Beginners guide for dog sport
First of all you need a human … check , Secondly you need a canine… check. Now you have the main components you’re almost ready to go.
What is canicross?
Canicross is the sport of cross country running with dogs, it is dog powered, so they are harnessed , attached to the human and run in a team. The human is the driver, directing the dog from behind with voice commands. Canicross not only is a great method to get a human and a canine fit but works the dog’s mind and allows them to use their brain in a work mode.
sport dog contain and train
http://www.bigdogsport.com/sportdog-contain-and-train-raising-smart-dogs
What breed is suitable?
As long as your dog is fit, healthy, of the right age and able to run, you can really canicross with any dog. Working breeds tend to be the more popular breed for this sport. Always consult your vet when unsure.
Dogs can race after they reach 12-18 months of age, you can start some light training with them a few months before this to allow them to get used to being in a harness and to teach them their commands, then gradually build this up, always be careful not to over work the dogs when their joints and bones are still forming. For larger breeds it is important to wait a bit longer to build up greater miles. Again always consult your vet for advice.
Equipment can be a bit of a minefield, it is like anything in life, there are options that work for one and not the other.
skijoring dog breeds
http://www.bigdogsport.com/choosing-the-best-skijoring-dog-breeds
The basic key factors for equipment are a good comfortable fitting harness, which is suitable for running. A bungee line/lead and a waist/hip belt for the runner.
Harnesses
There are so many different styles and makes of harnesses on the market. So how do I know which is right for canicross and my dog?
Key points
Ensure the harness is comfortably fitting; you can fit two fingers around the neck, chest and waist. Avoid a harness that restricts the dogs breathing, something that presses on the chest, or digs into rib cage. You want the lungs to freely expand so ideally something that is free from the dogs ribs.
Connection point of line to runner is very important to consider also e.g. an x back harness is designed for a lower connection point used in sledding/mushing. In Canicross the connection from dog to runner is higher, so you need the harness to be slightly shorter. If the harness is too long on a high connection then the dog will be pulled up from underneath.
service dog harness with bridge handle
http://www.bigdogsport.com/service-dog-mobility-harness-a-must-have-in-dog-training
Listen to how your dog sounds when running, if wheezing then there is something restricting, watch how they move, if their movement is off balance, or equipment is being pulled to an angle then perhaps fit of harness and line isn’t right.
Lines
It is important to have a bungee integration in your line, the bungee is to absorb shock for both you and the dog. If there is a sudden jolt or a strong pull, the elasticity will absorb these.
Length is important to consider also, as if it is too long, you may trip over, or it may allow your dog to weave off path. If it is too short it could pull on the dog’s back and cause you to run into them. Ideal length is 2m at full stretch.
Belts
A strong secure waist or hip belt is important, to allow you to run hands free, and also take the pull of the dog comfortably. A waist belt should fit neatly round your waist, with room for expansion if needed over heavier clothes. A hip belt should be secured with leg straps, this is advisable for faster runners with strong pulling dogs, as it allows the runners body to keep upright and the pull work from underneath the bum.
MORE facts here
Clothes
Trail shoes are always good when running off road, this will give you more grip on trails and allow to get through mud without slipping. Light weight breathable running clothing is most comfortable, and if you are in Scotland you may want to invest in a good light weight waterproof.
What is canicross?
Canicross is the sport of cross country running with dogs, it is dog powered, so they are harnessed , attached to the human and run in a team. The human is the driver, directing the dog from behind with voice commands. Canicross not only is a great method to get a human and a canine fit but works the dog’s mind and allows them to use their brain in a work mode.
sport dog contain and train
http://www.bigdogsport.com/sportdog-contain-and-train-raising-smart-dogs
What breed is suitable?
As long as your dog is fit, healthy, of the right age and able to run, you can really canicross with any dog. Working breeds tend to be the more popular breed for this sport. Always consult your vet when unsure.
Dogs can race after they reach 12-18 months of age, you can start some light training with them a few months before this to allow them to get used to being in a harness and to teach them their commands, then gradually build this up, always be careful not to over work the dogs when their joints and bones are still forming. For larger breeds it is important to wait a bit longer to build up greater miles. Again always consult your vet for advice.
Equipment can be a bit of a minefield, it is like anything in life, there are options that work for one and not the other.
skijoring dog breeds
http://www.bigdogsport.com/choosing-the-best-skijoring-dog-breeds
The basic key factors for equipment are a good comfortable fitting harness, which is suitable for running. A bungee line/lead and a waist/hip belt for the runner.
Harnesses
There are so many different styles and makes of harnesses on the market. So how do I know which is right for canicross and my dog?
Key points
Ensure the harness is comfortably fitting; you can fit two fingers around the neck, chest and waist. Avoid a harness that restricts the dogs breathing, something that presses on the chest, or digs into rib cage. You want the lungs to freely expand so ideally something that is free from the dogs ribs.
Connection point of line to runner is very important to consider also e.g. an x back harness is designed for a lower connection point used in sledding/mushing. In Canicross the connection from dog to runner is higher, so you need the harness to be slightly shorter. If the harness is too long on a high connection then the dog will be pulled up from underneath.
service dog harness with bridge handle
http://www.bigdogsport.com/service-dog-mobility-harness-a-must-have-in-dog-training
Listen to how your dog sounds when running, if wheezing then there is something restricting, watch how they move, if their movement is off balance, or equipment is being pulled to an angle then perhaps fit of harness and line isn’t right.
Lines
It is important to have a bungee integration in your line, the bungee is to absorb shock for both you and the dog. If there is a sudden jolt or a strong pull, the elasticity will absorb these.
Length is important to consider also, as if it is too long, you may trip over, or it may allow your dog to weave off path. If it is too short it could pull on the dog’s back and cause you to run into them. Ideal length is 2m at full stretch.
Belts
A strong secure waist or hip belt is important, to allow you to run hands free, and also take the pull of the dog comfortably. A waist belt should fit neatly round your waist, with room for expansion if needed over heavier clothes. A hip belt should be secured with leg straps, this is advisable for faster runners with strong pulling dogs, as it allows the runners body to keep upright and the pull work from underneath the bum.
MORE facts here
Clothes
Trail shoes are always good when running off road, this will give you more grip on trails and allow to get through mud without slipping. Light weight breathable running clothing is most comfortable, and if you are in Scotland you may want to invest in a good light weight waterproof.
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