hot weather, go out early in the morning or late at night, and shorten the outing.
Avoid hot asphalt and sharp limestone: check its paw pads after every outing. Protective boots help on rocky terrain.
Bring water for it and take breaks in the shade.
Stop if it limps, pants very heavily, or slows down significantly.