If you are one of those who do not enjoy running alone, your dog can be the perfect companion. Canicross, a new discipline that allows you to go running in the mountains with your dog and that currently has a great interest nationwide.
Canicross races are similar to mountain races, although the distance is shorter, usually between 5 and 10 kms. Before starting to run it is necessary to take into account different factors, so that the dog feels comfortable doing sport and it does not suppose problems for both of you.
Those who already enjoy this new discipline, say that the feeling is as if you had a teammate next to you, a"best friend".
Canicross consists of running with your dog attached to your waist by a leash that goes to the dog's harness.
In this way we have our hands free to favor the running technique and to be able to pull gently when we want the dog to stop.
Once you have the equipment, the next step is to train the dog progressively and let him get used to wearing the harness in a natural way.
Once the dog is familiarized, it is important to start training. At the beginning it will consist of short runs, taking into account the age and weight of the dog, about 15 minutes three times a week may be enough. It is advisable to do the same distance in the first training sessions, and the time will come when you and the dog will get used to it.
It is logical that the dog does not know what to do when the leash gets caught. The position of the dog always has to be more advanced, so perhaps it is necessary that the first days the dog runs between two people, but always tied to the one that goes further back.
The next objective is for the dog to recognize the stop command. The way to teach him is to pull gently on the leash every time we want to stop, accompanied by "stop", "stop" or the word we want him to relate to the stop. The same for the exit command, a "come on" or "let's go".
Once the dog has learned his first lessons, you can make training a game. Dogs also need to like it so that they feel energetic and motivated enough. It is best to reward them with treats and praise such as "very good", "good job".
It is true that there are breeds that have more qualities than others for running or skills for other types of sports. But if your goal is not to enter the professional world, and run at an amateur level, the most important thing is the attitude, that the dog is active and enjoys doing sport.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to compete at a high level, there are some breeds to consider. English greyhounds, the Alaskan malamute or the Siberian husky are examples of breeds with muscular legs and great endurance.
There are hundreds of dog breeds, and in principle, none of them would be forbidden to practice Canicross. Small and flat dogs are usually not advisable. On the one hand, because of their short legs, since they do not support long distances, and on the other hand, because flat dogs usually have breathing problems.
The dogs that can easily withstand long stretches are those with elongated snouts and with a medium to large size. Logically, the dog must have a minimum age to be able to do this type of training. The recommended age is approximately one year old.
Just like people, dogs also need a balanced diet. It is essential to give them food after each training session.
It is important to take into account the temperature when running. If it is too hot, it is better not to go out. Dogs sweat as much or more than people and are not as resistant to heat. Do not expose the dog to high temperatures, and much less when the ground is very hot, it could cause his death.
Hydration, essential. Administer water as soon as you stop training. After fatigue, it is necessary to hydrate and refresh him, since there is a possibility of drowning.
And most importantly, enjoy yourself. Go for a run with your dog and have fun, don't make training a monotony and discover new places with the best company.
Photos: Euskadiko Txakurkros liga
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