Keeping our dogs healthy, happy and ready to run is key to enjoying Canicross - whether we’re training for an event or simply heading out for our regular trail runs together.
In this episode we chat with Ashleigh-Jade Rutherford from Equine America, a company well known in the equestrian world for its high-quality supplements and grooming products. Having recently expanded into the canine market, their range is designed to support the needs of active dogs, including those of us who enjoy Canicross.
Together, we discussed how to spot when your dog might need a bit of extra support, how to aid recovery after tougher runs, and what simple steps can help keep dogs in top condition all year round.
Read more here:
Ten years ago, we set out to make Canicross accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level or background. We've helped thousands of people and their dogs find joy, confidence, and community through this amazing sport.In our latest podcast, we've reflected on special moments and heartwarming stories. Grab a coffee and have a listen.
🔗 LINKS:👉 Find your local DogFit Trainer: https://dogfit.co.uk/find-a-trainer👉 Shop our Canicross Kit: https://dogfit.co.uk/shop
Why run when you can walk?Did you know you can enjoy all the benefits of Canicross - but without having to run?In this episode of the Talk Canicross Podcast, we introduce Canitrekking, a hands-free, purposeful way to walk with your dog that keeps you fit, builds your bond, and is accessible to all ages and abilities.
Joining us is DogFit Trainer Sara-Jane Ladhams, who covers the Ludlow area in Shropshire. A personal trainer and former Dogs Trust educator, Sara-Jane shares her journey into Canicross, how she started running with her rescue dog Rosie, and why she now offers CaniTrekking classes to help people ease into fitness at their own pace.👣
Whether you're new to exercise, dealing with a strong-pulling dog, recovering from injury, or just prefer walking over running Canitrekking is for you!
We cover:
✅ What is Canitrekking?
✅ How it differs from Canicross
✅ The benefits for fitness, wellbeing & dog behaviour
✅ Ideal kit for hands-free walking
✅ Real stories from clients who’ve transformed their routines
✅ Tips for getting started🎧 Listen in and discover why CaniTrekking might just be your (and your dog’s) new favourite activity.
🔗 LINKS:👉 Find your local DogFit Trainer👉 Shop our Canitrekking Kit🎙️ Listen to Sara-Jane’s podcast: Menopause and Motherhood📍 Sara-Jane is based in Ludlow, Shropshire – check out her DogFit classes on our site!📣
Don't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more Canicross and Canitrekking tips, stories, and interviews#Canicross #Canitrekking #DogFit #HandsFreeWalking #DogFitness #TalkCanicross #DogWalking #FitnessWithDogs #DogTraining #ActiveDogs #DogFitTrainer #RescueDogs
Calgary-based Evan Birch is not your everyday Canicrosser…and nor is his seven-year-old Vizsla, Nova.Both are ultra runners and have tackled some exceptionally long distances together, including more recently a whopping 75 miles as part of the Orcas Island 100 in the US.
How is this even possible I hear you ask? And, more importantly, how do you ensure the dog’s health and well-being is not put at risk? Well, we’re about to find out from Evan who joins us on this podcast to talk about all of this, including his background in running and his special partnership with Nova.
Watch Their Story
A documentary about Evan and Nova’s Orcas Island adventure launches 15th May 2025. It promises to be the dog-human running film of the year and a heartfelt look at what’s possible when two souls move in sync, one stride at a time.
Follow Evan: @ultrabirch
Watch the trailer (coming soon): ultrabirch.com
👉🏻 Keep in touch with all things Canicross
🐾YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjG8gbY7wSVwsumilzsevg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogfituk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogfituk
In this episode, we chat with Emma Duckworth, a former British Army soldier who opens up about her journey with PTSD, life after military service, and how a rescue dog named Miyah — her “soul dog” — helped her heal through the sport of Canicross.
Emma shares:
👉 Her time in the military and the impact of PTSD
👉 How she rescued Miyah and their instant bond
👉 Discovering Canicross and its mental health benefits
👉 Training for the Manchester Marathon (yes, with Miyah!)
👉 The power of community and why any dog can CanicrossWhether you're a runner, a dog lover, or someone looking for motivation to start your Canicross journey, this episode will leave you uplifted and ready to hit the trails.
🐾 Support Emma’s marathon fundraiser for Thin Blue Paw Foundation🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/page/emma-duckworth-1713943572555💬 Let us know in the comments if you’ve found strength through Canicross too!👍 Like and hit Subscribe #Canicross #DogRunning #MentalHealthAwareness #RescueDog #DogFit #TalkCanicross #PTSDRecovery #RunningWithDogs #DogLovers #MayaTheHusky
👉🏻 Keep in touch with all things Canicross
🐾YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjG8gbY7wSVwsumilzsevg
We are often asked on social media if any dog can Canicross, especially those with anxiety or behavioural issues. Happily, the short answer is yes…but it isn’t simply a case of buying the kit and heading off onto the trails. It’s useful to know your ‘Canicross code’ which includes using the equipment correctly and also incorporating commands whilst you are running so you can be in more control.
For some people, having the guidance of a dog trainer, can also be a great benefit. We are joined by Clare Grierson who is our DogFit Trainer in Enfield and a highly regarded dog trainer.
Clare is a big advocate of Canicross and how it can help complement her training and is going to share some of her knowledge and experiences with us in this Episode.
For all things Canicross, kit advice, classes and support - please visit
www.dogfit.co.uk
If you would like to get in touch with Clare, you can find her website here:
For many of us with children, September marks ‘Back to School’ but it also serves as a good time to re-set our fitness goals for the remainder of the year. And for those of you who are considering trying Canicross or even looking to improve on your existing skills, speed and endurance, this is the prefect time to seek out some classes; as the weather is also cooler and much more comfortable for our four-legged friends. So we wanted to dedicate this entire episode to giving you an insight into what you can typically expect from a DogFit class, and how our certified Trainers are equipped to guide and support you and your dog to achieve your fitness goals; whether it’s simply to enjoy quality time out on the trails or achieve a specific milestone such as your first 5k.
In this episode, we are joined by elite Canicrosser and NonStop dogwear sales representative Georgie Lambert. She competes at Canicross Internationally and shares her insights on how to get the best out of your Canicross sessions.
If you would also like to watch this episode, please head to YouTube: https://youtu.be/q2aS2JdPBiw
About DogFit https://dogfit.co.uk/ We are passionate about encouraging and supporting people and their dogs to get fitter together in a fun, safe and social way. We welcome everyone and believe you don't have to be a runner or super fit to Canicross and get fit with your dog. As a leading provider of quality Canicross kit and classes, we celebrate the achievements of every Canicrosser, whether they powerwalk or run marathons. Canicross is for everyone, and DogFit can help you discover your adventure! #fittertogether 👉🏻 Keep in touch with all things Canicross 🐾 YouTube: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogfituk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogfituk
We are pleased to welcome Cat Batson to our latest podcast. Cat is an experienced Personal Trainer and DogFit Trainer, and we asked her to join us to discuss Strength and Conditioning (often referred to as S&C) and why all Canicrossers should consider including it in their weekly exercise programme. We’re going to delve into the 'what, why and how' of strength and conditioning and hopefully reassure you that it doesn’t need to take up too much of your time and is something every one of us can and should do to complement our aerobic activity.
You can find out more about Cat and her popular Canicross classes here: https://dogfit.co.uk/pages/trainer-profile#1785 Cat also offers personal training and you can find out more here: https://www.cynergypt.co.uk/ For help, advice, kit and classes please visit: https://dogfit.co.uk/
We are delighted to have Daisy Hickman on this episode, she is one of our Ambassadors and a regular Canicrosser.
For ten years, Daisy dedicated herself to long-distance trails and club running events, however six years ago, began experiencing debilitating panic attacks during her runs.
After numerous medical tests she was eventually diagnosed with exercise induced panic attacks and the pleasure of running seemed completely lost.
However enter Pepper, who came as a puppy and when she was old enough gave Daisy the confidence to consider running again. As well as being great company Pepper became Daisy's anxiety antidote. The connection they shared on the trails made Daisy feel less alone, providing a distraction from anxiety and a sense of being looked after.
The power of Canicross is a remarkable thing and so interesting to hear about their journey.
You can follow Daisy and Peppers adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petalpawsdaisy/
For more information about Canicross, kit and how to run with your dog, please visit: https://dogfit.co.uk/
If you are a regular follower of DogFit you’ll know that at the heart of everything we do and stand for is a passion to spread the positive word of Canicross and its inclusivity for all - and when we say ‘all’ that’s people and dogs of course. So when four-time Paralympian Jess Tuomela contacted us about her desire to join the team as a DogFit Trainer, we were beyond excited. And even more so when she agreed to speak with us on our podcast today. Jess lost her sight at 3 years old, but this didn't stop her; she is a complete inspiration.
Do you have an anxious, reactive or nervous dog and think Canicross is the last thing you would be able to do with them, especially with a group of people and their dogs?
Well, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that Canicross can be a positive experience for your dog, and we have countless examples over the years of people who have seen their dogs transform into confident and focused dogs who simply want to run and enjoy being part of a pack.
Ginetta and I receive enquiries pretty much every week from people who want to try Canicross but are worried their dog may not be suitable for Canicross, so we wanted to address that today and hopefully allay any fears you may have.
We are joined by Lynzi Mulford who is our DogFit Trainer based in Shoreham. Lynzi has vast experience in helping nervous and reactive dogs. In fact, her own dog that she runs with, River, is reactive. And it’s on the back of her experiences with River that Lynzi receives enquiries from people who want the same positive results with their dogs. So we thought, who better to have on our podcast?
If you would like to start Canicrossing with your dog, we can help you both every step of the way.
On the 29 September 2023 our friend and fellow Canicrosser, Sue-Lee faced every dog owner’s worst nightmare. While she was away on holiday, her Labrador Darwin was being cared for by a friend. However he managed to unexpectedly barge out of the front door and bolt up the road. It was nightime, and reports then came that a large black dog had been hit by a car and then had run off out of sight into the woods. Sue was contacted immediately, and she flew straight back from holiday to find her dog. Given that Darwin had disappeared in a built-up area that he knew well, you might think that he would have been found quite quickly. However, it was over six weeks before he was caught and reunited with Sue Lee. We wanted to share this story with our listeners, as lots of valuable things to learn about how dogs start to behave differently when they are lost. Here are links to the groups that were key in helping Sue find Darwin. https://m.facebook.com/SolsticeMissingDogs/https://m.facebook.com/groups/DroneSARForLostDogsUK/?locale=en_GBhttps://m.facebook.com/lostdogrecoveryuksouth/ If you would like to know more about Canicross or looking for kit, classes for support, please visit: https://dogfit.co.uk/
We’re joined by DogFit Trainer Manda Crofts. Manda runs Canicross sessions with her dog Arlo. She is also a personal trainer and perimenopause specialist coach and has been empowering women to feel fitter, stronger, healthier and energised for over 8 years.
Manda helps women ditch yo-yo dieting and thrive through menopause with her personalised online coaching and today she’s going to share some of this knowledge and also explain why exercise is so important.
Below are links to the websites mentioned.
If you are looking to start Canicrossing with your dog, we can help with advice, kit and support.
You can find out more about Manda and her services here:
Website - https://www.movewithmanda.co.uk/
https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/body-identical-hormones-factsheet/ - body identical hormone information
https://www.themenopausecharity.org/ - The Menopause Charity
https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/menopause-workplace-pledge/ - Menopause workplace pledge
Hannah Robinson is a huge dog lover with a big heart. So much so, she has adopted two Tripawd Vizsla girls, Nula and Maple, from the wonderful charity Vizslamentes. In fact, Hannah drove all the way to Hungary in 2022 to meet Maple and bring her back to her new forever home in the UK. For anyone who hasn’t come across the word Tripawd, this is an affectionate term for dogs with three legs. That doesn’t stop them from Canicrossing though as you are about to find out! Hannah shares her very special story about her beautiful girls and how they are her world.
If you would like to read our blog and see pictures of Hannah and her lovely dogs, please visit:
https://blog.dogfit.co.uk/2023/10/canicrossing-with-a-tripawd-dog/
Sarah Gillam is the reigning British Canicross Champion and is also a Personal Trainer and DogFit Canicross Trainer.
She has just come back from competing in the legendary Trophée des Montagnes (TDM) in the French Alps with her dynamic duo Poppy and Sonic. Widely regarded as the toughest Canicross event in the world, the TDM consists of 8 challenging stages over 7 days, with people travelling from all over the world (mostly Europe) to take part.
So we thought we’d take advantage of Sarah’s rest and recovery time to invite her to tell us all about this prestigious, and inclusive, event.
We hope it will inspire others to consider taking part in a Canicross race.
Have you ever contemplated the exhilarating adventure of Canicrossing a marathon or even an ultra marathon with your dog?
You might already be enjoying those longer distances together and the thought has crossed your mind. But what does it take to push the boundaries even further? Perhaps you're already an experienced marathoner or an avid ultrarunner, but have you ever wondered about the unique challenge and the rewards of running those distance with your dog?
In this episode we are delighted to be joined by two guests: Amy Nash, our DogFit Trainer from Orpington who took part in an Ultra earlier this year in South Wales, and Michelle Osman, who started Canicross, almost two years ago, on a couch to 5k course, and is now working towards her first ultra marathon.
One of the best things about Canicross is that it’s inclusive and accessible to everyone; whether you are cani-treking a couple of miles, social running with friends or competing in races.
Whilst many of us are content with just putting on our trail shoes and heading outside for quality time with our dog, there is a whole other world of Canicrossers who love nothing more than competiting at the top end of the sport, which can even mean representing their country internationally.So what is it like performing at the top end of the sport? How do you go about becoming eligible to take part?
What’s involved in training for these big events? And what part does nutrition play? Whether you aspire to run for your country or not, we can all learn from the best even if it’s how to train better or getting motivated to stick to a plan.Today we are joined by GB Canicrosser, Personal Trainer and DogFit Trainer Sarah Gillam. Among her many achievements, Sarah won the British Canicross Championships in 2022. She also has a degree in Sports Technology and an MBA in Sports Management. So it’s safe to say she knows her onions!
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Sarah is a DogFit Trainer and you can visit her profile page here: https://dogfit.co.uk/pages/trainer-profile#3371
Sarah also offers one to one coaching and you can find more details here: https://dogfit.co.uk/pages/intermediates-competition
We also mention the BSSF - British Sleddog Sports Federation in our podcast and you can find them here: https://thebssf.org.uk/
The exciting event of Crufts attracts dog lovers and enthusiasts from around the world. Thousands of dogs are primed and prepped and are put through their paces for the showing world.
It's far cry from Canicross you might think! Showdogs and Canicross Dog Athletes are two complete ends of the spectrum - but can you combine the two pastimes?
Our guest on this episode is Canicrosser Lucie Allan, who has two beautiful Finnish Lapphunds, quite possibly one of the fluffiest breeds around. We are keen to find out about their time showing at Crufts and their Canicross adventures.
We have also written a blog with Lucie, which you can find in the link below, which includes pictures of her beautiful dogs too.
https://blog.dogfit.co.uk/2023/03/from-crufts-to-canicross/
One of the things we love most about Canicross, and something we actively promote, is that it’s an inclusive sport. Anyone and any dog can potentially take part, whether it’s Canicrossing or Canitrekking (which is hands-free walking or power walking).
Over the many years, we have been involved in Canicross, we've seen more and more men taking part which is fantastic but what is it in particular that draws them to the sport?
Well today we are joined by two very experienced Canicrossers, Brian Slack and Gail’s husband, Derry. We’ve invited them along to ask them about their Canicross experiences, from the social side through to taking part in an event - and why they love the sport so much.
If you would like to learn how to Canicross we have a range of classes from 1-2-1 intros sessions to beginner - 5k, and beyond.
https://dogfit.co.uk/pages/classes
We can also help you to find the right kit, with experienced clear advice on the best way to get you and your dog out running together.
https://dogfit.co.uk/pages/choosing-the-best-canicross-harness