Imi and Rex try Canicross

 

Allow me to introuduce you all to Imi - she is 15 years old and the owner of Rex, a blue boy from our 2020 litter. 

Imi and Rex live together on a farm in East Sussex and although Rex is a family pet, Imi has really taken a shine to all things dog training and has achieved incredible results.

Rex has already gained his Kennel Club Good Citizens Bronze and Silver Awards and he is good company for Imi when she goes out riding too.

Recently, however Imi decided to try out Canicross - cross country running with Rex to keep him active both in mind and body.

Canicross is a hobby that anyone and everyone with a dog can do. It is not so much like the agility world; dominated by collies. Any dog can do it, from pomeranian to great dane.

It also has the benefit of being a very cheap way to train with your dog as you really can do it anywhere. You can also do it alone or as part of a club. 

The only real expense involved in Canicross is the harness - all dogs doing Canicross should be fitted with a purpose made harness - this is ensure their comfort and safety. 

There are some pictures of Rex wearing his harness below.

Imi and Rex had their Canicross taster session accompanied by a family member who is a very experienced canicross runner, but there are also many clubs across the UK that can help those who are interested in the sport to get started.

I know that our local club here in Devon is very friendly and organise regular fun runs, training sessions and competative racing for all experience levels.

After sending me all of these lovely photos and videos of herself and Rex enjoying their new hobby, I asked Imi if she might like to write a little something about canicross for me to share. Here is what she had to say:

'Hi, I'm Imi. Me and my lovely dog Rex have just started canicross.

I had never heard about it before my Auntie told me all about it. She and her German Shepherd Etna have been doing this sport for a while and have recently completed the first ever UK ultra Canitrail. The distance was 48km over very tough terrain. 

My Auntie spent a long time preparing for the race and after they crossed the finish line her dog was still rearing to go!

I feel lucky to have someone that's experienced and has knowledge in that field to guide me along.

Rex is a very active dog so when I heard about it, I thought why not give it a go. I'd encourage anyone who is interested in trying it, to just give it a go. Canicross is so much fun!

Some benefits of canicrossing (as per DogFit.co.uk):

Provides mental stimulation,

Builds confidence,

Improves mood and well being,

Helps reduce behavioural problems,

Increases bond with owner,

Encourages healthy bones, joint and ligaments,

Tones muscles,

Wards off disease,

Promotes healthy resting.

Canicross is a sport where the trainer and dog run together off-road, hands-free. Dogs of all breeds and sizes can do it as long as you respect the limitations of your dog.

The dog runs in front and the runner guides him/her from behind using voice cues. Over the years it has become a more widely known sport. Canicross is the perfect sport if you like to be active with your dog and want build a stronger bond.'

Here are a couple of short clips of Rex and Etna doing their run. I can't imagine a more beautiful location to run at!

Although running isnt particularly my thing, Canicross looks like a really fun hobby and for anyone interested in learning more, Imi would recommend looking at either the Dogfit or the Canicross UK websites.

I am definately looking forward to following Imi and Rex on their Canicross journey and wish them both the very best of luck.