Help My dog is too fast for me!

I mean, look at the joyful expression on Laird's face as we hurtled towards the brave photographer, and my sheer determination to not fall over!

Actually this blog is in answer to a question on the Canicross Yorkshire page.

Canicross for dummies question! 

I've been running for a very first time. Strong n fast dog. She wanted go so I did let her, it was an uphill.

Things were starting getting very fast and fun and then there was the tree root I managed to get over but as I'm not used to that pulling force my other foot got twisted at ankle by landing...

how do you learn to cope with challenging environment and also how do you stop your dog in an emergency (or at all) 😂🙈

thanks!!

Oh how I feel your pain. Literally. Last December I slipped in the mud while attached to a fast excited dog, and the resultant fall tore muscles in my ankle.

So it's something I've been thinking a lot about, and testing answers for the last 6 months too.

Here's what I've come up with so far, but I'd love to hear your tips and hints too!


1. Look at your equipment

Over the years I've found that different line types and lengths can make a big difference with a strong or powerful puller (and with the more delicate souls too).

While the fully elasticated Non-Stop bungee line takes a lot of the sudden jolts out of the system to make acceleration a smoother experience, it can feel a bit like a never ending stretch to the dog.... and that is a problem because if your big, strong dog never feels like they've hit the end of the line, they might just not stop pulling!

So, I deliberately use a shorter, less elasticated line for some of our runs, especially where I might need more control or there's steeper descents. I'll also switch lines mid-run if needed.

2. Train a reliable "slow down" or pace change cue

Come running with us, and you'll hear slow sing-song commands like "stea-dy" in distinctive tones (high-low). Keeping your voice calm helps calm the dog down (screaming STEADY!!! rarely helps), and we use the cues just before we move from a run to jog, or jog to walk.

We also practice them when we're out walking (easier to reward with food then), and if your dog really is built like a tank, there's no shame in handing him/her over to a bigger stronger friend just while they get the idea.

3. Tweak your running style 

I'm definitely not saying that you just need to learn to run faster, but if your running style isn't very efficient that will definitely not be helping the situation.

Working on your proprioception and balance makes it easier to cope on rough ground, and learning to adapt to a faster cadence will help with a pace change too.   This helps you to make the most of the help the dog can give without dying yourself!

I've been learning to sprint which in turn makes it easier for Laird to listen to my slow down cue afterwards. After all, running at my speed must be super frustrating for him.


4. Choose the terrain and trails that help you focus on your key goals 

I have a special hatred of races that start with steep descents, or a steep uphill with a crowded field so no one can stretch their legs. For me, the ideal start is a gentle incline with a curve in the track.

But sadly I don't control the course designers. So what that tells me is exactly what I need to train for!

If my goal for today's run is slow and steady, I make sure to choose a route that has gentle gradient changes, minimal exciting livestock and try to avoid the hunting hours of dusk.

Able to let your dog safely off lead? Then do that on the steep sections rather than risk injury. Or run with a friend who can help out!


5. Have an emergency option just in case

For example I've been training Laird to be happy wearing a headcollar (which gives me more control) in case of any really serious steep descents, or if I'm injured and someone else has to get him off the hill. While Freya will generally walk sensibly if asked, I don't trust the Big Yin to be sensible with a stranger...

I'm also experimenting with a short grab handle that stays attached to Laird's collar (velcroed to the harness for storage) which lets me go for extra control in a short term situation.



The only one of the above ideas that could give you an "instant" fix is likely to be trying different lines, but I promise it is so worth the effort to choose at least one other option to train too.

Feeling over-dogged is both exhilarating, and terrifying. And long term it definitely contributes to running injuries so don't wait too long.


Happy Running

Morag and Laura

Canicross - it's more than just running with your dog!



Introduction to Canicross (1/2 day workshop)

WHAT: A 3 hour introduction to canicross (running with your dog as a team) covering choosing kit, teaching basic commands and putting it into practice. Refreshments provided. Kit fitting in a warm indoor hall. Training and running outside no matter the weather!

WHEN: Sunday 22nd September

WHERE: Sand Hutton Village Hall, just outside York   YO41 1LL

Book online now!

Canicross Survival Skills

WHAT: Two half day workshops to boost your skills and enjoyment

• 09:30 Warming up and cooling down for canicross (includes 2k run)
• 13:30 Tackling REAL hills (includes 3-5k run)

WHEN: Sunday 15th September

WHERE: Yorkshire Cycle Hub, Fryup Dale, North York Moors  YO21 2AP

• Each workshop is limited to a max 8 participants (up to 2 dogs per runner), includes refreshments and kit check.
• Open to any canicross runner, ideal if you have completed an intro session previously
• £50 per workshop OR book both for £90

Choose your workshops here! 

Slowly, slowly builds the canine athlete (UPDATED March 2019)

Did you choose a young dog or puppy hoping that they’d love to run with you?

Have you heard all kinds of conflicting advice about what exercise your dog can have and when?

You’re not the only one – I promise!

Why do we have to wait SO long?

We need to give your dog’s body time to mature and develop properly. Growth spurts can unbalance your dog and too much work could cause compensation patterns leading to later injury.

Open joint plates are at risk of damage from repetitive impact, and closure time varies hugely across breeds. It’s also affected by early neutering so you need to consider what’s right for your specific dog.

Not sure what to do?

Look at your dog and honestly ask yourself

• Do they look physically mature?
• Do they move like an adult?
• Are they in control of their legs?!

If I was unsure, I might consider x-rays under advice from my vet, but I’d definitely want to get an assessment with a veterinary physiotherapist.

What you CAN do while you wait...

There’s lots that you can be doing while you wait for your pup to mature. If you need more ideas why not borrow from the agility and flyball communities where keen competitors are very aware of focusing on core skills with young dogs.

1. Help your dog to love trying on and wearing harnesses – this makes the fitting process much easier!
2. Use a different style of harness for normal walks and training so the running harness can be super special.
3. Train your dog to relax in exciting situations (like start lines!) and to ignore distractions.
4. Start training the essential basics (reliable stop, slow down, speed up, and when a little older working on ahead/pulling) 
5. Make sure your young dog is very comfortable being handled ahead of any physiotherapy or in case of injury.

So what age can you start canicross training?

There’s no simple answer I'm afraid. When we talk about canicross training, we often mean running our dogs in harness. But free running and other exercise should definitely be part of your training plan too.

Working in harness puts extra strain on your dog’s body, and asks them to move in a way that’s very different from free running.

We definitely don’t want to be doing any significant running before 12 months of age, but it also depends on what kind of running you’re doing (speed? terrain?). Most races will accept dogs over 18 months, but that doesn’t mean you *should* be racing by then.

We love the Puppy Culture Exercise Chart, because it summarises the evidence and expert opinion we currently have – but there’s lots of gaps in our knowledge.

And while the headline some articles might make you think that all this caution is overrated, when you dig into the details it's actually yet more experienced professionals advising us to be cautious when it comes to weight bearing exercise.

Find out more here:

and download the free pdf chart here:  https://www.avidogzink.com/ 

Make an informed choice for YOUR dog

I want you to be cautious about your choices because the exercise you do with your young dog now could affect their health later in life. And it’s not worth risking joint problems for the sake of waiting a few months early on…

And keep asking questions!

This was just a short blog to get you thinking, but please do pop onto our Facebook Group to ask your questions about starting with a young dog!

Meanwhile, if you and your dog are ready for some fun, I’d love to see you at one of our workshops!

Introduction to Canicross evening workshops at Murton, Yorkshire Museum of Farming

Improvers Canicross Skills Adventure Challenge on Sunday 31st March (1pm-5pm)   
Includes: Canicross Skills Clinic, coaching on your technique plus a guided run to put it all into practice. We promise you'll learn to love descending AND climbing hills!


Dogs of one year old and upwards are welcome on the Introductory Session as we can adjust the content to keep everyone safe.





Happy Running

Morag
UltraCanicrosser, Firewalker, Clinical Animal Behaviourist