Muddy Mutleys

Dog Training & Behaviour Specialists

Canicross

A truly fulfilling fitness and bonding experience for human and dog partnerships.

As a youngster I was a keen Cross Country runner, making it to the Nationals when I was 14… then life happened… years later I have found the enthusiasm for running again and have been gradually building up my fitness.  I thank my Dog for getting me back to a healthier lifestyle.  Canicross is a combination of both of my passions, the name coming from the two words Canine and Cross Country.

It was first introduced to the UK in 2000. Since the sport was first launched, the activity has seen thousands of dog enthusiasts taking to the great outdoors to participate.

It is a brand new way to become healthier and fitter together and is another opportunity to spend time bonding with your dog and to make new friends along the way.

To take part in Canicross you do not need experience in running, as a group we will start off doing interval training and gradually building this into a run. 

Everyone is welcome no matter what your fitness level and you will notice improvements pretty quickly.

What is Canicross?

It’s cross country with your canine – teaming up with your best friend and doing what they adore, running!

You will never find another running partner who gives you more motivation than your dog. Any breed of dog can participate in Canicross. All dogs love to run and tapping into their natural instinct means Canicross requires very little training.

Benefits of Canicross

Not only will you develop a stronger bond with your team mate, but you will both enjoy improved health and fitness, stamina, strength and endurance.

  • Using up energy promoting more calm and better sleep. 
  • Slows the aging process and keeps your dog lean. (Did you know a lean dog lives, on average, up to two years longer than an overweight dog).
  • Healthy appetite makes for a healthier Dog.
  • More responsive with commands and other training.
  • Less aggressive due to socialising with other dogs, associating other dogs with the endorphins released during exercise. 

Equipment

For your safety, take advice on a pair of running shoes with good traction and support. The human participant wears a waist belt that attaches via a bungee line to the dogs harness.  These will be supplied and are available to purchase through Muddy Mutleys with a discount code.  

YOUR FREE GAIT ANALYSIS

As part of your membership, you will be offered a basic gait analysis. This is designed to ensure that your dog is sound enough to take part in this sport, and other activities and provides an excellent guide for your vet to keep on record in order ensure optimum care of your dog’s joints throughout their lifetime.

Dogs must be over one year old to participate.

Canicross Sessions