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CaniSports take on running, biking and scooting with the dog at the helm. It’s completely chaotic, extraordinary fun, and a frenzied pairing of mutt and mud.
Daisy Atkin: I am fortunate enough to live in beautiful Devon, England. Together with my four-legged best friend, I split my time between wild swimming, trail running, hiking and wild camping on the moors. I am passionate about opening up the outdoors to everyone, regardless of financial situation, ability or background. When not outside, I’m usually found baking in my kitchen or planning my next adventure!
With the introduction of more modern methods of transport, such as snowmobiles and 4x4s, the role of the sled dog has gradually declined as a working practice, and is now seen more as a sport and leisure activity than an industrial requirement. Indeed, each year people spend thousands on visiting the Arctic circle to experience sledding with dogs, and annual racing events such as the Iditarod Trail keep this recreational activity in the spotlight.
But what happens when the winter’s over, and the dogs need exercising? Enter CaniSports and Mushing. Born from a need to keep sled dogs conditioned during the off season, CaniSports have evolved to take on running, biking and scooting, with the dog at the helm leading the way. It is completely chaotic, extraordinary fun, and a frenzied pairing of mutt and mud.
The ‘Cani-‘ activities cover three main areas: CaniCross, CaniBike and CaniScoot.
CaniCross is essentially trail running with your dog, CaniBike involves cross country mountain biking with the pooch, and you guessed it, CaniScoot is basically the same as bike, but with a specially adapted all terrain scooter instead. In each case, the dog is attached either to the human or the equipment via a bungee line and harness, and the two work together to cover a set trail or route.
CaniCross is the simplest form of human/dog sport, as it requires very little equipment other than a suitable dog harness, bungee leash and running belt. If you enjoy running with your dog anyway, then CaniCross is a great way to build up the bond between you, and to teach your dog a new set of skills. Where CaniCross differs from a simple run with your dog, is in the way the dog leads. The dog is encouraged to pull into the harness, and as the human you ‘steer’ the dog around the course with commands. It is a real test of communication between the two of you, but once the dog gets to understand what you want, this simple run turns into something both of you can grow to love.
With CaniBike, or Bikejor, the dog is attached to the bike via a bungee line which is attached to a special ‘arm’ on the bike. Again, the dog is out front, pulling the bike along with pedal powered assistance from the human. Similarly to CaniCross, you need to teach your dog directional commands and cues for speed, stopping and starting.
In CaniScoot, similar to CaniBike, the dog is attached to a specially adapted scooter by a bungee. These scooters are definitely not the ones you see people riding around in cities – they have big, mountain-bike sized front wheels with rubber tyres, and a slightly smaller rear tyre. In between is the platform which the human uses with one foot on, one foot off, in the same manner as a normal scooter. Think of it as a bike without a saddle, and you’re just about there.
If your dog can run, it can CaniCross. If you can bike, you can CaniBike. Breeds of dogs from all over the world participate in the sports, from Labradors to German Shepherds, Collies to Beagles, as long as they are fit, healthy and at least a year old. Care should be taken with brachiocephalic breeds such as bulldogs, as they tire more easily and find it harder to breathe normally. Always consult your vet for advice before undertaking any kind of new sport with your pooch!
Whilst in its most basic forms this is a run with your dog, it is really important to make sure your equipment is right and your dog has basic training to start with. You also need to teach your dog to pull into the harness if it doesn’t naturally do so. You can achieve this in a couple of ways, including getting a friend to run slightly ahead of you and encourage your dog to pull towards them, or by rolling/throwing a tennis ball ahead of your dog and encouraging it to run into the harness to get it. When your dog is pulling, give them lots of verbal cues such as ‘go go go’, ‘yes’ or ‘good dog’ – really emphasize the encouragement and fun for your dog!
When you’re out on the trails, it’s important that your dog is trained to respond to voice cues, as you are responsible for ‘steering’ your dog around a course. Many CaniCrossers use sledding / mushing terms such as ‘gee’ (right), ‘haw’ (left), ‘whoa’ (stop) and ‘hike on’ (more pulling power). Of course, you can use whatever words you like as long as your dog understands what you mean! You can start to teach directional cues whilst on your regular walks, for example when approaching a left turn, say ‘haw’ and hold your left arm out. As soon as the dog has taken the corner, reinforce the behavior with a ‘good dog’ or ‘yes’.
Teaching your dog to run with a bike or scooter can be a bit trickier, but is a lot of fun when you’ve cracked it! Start off slowly and gradually build up your biking and scooting. Begin by teaching them to pull into the harness with you on a walk or run before progressing to biking and scooting.
CaniSports can be done pretty much anywhere you would normally trail run, mountain bike or go hiking. Depending on how well trained your dog is, you may want to start off with clearly defined trails which make it easy for the dog to understand the direction your want them to go in, before heading out into harder, more open areas.
Typically, CaniSports take place in cooler climates where dogs can run without overheating. It can be easy for us to think that just because we can go for a run, our dog can too – but don’t forget that dogs cannot regulate their temperatures as easily as we can, and they have a permanent fur coat on! Be considerate of your dog and don’t run with them if it is too hot. As a result of this, the CaniCross season typically spans between September and April / May in the northern hemisphere, leaving out the hotter summer months.
CaniSports can be done pretty much anywhere you would normally trail run, mountain bike or go hiking. Depending on how well trained your dog is, you may want to start off with clearly defined trails which make it easy for the dog to understand the direction your want them to go in, before heading out into harder, more open areas.
The UK is the home of modern CaniCross racing! Trail Runners, the official organization of CaniSports, is headquartered in Great Britain. CaniSport races have overflowed the UK and are now found in France, Germany, and the surrounding western European countries.
In northern Europe, CaniSports go by other names such as skijoring, bikejoring, and dryland mushing. Again, these sports have a long traditional history among cultures that depended on canines for winter transportation.
Although CaniSports are relative newcomers to the USA, there’s lot of interest! You can get involved through organizations like CaniCross USA and the North American CaniCross, which has aspirations to develop the activity into an Olympic sport!
The key thing to remember is that it is not just you that needs looking after on the trail – you’ve got a furry companion to care for too! Whilst most CaniCross events take place within semi-rural areas, it is still good practice to know a few basic outdoor skills for you and your dog:
Although CaniSports are relatively low-risk activities, as above, you must account for your dog’s wellbeing as well as your own. The most important factor for your dog is comfort, so a properly fitted harness is a must. Get some advice from your vet, local CaniSports chapter or pet store on how to fit a harness, and make sure there aren’t any spots where it could rub and hurt your dog.
If you are CaniBiking or CaniScooting, then a safety helmet is an absolute must. It is also recommended to wear bike goggles, knee/elbow pads and gloves, and body armour if you are new to the sport.
Your dog should be in good health – check with a vet if you’re not sure! Check their pads for thorns and fur for ticks after every session to ensure no nasty surprises a few days later.
Remember that dog from the film Up? The one that’s obsessed with squirrels? Hello, Doug!
Chances are, your dog is pretty fascinated by these little critters too. Depending on where you are in the world, your dog could take off after anything from a bird to a moose, and it is really important to train them to listen to you and hold off. Do not let your dog spook the local wildlife, and reward them for listening to your commands and ignoring them.
The great thing about CaniSports is that they really are all-ability. If you don’t fancy trail running, you can trail walk! You can still train your dog to pull on the harness and teach them directions and commands. As (both of) you get fitter, you can progress to more running as you become more comfortable.
If biking is more your thing, then that’s fine too! Two wheels and four paws have never been so in tune than when CaniBiking or CaniScooting. It might take a little more time to train your dog, but if you’re more at home on a bike than in running shoes, then that’s fine. Remember that you will be going faster on a bike, so your dog will need to build up more fitness to cope with the extra demands placed on them.
Many local CaniSport groups offer beginner sessions which will acclimatize you and your dog to the sports, commands and activities. When not out in the field, practice training your dog at home so they understand cues and directions. Make sure you build up your routines slowly with a running plan which you can both follow to build up your fitness and stamina.
Nothing beats mileage! Find some beautiful trails near you and take your furry friend on a jaunt.
Forward and reverse lunges, bodyweight and loaded, will strengthen your entire lower body and stabilize your core.
Again, the beauty of CaniSports lies in the fact that they are so simple to start with.
It is worth investing in a trail running backpack, which is lightweight and easy to carry without holding you back. This can hold a multitude of useful things, but I would recommend:
Consider getting some paw wax for after your activity when you’re back home – this helps soften the paw pads and heal any cuts.
As with so many sports, Cani events can cost as much or as little as you are willing to put into it. CaniCross is by far the cheapest, since mountain bikes and off-road scooters aren’t cheap.
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Again, food and nutrition is what you make of it. I personally tend to live off granola bars when I’m out running, which is a cheap and cost-effective way of getting the energy I need. If you’re stopping for a coffee on the way back to socialize, then add that in too!
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Depending on where you live, you may have to get out of town to find some good trails. You can go ‘urban mushing’ in parks around towns and cities, but be careful if taking a bike or scooter as these are more restricted than just running with your dog.
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If you’re planning on competing in CaniSports, then you will need to consider overnight accommodation near to your races. This can be anything from camping to hotels, whatever is within your budget.
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You don’t have to be a seasoned trail runner to do this – many people start off by ‘CaniHiking’!
Your dog will poop in the most awkward location during the middle of a race when you’re running your best time. It happens to everyone! Pick it up and move on.
Of course! Events attract many spectators as the sport is pretty unusual. Plus, think of all the dogs to pet (just make sure you ask first!)
For humans? No.
Dogs should be at least 12 months old for CaniCross, and 18+ months for CaniBike and CaniScoot.
If you (or your dog) is caught short, don’t stress. Go, pick it up, move on. Depending on where you are, you can also ‘stick and flick’ dog poop into the undergrowth – this is a more natural way of it decomposing than using plastic bags.
See Notes on transportation in the Finances & Budget section.
See notes in the “Where and When to Go?” section.
Yes! Some places offer the sport as an experience day, with specially trained dogs.
That’s OK, you don’t have to. You can do all these sports without one!
Copyright 2021 – Adventure on the Cheap (SRVS)
