From Weekly Runs to Race Day Fun

We recently welcomed back DogFit Trainer Fizz O’Neill  (who runs classes in the Welton, Hull area) to the Talk Canicross podcast  – and what a journey she’s had since we last spoke! From building a thriving Canicross community to organising large-scale events, Fizz’s story is a brilliant example of how the sport continues to grow – not just in numbers, but in impact.

In this article, we explore:

Like many people, Fizz didn’t begin with the proper equipment, or a structured plan. As a teacher, she was already running early mornings with her dogs but using a basic harness and a makeshift setup. That all changed when she was introduced to Canicross.

Fizz says, “After trying proper Canicross kit I never looked back. It’s revolutionary for both human and dog”.

From that moment, things progressed quickly. She attended some DogFit classes in a neighbouring area and was quickly encouraged to become a DogFit Trainer herself. She completed the DogFit Certified Trainer Course and went on to build her own Canicross community in Welton, Hull.

Five years later, she’s still as passionate as ever!

One of the standout elements of Fizz’s success is the strong community she’s created. Her group isn’t just about running – it’s about connection.

So what makes it work? Well, it’s a combination of things:

As a result, over time, members have formed lasting friendships and built confidence – both as runners and dog owners.

Canicross is far more than just running with your dog. For her human clients, Fizz regularly sees reduced stress and improved mood, increased confidence,  and physical progression – even from complete beginners!

Fizz cites one standout example. She coached someone who had never run before. Over a year she worked with her to build up her fitness, confidence and ability – ensuring that she didn’t take on too much too soon, whilst staying injury-free and still enjoying every minute! This client has since gone on to run a 15 mile event, which is phenomenal!

Fizz puts a lot of it down to the psychological power of Canicross: “Within five minutes of running, people say they feel better. It’s a huge mental health boost.”

And for dogs, the benefits are just as significant. They get mental stimulation through commands, and there is of course the physical exercise. Beyond that, Fizz sees improved behaviour and focus, and socialisation gains from being in a controlled and safe environment. Canicross is particularly powerful for nervous or reactive dogs, dogs that struggle off-lead, and rescue dogs that need their confidence building. “They’re back in a pack environment – something many dogs don’t experience anymore.”

Fizz’s journey didn’t stop at coaching. What began as a passion for helping others discover Canicross quickly evolved into something much bigger – the launch of her own event series, Trails & Tails.

How It All Began

Like many great ideas, it started simply. Fizz began organising monthly “adventure runs”, taking her group to new locations and creating opportunities to explore together. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Runners loved the sense of variety, the shared experience, and the welcoming atmosphere.

At the same time, an opportunity arose to revive a previous event location – and with the encouragement and practical support of her community (from tech help to event organisation), Trails & Tails was born.

The response exceeded all expectations.

At her very first event, 70 participants turned up – a fantastic turnout driven largely by her own community. The atmosphere was supportive, friendly, and full of energy.

By the second event, that number had grown to 120 participants. Even more impressively, people were travelling over three hours to attend, with many choosing to camp and turn the event into a full weekend experience.

It was clear: this was more than just a race. It was a community in action.

Fizz has been intentional about creating events that feel different from traditional races.

Rather than focusing on competition, Trails & Tails is designed to be:

• Welcoming, not intimidating

• Community-led rather than performance-driven

• Accessible to both Canicross runners and trail runners

With distances of 4 and 8 miles, the events cater to a range of abilities – but the real focus goes beyond distance or pace.

As Fizz puts it: “It’s not about winning – it’s about safety, enjoyment, and the dogs having a good time.”

If you’re thinking about entering your first Canicross event, preparation is key – not just for performance, but for safety and enjoyment.

Here are some essential guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Give Space

Always be mindful of other dogs, particularly those that may be nervous or reactive. Look out for “Give Me Space” indicators (often yellow) and respect them.

2. Know Your Commands

Clear communication with your dog is essential. Commands like left, right, slow, stop, and pass help prevent confusion and keep everyone safe.

3. Manage Your Start

Busy start lines can be overwhelming for some dogs. If yours is anxious, consider hanging back and starting later.

4. Be Considerate When Overtaking

Always call your pass clearly and give other runners and dogs time to react.

5. Put Safety Before Speed

Not every dog is ready for events, and that’s okay. It’s far better to wait until you and your dog feel confident and prepared.

The short answer? Not necessarily – and that’s perfectly fine.

Fizz encourages runners to choose events carefully, taking time to research the atmosphere and level of competition. For beginners especially, starting with relaxed, community-focused events can make all the difference.

As she explains: “Some races are intense – if you’re new, you need something less pressured.”

Even experienced runners can be surprised by the challenges of Canicross.

Fizz recalls one ultra-marathon runner who assumed it would be straightforward:
“He said, ‘I thought you just put the kit on and go for a run.’ Then realised how technical it is.”

In reality, Canicross requires:

• Well-timed, consistent commands

• An understanding of your dog’s behaviour

• Strong teamwork and communication

That’s why structured training – such as DogFit’s Couch to 5k programme – plays such an important role in building confidence for both runner and dog.

Fizz’s experience reflects the wider growth of Canicross across the UK.

There are now more events, more participants, and an increasing awareness of dog wellbeing within the sport. Importantly, this growth hasn’t come at the expense of inclusivity.

There’s space for everyone:

• Social runners

• Competitive racers

• Complete beginners

• Even nervous or inexperienced dogs

If you’re curious about Canicross or considering your first event, the best place to start is simple:

• Join a Trainer-led group

• Learn the core commands

• Build gradually with your dog

From there, look for friendly, inclusive events where the focus is on enjoyment rather than performance.

Final Thoughts

Fizz’s journey highlights what makes Canicross so special. It’s not just about running – it’s about connection. It strengthens the bond between dog and owner, builds supportive communities, and offers both mental and physical benefits.

Most importantly, it opens the door to new challenges – at your own pace.

As Fizz says: “It’s not just running with your dog – it’s a partnership.”

For details of Fizz’s next event see here:

Trails and Tails 4 mile & 8 mile