One of the countless benefits of being a dog parent is having a built-in exercise buddy who is always ready to explore the outdoors and have fun with you. Of course, casual walking, jogging, and hiking are great ways to do so. But if you want to take it up a notch or two? Canicross might be just the activity for you!
What is canicross? Short for “canine cross country,” canicross is trail running — and sometimes racing in competitions — with your four-legged best friend. However, there is much more to it than simply hitting a random path.
Read on to learn a little history behind canicross, why canicross is beneficial, how you and your pup can train for the sport, and how to get started.
Generations ago, sled dog trainers started training their dogs in Europe during the off-season so that they could stay in shape. (Skijoring and bikejoring are related dog running sports that likely have similar origins.)
Over time, canicross, sometimes considered a form of urban mushing, became a stand-alone sport in its own right. By the early 2000s, canine cross country enthusiasts started to organize competitions.
Although canicross was largely unheard of in the United States until recently, it is quickly gaining popularity as both a form of physical exercise and competition. While canicross USA events do tend to be more prevalent in cooler climate regions of the US (where mushing and sled dog sports are generally more popular due to the accessibility of snow during winter months) many dog parents are becoming increasingly interested in the stand-alone sport regardless of the weather where they live.
So what is canicross? It is a team sport consisting of one person and one or two dogs running together. The dogs are connected to the human runner via a canicross belt — together, canine and human can run more quickly and keep up their energy levels over longer distances and periods of time.
Canicross USA events are typically 5k (around three miles) but they can be as long as 10k (about six miles) or more depending on the canicross setup.
Most often, the person on a canicross team wears a specially-designed waist belt (aptly called a canicross belt) to which the dog's canicross harness (which is specially designed for pulling) is connected. When two dogs are running together, an elastic line is also used to join them, reducing the shock to the entire team when a dog pulls.
Why canicross? The sport offers numerous advantages for both dogs and humans.
One of the many things people and their pets — really all living creatures — have in common is a need for regular movement to maintain their physical health. While any level of exercise is better than living a sedentary life, bouts of high-intensity exercise can have particular benefits.
Canicross is excellent for reaching or maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles, and supporting the cardiovascular system.
Fresh air is also beneficial to pups and their parents. Even the cleanest indoor spaces often contain toxins and allergens like mold, dust, and chemicals from household cleaners. Getting out into nature can help both you and your four-legged companion breathe easier.
Plus the sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which supports strong bones (and which the majority of adult Americans are actually deficient in).
Canine enrichment is essential to the physical and mental well-being of your dog. Canicross stimulates your pup's mind, fulfills their natural drives, offers exposure to different situations (a key part of healthy socialization), and provides sensory engagement. This all makes it a holistic enrichment option!
Dogs who are anxious, reactive, or otherwise struggle with life in our modern human world can also benefit from embarking on a canicross journey. Many intelligent, sensitive reactive pups can quickly become bored, increasing their anxiety and contributing to long-term behavioral issues. Giving a reactive dog a “job” — an activity they love to do alongside you that has some clear goals — can provide them with a sense of purpose and achievement. Plus positive experiences out on the trail (and maybe eventually in canicross races) can build into greater confidence over time. Who doesn't want to be focused and happy?
Your dog doesn't have to be a special breed, size, or even a certain age to participate in canicross. That said: There are certain factors to consider.
Wondering what age to start canicross? Dogs should be fully grown before starting the sport. While it might seem like the ideal activity for an high-energy breed puppy, dogs should be at least a year – or even two years old for larger breeds – before starting.
While a multitude of breeds of many sizes can enjoy canicross, you will have a different experience with a small dog than with a larger one.
Some hauling breeds, such as malamutes, huskies, weimaraners, and vizslas, are especially physically suited for the stamina and energy the sport requires. But don't rule out your furry best friend if they aren't one of these preferred breeds! Any active, healthy dog can be a great candidate for canicross. The sport continues to become more welcoming over time.
On the other hand, dogs with certain health issues — or even just predispositions toward them — might be safer and happier participating in other activities that are still mentally stimulating but involve less intense exercise. For instance, if your pup is prone to joint problems or breathing conditions such as brachycephalic syndrome in brachiocephalic breeds, talk to your vet before giving canicross a try.
Before you begin to train your dog for canicross, make sure you have the required gear. There are three essential items you need:
The best canicross dog harness will have an ergonomic fit with a y-shaped opening at the neck to support your dog's breathing and movement. A strong but lightweight waist belt and an elastic leash that connects to it complete the setup. Trail shoes are also recommended for the best traction and protection on the human end!
As with any new sport or exercise routine, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet and your own healthcare provider before you begin to train your dog for canicross. We can't stress this safety precaution enough.
Warm up before training to prevent injuries and prepare for exercise. Some canicross trainers prepare active stretches, which encourage the dog to stretch, while others like static stretching, where the person gently stretches the dog’s muscles.
During warm-up, watch for any signs of issues or injuries, such as limping, reluctance, yelping or sensitivity when touched in a specific area, or unusual panting. Seek medical advice before continuing if you notice that your dog has any concerning symptoms.
Cooling down after training is also essential. Gradually slow down from a run to a casual walk to allow your dog’s heart rate and body temperature to regulate.
Teach your dog common canicross cues, such as the following.
Once your dog has mastered these skills, you can teach them to pull. Begin using the canicross harness when training for canicross. You can still use a traditional harness for regular walks and other activities, but use the canicross gear exclusively for canicross training.
Some dogs find success when starting with an easy pace, like power walking, and praise when the dog pulls. It can be helpful to have someone else walk ahead of you alongside the dog, encouraging proper speed and pull.
When you and your pet are ready, you can plan how to start canicross. First, make sure you are both well-hydrated. Encourage drinking lots of water starting three hours before you run. It’s also recommended that you not feed your dog for several hours before a race, as running on a full belly can be very dangerous and even fatal.
Be sure to check your pup’s feet and legs before and after runs. Look for swelling, cuts, skin damage, or signs of pain.
Find a soft trail (natural surfaces are recommended) and choose a time to run when there are not likely to be many cars or people passing through.
If you can find other canicrossers in your area, try to meet up and run together. Canicross is a social sport, and practicing together will encourage you both while helping you pick up the sport more quickly.
When you and your dog are ready, enter a race!
Check out these groups and organizations to find other canicrossers in your area, race info and, perhaps most importantly, to find canicross events.
Facebook also has dozens of canicross clubs, from general groups based on experience level to location-based groups and even groups based on breed. So there’s a good chance you’ll find the perfect fit for you and your best buddy.
The only thing left to do is start racing and have a blast.
There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers. The trainers that review our content are reviewed by other trainers to ensure that we have the best quality filters on our content.
These are the trainers that reviewed this article:
Camilla Echeverria, CTDI, KPA CTP
AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator
Founder and Managing Director of the Northwest School for Dogs
Penny Locke
Proudly offering Positive Reinforcement & Force-free Dog Training
www.allabout-canines.com
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Albuquerque? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Duke City.
44.5 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists are more important than ever as our modern society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate—dog reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.
In our modern, human-centric world, it can be hard to find spaces for your pup to safely play off leash—especially if they’re a flight risk. Dogs who might run off after interesting smells, prey, or simply because they feel the whim can be a hazard in unfenced areas. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best securely fenced dog parks throughout the United States!
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.