If you watched ITV’s brand-new series The Joy of Pets on Sunday 23rd August, you may have spotted something very close to our hearts – Canicross!
We were incredibly excited when ITV approached DogFit and asked us to contribute to the new series, presented by Gaby Roslin and vet Dr Bolu Eso, to showcase the sport of Canicross and explain why so many people are choosing to run with their dogs.
The result was a fantastic morning of filming at Alice Holt in Surrey, with one of our DogFit Trainers, Richard Green, and some of his regular Canicross clients taking part.
Behind the scenes, we also had the opportunity to talk about what Canicross is, the benefits it can bring to dogs and their owners, and why we believe it’s such a brilliant way to build a stronger bond with your dog.
So, if you watched the programme (be sure to watch it on demand if not!) and found yourself wondering “What exactly is Canicross?”, or perhaps “How can I start Canicross with my dog?”, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Canicross?
Canicross is essentially cross-country running with your dog. But it’s much more than simply putting a lead on your dog and heading out for a run.
In Canicross, your dog wears a specially designed sports harness, which is connected to you via a bungee line and running belt. Your dog runs in front of you, helping to pull you along while you work together as a team.
It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by a huge variety of dogs and people, whether you’re an experienced runner or someone who simply wants to become more active with their dog.
And that’s one of the things we love about Canicross. You don’t have to be a runner to be a Canicrosser – it’s about getting outdoors, having fun and learning how to work together with your dog.
The benefits of Canicross
Canicross provides physical exercise, but the benefits go well beyond simply getting your heart rate up.
Running together helps develop communication and trust between dog and owner. Your dog learns to respond to your cues, while you learn to understand your dog’s body language and behaviour.
For many dogs, particularly those who need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, Canicross provides a fantastic outlet for their energy.
And for their humans? Well, it’s a great reason to get outside, get active and explore the trails together.
We’ve also seen first-hand how Canicross can help strengthen the relationship between dogs and their owners – something that came across particularly beautifully in our filming with Bev and her rescue dog, Cerys.
Bev and Cerys: when Canicross changes everything
One of the most special parts of the ITV filming was hearing Bev talk about her rescue dog, Cerys.
Three-year-old Cerys is a Staffy/Vizsla/Lurcher cross who struggles with anxiety. Bev explained how Canicross, alongside training, helped to turn things around for Cerys, building her confidence and creating an incredibly strong bond between the two of them. Being part of a supportive community of other Canicrossers has also played an important role in their journey.
Their story is a wonderful example of why Canicross is about so much more than running.
When you Canicross with your dog, you learn to communicate with each other. You learn to trust one another. You work towards something together and experience new things side by side.
For Bev and Cerys, that journey has helped to change their lives completely.
And we couldn’t think of a better example of the magic of Canicross.
So, what was it like filming Canicross for ITV?
Well… it was certainly a little different from our usual DogFit session!
The production team spent around half a day filming at Alice Holt, capturing Richard and his Canicross clients as they ran through the forest.
And, as you’d expect with television production, there was rather more to it than simply pressing “record” and shouting “go!”
There were cameras positioned to capture the action from different angles, interviews to film and plenty of setting up and resetting between shots.
And then there was the drone!
Watching the drone capture the Canicrossers running through Alice Holt from above was pretty spectacular and gave the production team some fantastic footage of the group moving through the forest.
For the dogs, however, it was business as usual.
Once the harnesses were on and they knew they were going for a run, they were far more interested in getting out on the trails than in the cameras following them.
Richard was also interviewed about his experience as a DogFit Trainer, while Bev shared her story with Cerys. The owners of DogFit, Ginetta and Gail, were interviewed about Canicross, explaining what the sport involves and why they believe it has so many benefits for dogs and their owners.
It was fascinating to see how much work goes into creating just a few minutes of television.
And, of course, the dogs were the stars of the show.
How do you start Canicross?
If watching The Joy of Pets has inspired you to find out more about Canicross or running with your dog, the good news is that getting started is easier than you might think.
The most important thing is having the right Canicross equipment. A standard collar and lead aren’t suitable for Canicross because your dog needs a harness designed specifically for pulling, while you need a comfortable running belt and a bungee line connecting the two of you.
At DogFit, we offer Canicross kit designed to help you and your dog run comfortably and safely together, including harnesses, belts and lines. And if you are unsure of which harness to choose, we have a harness consultation form and online quiz you can complete.
But equipment is only part of the story.
Canicross classes
If you’re new to Canicross, we always recommend learning the basics and getting some guidance before heading off on your own.
DogFit has a network of DogFit Trainers across the UK, offering Canicross classes for beginners and more experienced runners. A class is a great way to learn how the equipment works, understand the basics of Canicross technique and, importantly, learn how to communicate with your dog while you’re running together.
And if you don’t have a DogFit Trainer nearby, we also offer an online Canicross Beginner Course with a Couch to 5K programme, supported by the DogFit App.
So whether you’re already a runner looking for a new way to exercise with your dog, or you’ve never run before, there are ways to get started.
Seen Canicross on The Joy of Pets? Here’s how to find out more
We’re incredibly proud to have played a small part in introducing Canicross to the The Joy of Pets audience.
The Canicrossers you saw running through Alice Holt were part of our DogFit community, and we’re delighted that ITV chose to showcase a sport that we’re so passionate about.
For us, Canicross has always been about more than running. It’s about getting outside, keeping fit, giving your dog an outlet for their natural energy, and it’s about meeting like-minded people.
But most importantly, it’s about strengthening the relationship you have with your dog.
If you watched The Joy of Pets and thought “I’d love to try that with my dog”, why not give Canicross a go?
Ready to start Canicross?
Find your local DogFit Trainer and discover Canicross classes near you.
Shop Canicross equipment including our popular Starter Kit and make sure you have the right kit for you and your dog.
Prefer to learn from home? Try our online Canicross Beginner Course and Couch to 5K programme through the DogFit App.
And if you were one of the many people who discovered Canicross for the first time through The Joy of Pets – welcome!
We can’t wait to see you out on the trails 🐾
Canicross FAQs
If you’ve discovered Canicross after watching The Joy of Pets, you might have a few questions about how it works and whether it’s something you and your dog could try. Here are some of the questions we’re asked most often.
What is Canicross?
Canicross is cross-country running with your dog. Your dog wears a specially designed Canicross harness and is connected to you by a bungee line and running belt. Your dog runs in front and helps to pull you along, while you work together as a team.
Can any dog do Canicross?
Many dogs can enjoy Canicross, but it’s important to consider your dog’s age, health, fitness, breed and individual needs. Puppies should be fully grown before taking part in sustained pulling exercise, and dogs with any health concerns should be checked by a vet before starting.
Do I need to be a runner to start Canicross?
Absolutely not! Canicross is suitable for beginners as well as experienced runners. You can start gently and build your fitness together. Our DogFit classes and online Canicross Beginner Course can help you get started at a pace that’s right for you and your dog.
What equipment do I need for Canicross?
You’ll need a properly fitted Canicross harness for your dog, a comfortable running belt for you and a bungee line to connect you both. Using the correct equipment is important because it allows your dog to pull comfortably and helps you run safely together.
Where can I do Canicross?
Canicross can be enjoyed on suitable trails, tracks, bridleways and other off-road routes where dogs are permitted. Always check local access rules and be considerate of other trail users, livestock and wildlife.
Can I join a Canicross class?
Yes! DogFit has a network of Trainers across the UK who run Canicross classes, including sessions for beginners. Classes are a great way to learn how to use your equipment, introduce your dog to pulling and develop your Canicross skills in a supportive environment.
What if there isn’t a DogFit Trainer near me?
You can still get started with DogFit. Our online Canicross Beginner Course with Couch to 5K programme takes you through the fundamentals step by step and is supported by the DogFit App, allowing you to learn and train wherever you are.
Is Canicross just about running?
Definitely not! While running is at the heart of Canicross, the benefits go much further. It’s about spending quality time with your dog, building communication and trust, providing physical and mental stimulation and creating something that you can enjoy together.
As Bev and Cerys demonstrated so beautifully on The Joy of Pets, sometimes the relationship you build through training and Canicross can be just as rewarding as the running itself.
