Canicross Conversations

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to behaviourist Emma Johnston from Speak Dog about her experiences of raw feeding* her working sled dogs. We chat about the different types of raw feeding: DIY; 80/10/10; 80/20 and have a fascinating conversation about the impact that nutrition has on a dog's behaviour. In the wild, dogs, who are natural scavengers rather than predators, would eat up to 44 different varieties of food and this variety is the key to build up gut microbiomes, which can impact behaviour. We also chat through options for natural treats and managing behaviour through decompression chews. *NB Emma is not a nutritionist, so her experiences of raw feeding are very individual, and should not be taken as guidance, but she is a qualified and knowledgeable behaviourist, and she gives us a really interesting insight into raw feeding from this perspective. Emma started in dog sports as a canicrosser, and now rig races, breeds and shows her 12 Siberian Huskies.

Do you know what it means when you see a dog wearing yellow? This is an episode originally released at the end of 2021, before the very first Dogs in Yellow awareness day took pace on 20th March 2022, and as it's coming up again we thought we would reshare an important message. In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Sarah Jones, who founded My Anxious Dog, after realising her working cocker spaniel Bella was very anxious around other dogs and people. Sarah is raising awareness of her #YellowArmy of dogs wearing yellow, and how it is helping other dog owners keep their dogs at a comfortable distance so Bella can continue to enjoy her outside space without being fearful. We also chat about how canicross is helping Bella become less anxious. #DogsInYellow Day is happening on 20th March 2023 You can learn more about My Anxious Dog here and follow the Facebook page here

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to menopause expert Karen Weir about how to get the most out of our running during perimenopause and post-menopause, and the advice is surprising. Karen talks through the risks to our bodies during this time of immense change, and recommends the kind of strength training and running we should be doing, and it's not what you might think. It's certainly made Louise and Michelle reconsider their own training. We'd love to know what you think, and if you have any questions. You can follow Karen on her Instagram @RunwithKaren or on her website runwithkaren.com

Louise is flying solo today and chats to canicross coach Emily Thomas, who also appeared on episode 48 talking about canine hydrotherapy. Emily's business offers training to people interested in becoming a canicross coach, and offers a Run Leader course, a Certified Coach course and a higher Level 3 qualification in canicross coaching. Emily will be at Crufts next week so if you're there, do pop by and say hello.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle further explore mindset, and how it can relate to our nutrition, as they chat to EIQ nutrition certified coach, Wayne Barrigan. A fascinating episode, with plenty of food for thought (pardon the pun!) as Louise and Michelle both have epiphanies about the way they have approached nutrition in the past. You can contact Wayne via his Instagram page to learn more.

Michelle and Louise chat to Harriet Innes, who describes herself as a disabled canicrosser, and is keen to emphasize how inclusive the sport can be for those with disabilities. Harriet talks us through the considerations of racing with a disability, and her kit choices. Harriet also runs a rescue centre for active dogs. You can follow Harriet on Instagram @ottos.legacy This episode is sponsored by the Get Stronger, Run a Faster 5k course. Sign up for the next course, starting end of February, at the following link: https://studio44pilates.com/product/get-stronger-for-a-faster-5k/

In this episode, Louise and Michelle delve into mindset, as they chat to Mental Health and Exercise Coach, Lucy. Lucy is also a personal trainer, and triathlon coach, as well as competing in triathlon herself. She delivers personalised training plans with coaching and online strength and conditioning classes to help you achieve your running goals. Her plans are tailored to you to ensure your training enhances rather than competes with the rest of your life, and her coaching helps you address the issues that underpin the success of your training such as mindset, nutrition and race day preparation. She also offers non-personalised plans for Half Marathon and Marathon accompanied by video coaching on the same issues. Visit https://www.feelfitwithlucy.co.uk/how-i-can-help for more information or to book in a free consultation call, or find her on @feelfitwithlucy on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle learn about another type of cani-sport as they chat to Ash and the hounds, who race in the DR4 rig class. Ash talks us through what the sport entails, her training, and her future hopes for the sport.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to YouTube sensation That Spotty Dog Runs (well, his owner, Duncan!). Dizzy is a Dalmatian who loves to run, and his owner Duncan talks us through their training for upcoming races, as well as the eqipment they use to film their videos. Half-marathon update ... Dizzy smashed it - 1st Dog by 18 minutes! Here is a list of links to videos referenced in the podcast. YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thatspottydogruns Half-marathon: https://youtu.be/AmtDu83nvos Interval training: https://youtu.be/VlAWfP7fI1Y Hills: https://youtu.be/a4kCMBxQrK0 You can also follow @thatspottydogruns on Instagram

Louise and Michelle chat to Emily Thomas, co-director of Canactive Hydrotherapy Centre, and underwater treadmill used for both rehabilitation of injuries, and fitness and conditioning, to future-proof our pups!

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Pickle's physio: registered veterinary nurse, and animal physiotherapist Sophie Sparrow about common canicross injuries, and how best to condition our dogs to help prevent these. Sophie talks us through how to recognise injuries in our dogs (who are very good at hiding weaknesses from us!) and how we can best treat these. We also talk about the kind of strength training our dogs should be doing. Top tip - walk VERY VERY slowly! Sophie refers to two canicross specific papers in this episode which make for fascinating reading: Internet-based survey evaluating the impact of ground substrate on injury and performance in canine agility athletes. 2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.1025331/full PERFORMANCE CHANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT ONE DOG TEAM CANICROSS RUNNERS. Ashlyn Jendro 2018. https://commons.nmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1575&context=theses The Jena study (2011) analysed locomotion of 32 different dog breeds. Jena study https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAvOPCp6Itk Book - Dogs in Motion Fischer and Lilje (2016)

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat about their goals for the coming year, and launch the exciting news about their upcoming course - Get Stronger for a Faster 5k. Here is the link to register your interest in the course: https://mailchi.mp/e806ed7536de/run-a-faster-5k

In this episode, our canicross stories feature returns, as Louise and Michelle chat to Susan Fraser, who has recently returned from the 2022 European Championships in Germany, representing team GB. A great insight into how canicross as a hobby can take you into international competition.

What trail shoes should I buy? It's a common question, and the answer is ... a very individual one. In this episode, Georgie Lambert, owner of Alton Sports, talks us through what we should be looking for in a trail shoe depending on the terrain we're running on, and whether we're racing or running for fun. She also explains about different lacing options, and what to look for in a good sock! Don't miss this one. www.altonsports.co.uk

Continuing the theme this season of healthier humans (because we are, after all, often the weakest link in the human/dog team) Louise and Michelle chat to former GP, keen runner and author, Dr Juliet McGrattan about how the menopause can affect our running, and how we can experience symptoms of perimenopause as early as ten years before we reach menopause itself. Juliet gives some really practical advice in this podcast - ask the men in your lives to listen too!! You can access Juliet's course, read her informative blogs about all things running health, and find out about her books on her website here: drjulietmcgrattan.com

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to Protein Rebel founder Tim Boote all about why our bodies need protein, particularly when we exercise. Protein Rebel have offered Canicross Conversations a special discount to followers. Use canicross15 at the checkout to save 15% off all their products at www.proteinrebel.com

This episode is another one all about human recovery, as Louise and Michelle chat to Carole Armitage, founder of hot chocolate company 80 Noir Ultra. Find out about the mental and physical benefits of dark chocolate in a fascinating chat with Carole.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to The Six Pack Revolution Founder Scott Harrison about the importance of strength training and nutrition as we age, and he gives us some tips about how to get started, and getting into a routine.

Louise and Michelle chat to James Lewington, a self-confessed "dog collector", and current British Bikejor Champion, who is just about to head out to Europe to represent Great Britain in international competition. James talks us through how he got started in Bikejor, the technical aspects of it compared to canicross, plus how he manages to fit in training his 5 competing dogs.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Kevin Lamport, British national champion in two dog scooter. Find out all about this exciting dog team sport, what training looks like, and just how fast the fastest can go!

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat through everything you need to know if you are thinking about starting canicross, busting some common myths and worries people have about it, talking through kit and commands, and explaining what happens at a taster session.

In this episode, Louise records live from the first Canicross Midlands race of the 2022 season at Box End.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Phil Irwin, founder of Bark Life and the World League Canicross. Phil is a keen canicrosser with his two dogs Bella and Lucy. His background in the military, power electronics, mathematical modelling, marketing and telecommunications has given him the unique skills to set up a virtual racing league to enable canicrossers of all ages and abilities to compete on a level playing field using age grading, but particularly aimed at helping veterans and beginners compete more equitably with elite athletes. The World League Canicross is relatively new, having run a hugely successful trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Phil gives Canicross Conversations an EXCLUSIVE announcement in this podcast about the WLC's future plans. Register for the World League Canicross here Get involved with Bark Life here

In today's episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Natalie Chadwick about her experience of competing in the Trophée des Montagnes 2022. The TDM is a 9 day canicross event in the French Alps, and Natalie paints a vivid picture of an exciting, challenging, yet inclusive, canicross event. The shoes Natalie mentions in the podcast are Decathlon Evadict Women's Trail MT Cushion Here is a link to Natalie's blog about the event if you want to learn more

In this episode, Louise and Michelle are thrilled to celebrate Canicross Conversations' first birthday by discussing their Top 5 episodes so far. If you're new to Canicross Conversations, have a listen as we signpost you to some of our favourite episodes, and if you're been listening from the start, we would love to know your favourite episode, so please do get in touch.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Paul Jones, who, together with his partner Lucy, rescued Astor in 2019. Astor had been found in quite a bad way in Mauritius, and arrived in the UK a very anxious, scared, dog. Over the last few years, he has learned to trust humans again, and discovered a joy for canicross. Paul talks candidly about the realities of adopting an anxious, reactive dog, and shares what he has been working on to build Astor's confidence. You can follow Astor's adventures on Instagram @astor_pup

As canicrossers, we all have a million photos of our dogs' rear ends on our camera phones, right? In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle chat to professional dog photographer Kerry Jordan from Fur and Fables. Kerry describes her work as "creating FOMO inducing images" and she shares some brilliant tips with us about getting the most out of our camera phones, how to get our dogs' attention on us, and editing advice. You won't want to miss this one. Louise and Michelle have been practising their newly learned photography skills, and would love to see you photos too, so make sure you tag them on social media @paws_4running @mileswithmichelle and @fur_and_fables For more information about Fur and Fables see www.furanfables.com

Louise and Michelle interview Sarette, the owner of Wilson for our regular Canicross Stories feature. Sarette chats about her running, competitiveness, and what the dream team will be getting up to for the rest of the year. You can follow @woofswithwilson on Instagram here

Louise and Michelle have a chat about how they can improve their running through discussing all the elements a training plan might contain, including strength training, hills, intervals, fartlek runs, tempo runs, long runs. Here is the link to Louise's Pilates course mentioned in the podcast. Here is the link to Michelle's website if anybody needs run coaching advice

This week, Louise takes us on a live tour of Goodwoof, as she teaches Pilates with dogs, and chats to various cani-sports exhibitors, including canicross (of course!), bikejor, and scooterjor.

Louise and Michelle chat to Jason Pascoe from Non Stop Dogwear about harnesses. Find out: the difference between long and short harnesses how to fit a harness for your dog which harnesses offer the best adjustment what to look for in a well-fitted harness the signs of an ill-fitted harness how the dog's posture is affected by the harness, and how this differs for strong pulling dogs what should beginners look for in a harness how long should a harness last? harness care and cleaning should we use a different harness for cani-trekking? It's a fact-filled episode with absolutely loads of useful information, so grab yourself a cuppa, or pop in your headphones and head out for a walk with your dog, and listen in. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review. You can find @nonstopdogwear on Instagram

How do you get into canicross after having spent your childhood fearful of dogs? In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Inein Victor Garrick who found running later in life, and decided to get a dog after meeting a few canicross runners in his running club. They are now a member of Cardiff Canicross group, and are enjoying being part of the racing scene. We challenge those perceptions of whether running with a dog is easy, or challenging! What do you think? You can follow @vikto_garik_runs on Instagram.

In this episode. Louise and Michelle chat with Barkrun founder Claire Martin. When parkrun decided to no longer permit the use of waist belts for running with dogs in April 2022, many people in the canicross community understandably felt excluded. Barkrun was already in existence prior to this, a play on words for those who loved to participate in the free weekly timed 5k with their dogs, with regular runners sharing photos and running news, but when news of the parkrun rule change broke, Claire, a long time canicrosser, set up a Facebook group, encouraging runners to arrange to meet up to canicross their dogs at 8am before parkrun at venues where it is safe and allowed to do so (public land). The group encourages barkrunners to have a little impact on parkrun as possible, while also supporting (i.e. participating and volunteering at parkrun) where they can. The group now has in excess of 3000 barkrunners, and new barkruns are popping up all over the country. We chat to Claire about the last couple of months, and what the future might hold for Barkrun. You can join the Barkrun Facebook group here Like the Barkrun Facebook page here

In this episode, Michelle interviews Louise about Pilates, and why every runner could benefit from it. Find out how to get started if you're brand new to it, and how to plan it into your week, around your running and canicrossing. Find out more about Pilates here Join Louise's Facebook group for runners and canicrossers here

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Rachel Spencer about our relationships with our dogs in our homes, and just how much a part of the family they are. Is your dog allowed on your bed or sofa? Do you have a wardrobe for your dog? Does your dog buy you birthday cards, and how do you celebrate your dog's birthday? About Rachel Rachel Spencer is a freelance writer specialising in the pet industry for national newspapers and magazines focusing on human interest stories, health, trends and technology. She works with pet business owners helping them raise their profile in the media and clients have appeared in the Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, BBC Breakfast, Mail Online, Daily and Sunday Express, and a host of pet titles like Edition Dog, Your Dog, Your Cat and industry titles including Pet Gazette and Pet Business World. Each week she shares tips on how small businesses can secure coverage on the Publicity for Pet Businesses podcast. Rachel provides consultancy services and runs a publicity coaching programme helping pet businesses stand out from the competition. Find out more at www.publicityforpetbusinesses.co.uk You can also find Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelspenceruk https://www.facebook.com/rachelspenceruk https://twitter.com/rachelspenceruk https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspenceruk/

Kate Mellor didn't have a dog when she decided she would love to try canicross; she saw it on a TV programme and decided it looked so much fun, so set the wheels in motion to adopt her collie lab cross Flash. Collecting Flash just 2 hours before national lockdown came into effect in 2020 meant that Flash's puppy training and socialisation looked quite different to most puppies, but knowing that the duo were aiming to do canicross once he was fully grown, Kate had the time and the patience to carefully train him in all the canicross commands. Now, two years later, the team love to race together, and can't imagine life without canicross. What kit do the team use? Non Stop Freemotion Harness Dogfit waist belt / Non Stop Canix belt Non Stop canicross line You can follow Kate and Flash on Instagram Image by James Kirby

In this episode of Canicross Stories, Louise and Michelle chat to Nat, who runs every day with her dog Esme, Nat and Esme have developed a strong bond while canicrossing, and have completed ultra distances together.

parkrun have decided that, effective from (and including) Saturday 2 April, they will no longer permit parkrunners to use waist harnesses when participating with their dog. Dogs will be still be allowed to participate with their owners, but the rules from 2nd April state: “One dog on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead by the side of the participant, and within reach at all times. Care must also be taken to avoid tripping other parkrunners.” Louise and Michelle chat about the new rule and its implications for canicross and the safety of dogs and their owners. Here's a link to the parkrun blog we refer to We would love to hear your thoughts too, so please do get in touch.

This season, we talk to canicrossers across the world to hear their stories of what inspired them to take up canicross. In this episode we chat to Mel Grier, who is based in Scotland with her dog Breagha. Mel is a member of West Lothian canicross and is a keen canicross racer.

In this episode, we chat to sports dietician Alexandra Cooke about how we should fuel our bodies to perform at our best. Alex really simplifies nutrition and hydration for us, and busts some myths too! You can follow Alex on her Instagram @thesportsdietician and find out more on her website thesportsdietitian.co.uk

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to dog trainer and behaviourist Zoe Willingham about why some dogs develop a dislike or fear of harnesses, and how we can help dogs overcome this aversion. We also chat about muzzles, and why they might be helpful. You can follow Zoe on Facebook and find out more Best Behaviour Dog Training here: https://www.bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk/

Something slightly different for today's episode: Louise interviews Michelle about how best to get started if you're brand new to running. Michelle gives her top tips for building a running routine, how to know you're running at the right pace, warm ups, cool downs, stretching and following a training plan. You can find out more about Michelle's online coaching here: www.mileswithmichelle.co.uk Photo credit: Proviz Sports

This week, Louise chats to Sarah Gillam who is a DogFit canicross trainer living in Germany with her 3 dogs. Sarah's background is in sports technology, and she works for a trail running footwear brand so gives us lots of tips about trail running in general, as well as footwear. Sarah is also a qualified personal trainer and nutrition coach. Follow Sarah on Instagram @run.and.smile and find her website here: www.trainandsmile.org

Join us for a canicross run in the West Pennine Moors today, as Michelle and Louise (and Poppy and Pickle) meet for the first time in real life. We have a chat about running, fitness, kit and what the new year might bring. Louise currently has a Pilates for Runners course on sale focusing on: Posture Strength Flexibility The course goes through both standing and mat Pilates exercises focusing on the muscles as a runner you need to strengthen as a runner. The course consists of 12, 10-minute videos. You have access for life and can take as long as you want to go through the course all for £27. Find out more here: https://studio44pilates.com/pilates-for-runners/

We chat to veterinary physiotherapist Dominique Armitage-Riley about how to tell if your dog has a muscle imbalance, how common injuries are treated, and how dog owners can help prevent injuries in their active dogs. Dominique gives us plenty of tips on warming up and cooling down your dog before and after exercise. You can find Dominique on her Facebook page or via her website, Yorkshire Animal Therapy

In this episode, we're joined by Dr Caroline Taylor, also known as the Slim Pet Vet, to chat about the best time to start canicrossing. We chat first of all about whether lockdown has affected our dogs' health and wellbeing, and how canicross can be a tool to help pets lose excess weight safely. Caroline also tells us how to check our dogs' body condition to know if they're overweight or not. We also talk about the best time to start a young dog canicrossing, and how over-exercising a puppy before its growth plates have fused can cause a myriad of problems later in life. Did you know, for example, that neutering a dog too early can stop the closure of the growth plates, so dogs grow a little bit bigger, and their bones consequently aren't as strong. Lastly, we chat about the importance of warm ups and cooldowns for your canicrossing dog, and the injuries we need to be aware of that might affect our dogs. You can join Caroline's Facebook group Slimline Canine here

Today we chat to Lara Trewin. Lara adopted Tilly, her German Shorthaired Pointer, from Spain 4 years ago, and never expected her to completely transform her life by leading her to canicross. Canicross has helped Lara not only to form a strong bond with her nervous rescue Tilly, but it has also led her to a new career as a canicross instructor with DogFit UK. We chat to Lara about the ups and downs of adopting a rescue dog, and how canicross has been transformative for them both. Throughout December, Lara and Tilly are running every day to raise funds for the charity that rescued her from a Spanish pound. You can follow the link to donate to SeBPRA here, and all money raised will go directly to those dogs being helped by SeBPRA for all shelter, medical and food needs You can follow Lara on her Facebook page or Instagram page, or visit her website.

Louise and Michelle chat to Tracey McLennan who specialises in dogs with a high prey drive. Pretty much all dogs - apart from companion breeds - are bred to do something with prey animals, whether that is finding animals which have been shot, such as spaniels. or to hunt animals such as sighthounds, or to catch and kill vermin such as terriers. Understanding the motor sequence in all predatory dogs - such as pointing, orienting, eyeing, stalking, chasing, grab or kill bites, dissecting and consuming - is crucial to understanding our predatory pets, but this sequence has been disrupted by breeding. Tracey chats about the types of behaviour to look out for in your high prey drive breed that may be a precursor to their instinctive need to hunt prey, and strategies for how to build confidence in your high prey drive breed and learn to trust them off lead. You can find out more about Tracey's work at www.bestdoglearningandstuff.co.uk and join her free Facebook group here

We chat again to Hannah Lyon, a vet and behaviourist who works with dogs who have problems with other dogs. We chat about the difference between a dog behaviourist and a dog trainer, how and why canicross can help reactive dogs, and what we as dog owners can put in place to help our reactive dogs. If you haven't listened to our episode with Hannah all about fireworks yet, do check it out here You can get in touch with Hannah via her Facebook page Dog Meets Dog

Do you know what it means when you see a dog wearing yellow? In this episode, we chat to Sarah Jones, who founded My Anxious Dog, after realising her working cocker spaniel Bella was very anxious around other dogs and people. Sarah is raising awareness of her #YellowArmy of dogs wearing yellow, and how it is helping other dog owners keep their dogs at a comfortable distance so Bella can continue to enjoy her outside space without being fearful. We also chat about how canicross is helping Bella become less anxious. #DogsInYellow Day is happening on 20th March 2022 You can learn more about My Anxious Dog here and follow the Facebook page here