Canicross is often seen simply as a great way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but for some dogs – particularly those who are nervous, anxious or easily overwhelmed – the benefits can go much further.

In a special episode of Talk Canicross, we go behind the scenes of ITV’s The Joy of Pets, after DogFit was approached by the production team to showcase Canicross for the new series. We’re joined by DogFit Trainer Richard Green, dog trainer Elisa from Woodland Pet Services, and Canicrosser Bev, whose rescue dog Cerys featured in the programme.

While filming at Alice Holt was a fantastic experience, the story behind Cerys’s appearance is perhaps even more special. It’s a story of a nervous and overwhelmed rescue dog, an owner determined to help her, and how a combination of training, Canicross and the right support helped Cerys grow in confidence and strengthen the bond between them.

When everyday life becomes a challenge

When Bev adopted Cerys at around a year old, she quickly realised she had taken on a dog who needed a great deal of patience and support. Cerys had experienced very little training or socialisation and was anxious, easily overwhelmed and highly stressed. She also had separation anxiety, a strong prey drive and would lunge towards other dogs; even her own shadow could frighten her.

For Bev, everyday walks became increasingly difficult. Going out meant constantly thinking ahead about what they might encounter, how Cerys might react and how best to manage each situation. Like many owners of sensitive dogs, she found herself choosing quieter routes, avoiding other dogs and trying to anticipate anything that could cause a reaction.

As Bev describes it, when you live with a dog who finds the world overwhelming, your own world can gradually start to shrink too. It is very easy to begin micromanaging every situation and, although this comes from wanting to protect your dog, the constant tension can make it harder for both of you to relax.

Finding something they could enjoy together

After almost a year with Cerys, Bev began looking for an activity they could do together. She wanted to get back into running but knew that running with Cerys off lead wasn’t an option, so when she heard about Canicross, she found Richard through the DogFit website and decided to give it a try.

They started with one-to-one sessions, which gave Richard the opportunity to understand Cerys and her behaviour before introducing her to a group environment. One of the early challenges was simply helping Cerys focus, as there was so much happening around her that running in front of Bev wasn’t necessarily top of her agenda.

Richard tried giving Cerys a ball to carry and the difference was noticeable. Having something to do gave her a focus and, with another dog ahead to follow, she began to understand the task. Within just a few sessions, Cerys was more focused and Bev began to relax too.

Confidence travels down the line

This became an important part of their journey because living with an anxious dog can affect the owner just as much as the dog. When you are constantly anticipating a reaction, it is natural to become tense yourself, gripping the line more tightly, worrying about what other people think and feeling responsible for controlling every situation.

One of the benefits of working with an experienced Canicross trainer is having someone else there to help manage the wider environment. Richard could consider where Cerys should run within the group, how much space she needed and what was happening around them, leaving Bev free to concentrate on Cerys and enjoy the experience of running with her.

As Bev became more relaxed and confident, Cerys responded too. Instead of every outing being something that needed to be carefully managed, Canicross gradually became something positive they could share.

Giving a sensitive dog choices

Alongside Canicross, Bev also began working with Elisa at Woodland Pet Services. Elisa had experienced the challenges of living with a sensitive dog herself after adopting her rescue Patterdale Terrier, Pip, and that experience led her to explore positive, dog-centred approaches to training and ultimately establish Woodland Pet Services.

With Cerys, Elisa introduced Bev to ACE Free Work, an approach that gives dogs opportunities to explore, make choices and work things out for themselves. For Bev, it was a real eye-opener because she began to recognise that constantly trying to manage Cerys wasn’t necessarily helping her.

Giving Cerys appropriate opportunities to make her own choices helped build her confidence, while the training and Canicross began to complement one another. What Bev was learning in a training environment could be put into practice when they were outside together, giving Cerys the chance to develop those skills in the real world.

Becoming part of the group

When Bev and Cerys first progressed to group Canicross sessions, they kept their distance from the other dogs. This allowed Cerys to experience being part of a group without the pressure of being right in the middle of it, and over time that distance began to reduce.

As her stress levels came down, Cerys became better able to interact appropriately with other dogs and her social skills began to develop. She progressed from running at the back to being able to run alongside dogs she knew, something that would have been extremely difficult when Bev first adopted her.

It highlights one of the potential benefits of Canicross for sensitive dogs. They don’t necessarily have to interact directly with other dogs but can instead have a job to do, move together in the same direction and gradually become accustomed to being around other dogs at a level they can manage.

More than physical exercise

Exercise and mental stimulation are obvious benefits of Canicross, but Cerys’s story demonstrates that there can be much more to it. For some sensitive dogs, a structured activity can provide focus and purpose, while for their owners, having the support of an experienced trainer can remove some of the pressure that comes with constantly trying to manage difficult situations.

Perhaps most importantly, it gives dog and owner something positive to share. Rather than every walk being about what might go wrong, they have a reason to get outside, work together and enjoy each other’s company.

Around 18 months into their Canicross journey, life looks very different for Bev and Cerys. They have now taken part in Canicross races together, with Cerys able to cope with the noise and excitement of a start line surrounded by other dogs. They’ve even progressed to agility, with Cerys working off lead around other dogs – something Bev once couldn’t have imagined.

Behind the scenes of The Joy of Pets

Then came another experience Bev certainly hadn’t anticipated – appearing on national television.

When DogFit was approached by the production team behind ITV’s The Joy of Pets, it was an opportunity to show Canicross to a much wider audience. Richard brought together a group of runners and dogs with a wide range of experience, from people who had been running with him since his very first Couch to 5K course to relatively new Canicrossers and some of his “sensitive souls”.

Filming at Alice Holt involved rather more stopping and starting than the dogs were used to, along with cameras, GoPros and drones. Cerys took it all remarkably well, although she did apparently decide that chasing the drone was an excellent incentive to run faster!

For Bev, the interview proved more emotional than she had expected. Talking about everything she and Cerys had been through brought home just how far they had come and helped communicate something that can be difficult to explain to people who haven’t experienced Canicross.

It isn’t simply about running with your dog. For Bev and Cerys, it has been part of a much bigger journey together.

Could Canicross help your sensitive dog?

If you have a nervous, anxious or reactive dog, joining a Canicross group may feel like the last thing you would want to do. You may worry that your dog will bark or lunge, that everyone else’s dogs will be perfectly behaved, or perhaps that you aren’t enough of a runner to join in.

Those concerns don’t necessarily mean Canicross isn’t for you. Every dog is different and Canicross isn’t a replacement for appropriate behavioural support where that is needed, but with the right introduction and an experienced trainer, it can provide a positive and structured activity for many dogs and their owners.

Bev’s advice to anyone considering it is simple: talk to a trainer and be completely open about your dog and any concerns you have. Starting with a one-to-one session gives the trainer the opportunity to understand you both and introduce Canicross in a way that is appropriate for your dog.

As Bev discovered, having that support can be incredibly liberating. Instead of constantly managing everything around your dog, you can begin to concentrate on enjoying something together – and sometimes taking that first step can open up a much bigger world for both of you.

Listen to the full episode of Talk Canicross: From Sensitive Soul to Confident Canicrosser to hear Richard, Elisa and Bev talk about Cerys’s journey and what it was really like filming Canicross for ITV’s The Joy of Pets.

If you think Canicross could help you and your dog, find your nearest DogFit Trainer and have a chat about how to get started.

The post From Sensitive Souls to Confident Canicrossers appeared first on Dogfit Blog.

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.

The post Canicross on ITV’s The Joy of Pets: Behind the Scenes with DogFit appeared first on Dogfit Blog.

Receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can leave people wondering what the future holds. For many, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming, bringing concerns about mobility, fatigue and whether they’ll ever be able to enjoy the activities they love again.

In our recent episode of our Talk Canicross Podcast, we’re joined by two inspiring Canicross runners, Cat Everard and Louise Cowling, who are proving that a diagnosis doesn’t have to define what you’re capable of. They share their individual journeys into Canicross, the challenges of balancing an active lifestyle with MS, and the vital role their dogs and the Canicross community have played in building confidence, resilience and lasting friendships.

Whether you’re living with MS yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for inspiration to get active with your dog, their stories show that Canicross is about much more than running. It’s about finding freedom, discovering a supportive community and focusing on what you can achieve, rather than what you can’t.

Different journeys, same determination

Although Cat and Louise both live with Multiple Sclerosis, the road to diagnosis was very different for each of them.

Louise spent years living with unexplained symptoms before finally receiving her diagnosis more than ten years ago. At the time, she admits her health wasn’t in a great place and exercise wasn’t a priority. Looking back now, she believes discovering Canicross became one of the biggest turning points in improving both her physical fitness and her mental wellbeing.

Cat’s diagnosis came much more suddenly. Already a keen Canicross runner with her Cockapoo, Stanley, she began noticing she was tripping more often during runs. Initially she blamed herself, assuming she’d neglected her strength training. It wasn’t until she experienced severe vision problems, eventually losing sight temporarily in one eye, that she was fast-tracked for tests which confirmed she had MS.

Despite their different experiences, both women reached the same conclusion: staying active became one of the most important ways of managing life with Multiple Sclerosis.

Discovering Canicross

For Louise, everything changed when a friend encouraged her to join a DogFit Couch to 5K Canicross course with DogFit Trainer at the time, Lara. Recovering from a relapse, she wasn’t convinced she’d even be able to complete the programme, but decided to give it a try anyway.

That decision transformed her life.

Running with her Labrador, Maya, gave her a renewed sense of confidence and achievement. Instead of focusing on everything MS had taken away, she began to focus on everything she was still capable of doing.

Cat’s journey was slightly different, as she’d already been Canicrossing for several years before her diagnosis. Rather than stepping away from the sport she loved, she adapted how she trained by introducing strength work, balance exercises and cross-body movements to help improve coordination and reduce falls.

As she explains in the podcast, her mindset shifted from asking, “Can I still do this?” to asking a much more positive question: “How can I keep doing what I love?”

Learning to manage MS while staying active

One of the biggest challenges of living with Multiple Sclerosis is fatigue, and both Cat and Louise explain that it’s very different from the normal tiredness people experience after exercise.

MS fatigue can feel as though someone has “taken the batteries out of your back”, leaving your legs heavy and making even simple tasks feel exhausting. What makes it even harder is that it isn’t always immediate. A hard run or busy weekend might feel manageable at the time, only for symptoms to flare up a day or two later.

Over the years they’ve both learned that managing MS isn’t about stopping exercise – it’s about learning where the line is. Planning recovery days, balancing busy work schedules and accepting that rest is part of training has allowed them to keep doing what they love while looking after their health.

Their advice is simple: exercise isn’t the enemy. Understanding your own body, pacing yourself and allowing time to recover are just as important as the training itself.

The motivation waiting at the front door

If there’s one thing that helps both women get outside on the difficult days, it’s their dogs.

Stanley still waits excitedly every morning, ready for his next adventure, while Maya seems to instinctively know when Louise isn’t feeling her best and naturally adjusts her pace. Dogs don’t care how fast you run, whether you’re having a bad day or if you have to stop and walk. They’re simply happy to be with you.

That unconditional companionship becomes even more important when symptoms make life difficult. On days when fatigue or dizziness keep them at home, both women describe the comfort their dogs provide simply by being there. Whether they’re out on the trails or curled up together on the sofa, that bond offers support in a way that’s difficult to put into words.

From Couch to 5K to Ultra Marathon

Louise’s Canicross journey shows just how much can change with patience and determination.

After completing her DogFit Couch to 5K, she progressed to 10K races, then a half-marathon, before eventually taking on an ultra-marathon through the Welsh mountains with Maya. Just a few years earlier she would never have believed that would be possible.

Cat has achieved some remarkable milestones too. Determined not to let MS define her, she completed a demanding 30-mile run along the Jurassic Coast not long after her diagnosis. More recently, she celebrated Stanley’s tenth birthday by completing ten 10K races together – a fitting way to mark more than a decade of adventures with her faithful running partner.

The strength of the Canicross community

Another theme running throughout the podcast is the incredible sense of community that Canicross creates.

Cat and Louise first connected through Instagram after Louise heard about Cat from DogFit trainer Lara. Although they lived in different parts of the country, they eventually met at a Canicross race, where both they and their dogs instantly hit it off.

They both describe the Canicross community as welcoming, supportive and completely free of judgement. Whether you’re taking your first steps on a Couch to 5K programme or training for an ultra marathon, there’s an immediate sense of belonging because everyone shares the same passion – running with their dogs.

For both women, those shared experiences have grown into genuine friendships that extend well beyond the trails.

Advice for anyone living with MS

For anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis and wondering whether Canicross might be for them, Cat and Louise offer some simple but valuable advice.

Start where you are and don’t worry about pace or distance. Listen to your body and learn what triggers your symptoms, remembering that recovery is just as important as exercise itself. Joining a local DogFit group can also make a huge difference, providing encouragement, practical advice and the motivation that comes from running alongside like-minded people.

Above all, don’t focus on what MS might stop you doing. Focus on what you’re still capable of achieving.

More than a sport

Listening to Cat and Louise, it’s clear that Canicross has become far more than simply running with their dogs. It’s helped them rebuild confidence after diagnosis, improve both their physical and mental wellbeing, and form friendships that continue to support them through life’s challenges.

Most importantly, it has reminded them that while MS may be part of their lives, it doesn’t define who they are. Their stories are a powerful reminder that with sensible training, good support and the unconditional companionship of a dog, it’s possible to keep challenging yourself and enjoying an active, fulfilling life.

If you’re thinking about starting Canicross, DogFit offers beginner-friendly equipment, expert advice and a nationwide network of qualified Trainers who can help you and your dog get started safely.

Useful MS support organisations

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, or you’re supporting someone who has, these organisations provide trusted information, practical advice and dedicated support.

Cat and Louise would particularly like to mention the ones below:

MS UK

MS Society

Follow Cat on Instagram: 

Follow Louise on Instagram

You can also watch our full podcast here, or search for Talk Canicross on your favourite podcast channel.

The post Canicross and MS: More Than Just Running appeared first on Dogfit Blog.