From what age can a dog run?
You don't do sustained running with a growing dog. Depending on size, wait for the growth plates to close, somewhere between 12 and 18 months. Until then, stick to walks and free play.
Agility and obstacles
Canicross with obstacles
Classic canicross on a course that throws a few extra problems at you: ditches, tree stumps, low fences, mud. You run attached to your dog and take each obstacle together, side by side.
About the discipline
What canicross with obstacles is
The format came out of canicross crossing paths with mass-participation obstacle races. The runner is hooked to the dog by a belt and a bungee line, and the course is dotted with obstacles.
Human obstacle races have three-metre walls. These courses are built so both of you can get across: low crossings, ditches and technical stretches.
The dog sets the pace, and coordination beats strength. A pair that moves well together goes over the obstacles without slowing down; a pair that doesn't ends up tangled in the line at the first ditch.
How it works in practice
What a race looks like
- wave starts, by category
- runner and dog stay connected the whole way
- natural obstacles: ditches, logs, climbs
- low man-made obstacles that both of you cross
- technical stretches with mud or water
- the clock times the team as a unit
Which dogs it suits
- healthy dogs with good stamina
- runners who already train with their dog
- dogs over 12 to 18 months, depending on size
Brachycephalic breeds, the short-nosed ones, aren't built for sustained effort, especially in warm weather.
What you need
- a canicross belt for the runner
- a bungee line with a shock absorber
- a pulling harness that fits properly
- water for the dog, at every race
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Canicross with obstacles
What temperature is safe?
The colder the better. Above 15 to 18 degrees the effort gets risky for most dogs, and serious races are called off when it's hot.
Can I use an ordinary lead?
No. The bungee line and pulling harness are there to spread the force safely. An ordinary lead clipped to a collar can injure the dog.
From the same category
Related sports
Agility
A timed course of jumps, tunnels, weaves and contact obstacles.
Hoopers
A course of hoops, tunnels and gates, with no high jumps.
Dog Parkour
Teaching your dog to tackle obstacles in town or out in nature, slowly and under control.
Canine Ninja
Mixed obstacle courses that test the dog's balance, strength and coordination.
We do not run Canicross with obstacles
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.