Anyone do Canicross? Running with their dog?

[Thefacttheyact1234]

I started the couch to 5k in spring. I run with my dog off lead VERY early I the morning when no one else was around in the park/woods.

Now I'm trying road running in time for winter mornings. I'm running with dog on harness with an extendy lead to reduce any shock, and it works well. He stays close and doesn't mess around. Nice pace and we're clearly suited in terms of fitness ability.

I've just ordered a belt and bungee for me to formalise it a bit (and to leave a hand free) Anyone else do this with their dog?

Anyone compete either?

Just looking to chat/swap ideas and advice really.

[TheHoundsBitch]

I'm considering it, my girl has only just turned one so is probably too young still and I'm only just managing a 5k run myself. I have run with her once so far and she was pretty good (on a front leader harness and chain lead) but got tired before I did!

[MrsBoadieBoardus]

I dabble. Re-do c25k to build the dog's fitness. Try not to do the whole lot on hard roads.

[Asleeponasunbeam]

DH and I both run with our springer. He can do up to 13 miles with DH - doesn't do that too often though. We have him off lead where we can or on-lead on paths and roads. However, we use a head collar as he's awful with a normal collar, so I don't think we'd be allowed to do canicross.

[Thefacttheyact1234]

Thank you.

I'm going to attempt a 5k park run on Saturday but not with the dog. I think I should stay off the roads actually. I don't think my knees can take it long term.

[OhOneOhTwoOhThree]

Hi Thefact come and join our parkrun thread or the running thread (or both)

At least one of our regulars (on both threads) is a doggy runner and can give you lots of good advice

[OhOneOhTwoOhThree]

(I can't link, but we're in exercise)

[Thefacttheyact1234]

Oh thankyou! I've never posted in exercise - I'm off to explore!

[CMOTDibbler]

I run with my lurchers on regular long leads and harnesses - they don't pull, so the leads are just looped on my wrist. We do up to 14k, as after that distance I prefer to only concentrate on me not them.

The dogs now have a bit of an obsession about lycra, and we are well known locally. I frequently get told by randoms that they've seen me and the dogs!

[Thefacttheyact1234]

My dog loves it, but I can see it becoming a bit of an obsession!