First Canicross Command Practice

Workout - First Canicross Command Practice

• 5min @ 12'00''/km
• 1.0km @ 7'00''/km
• 3.0km @ 6'15''/km
• 5min @ 12'00''/km

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Quick Summary

Interested in canicross? RUN WITH YOUR DOG | CANICROSS Q&A WITH BEN ROBINSON from Flora Beverley is a solid intro. Here’s what Ben covers so you can get started with your dog this week.

Key Points

• Canicross = running with your dog on a bungee line. Works for any breed—whether it’s your family pet or a sled dog type.
• Start gradually: boost your walking routine, introduce short jogging segments, then move into a structured “couch‑to‑5K” progression designed for both you and your dog.
• Commands to teach:
  • Line‑out (wait at the starting line)
  • Left/Right for navigation
  • Keep right / keep left when overtaking runners or other dogs
  • Behind for steep downhill sections
• Training age: hold off on running until your dog is roughly 1 year old (18 months for bigger breeds). Teaching commands earlier is fine.
• What you’ll need: a waist belt for yourself, a 2 m bungee line, and a full‑range harness that lets your dog move freely. Skip chest harnesses—they block shoulder motion.
• Taking care of both of you:
  • Skip large meals before running; eat 45 min‑1 h afterward.
  • Keep tabs on the weather; run on softer ground to protect joints.
  • Both of you need water; plan breaks to drink.

Sample Workout (5 km Canicross)

1. Warm‑up – 5 minutes at a brisk walk, keeping the dog on a regular leash.
2. Transition – 1 km at easy pace, practicing left/right turns with the bungee line.
3. Main set – 3 km at a steady pace while tethered. Focus on:
   • Moving together (your dog’s harness lets them pull naturally).
   • Using the behind command on downhill stretches.
   • Applying keep right/left when passing others.
4. Cool‑down – 5 minute walk to cool down, then treats and water for your dog.

Tweak distances and speeds based on your fitness and your dog’s conditioning. The Pacing app lets you adjust intervals to suit your needs.

Closing Note

Try running with your dog this week. Start with an easy walk, slip in some jogging, then build toward 5 km using Ben’s commands and gear recommendations. Use the Pacing app to dial in the right speeds for you, and relish having a four‑legged training partner pushing you along. 🚀

References

• RUN WITH YOUR DOG | CANICROSS Q&A WITH BEN ROBINSON - YouTube (YouTube Video)