Central Alberta DogRunners
In Person (Group)

In Person (Group)

Canicross Training

In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for dog sports that allow owners to engage in physical activities with their four-legged companions.

This is a great way to introduce the sport to you and your dog as it a fun and safe learning experience, that will teach you everything you need to get started plus you will have a happy and tired dog when you go home! every one knows a tired dog is a happy dog!

You will meet like minded individuals who share your passion and this gives you an opportunity to meet some people who you can continue to train with!

**** The in person is only offered in the following locations in Alberta : Red Deer, Sundre, Olds, Cochrane, and Calgary. ****

Following the training class there will be a group run where you an practice everything you learned. 

Gear Requirement and Fitting:

We will cover all the basics of the gear required for you and your dog. This includes fitted running harnesses for dogs and hands-free leashes or Canicross belts and lines for humans. The video will also provide guidance on troubleshooting the fitting of the equipment to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Safety Measures

You will learn how to keep you and your dog safe while running.

This includes understanding proper running techniques, using appropriate equipment, and being aware of potential hazards in the environment.

Safety measures for running with a dog include maintaining control, avoiding entanglement, and following proper leash-handling techniques.

Engaging Your Dog

Training will cover techniques for encouraging your dog to pull, stop/start, speed up, slow down, and respond to various commands.

You will learn how to effectively communicate with their dogs during the activity and build a strong connection through positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.

Passing Others Safely:

You will be taught how to pass others without engaging their dogs.

This involves training dogs to stay focused on their handler and providing clear signals to indicate when passing is necessary.

Strategies for maintaining distance and ensuring a smooth and safe passing experience will be covered.

Reading Your Dog's Body Language:

Understanding your dog's body language while being active is crucial for ensuring their well-being and enjoyment.

The training will provide insights into recognizing signs of fatigue, stress, excitement, or discomfort in your dog.

This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and adjust your running pace and intensity accordingly.

Translating Canicross Skills to Other Sports:

The training will touch upon how the skills and techniques learned in Canicross can be applied to other sports such as bikejore, skijor, sledding, and scootering. Participants will gain a broader understanding of how to adapt their training and engage in various activities with their dogs.