Canicross Conversations

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

In this bonus episode, Louise and Michelle chat to vet and dog behaviourist Hannah Lyon about how to help dogs who are anxious or scared of fireworks through this difficult season. Hannah gives lots of advice, including: How to differentiate a normal fear reaction from a phobia (2:00) How pets with muscular-skeletal pain can develop a greater fear of fireworks (5:50) Tips for getting through the fireworks season (7:00) How our reactions can affect our dogs' reactions (8:00) How to train a puppy not to worry about fireworks (10:00) How to create a safe environment for your dog (15:00) Using synthetic pheromones (17:00) Should we ever leave a dog on their own while fireworks are going off? (18:10) When to talk to your vet about medication (20:00) How to desensitise your dog to the sound of fireworks ( 21:05) What to do if your pet suddenly develops a fear of fireworks (24:00) Knowing when to contact a behaviourist (25:30) Here's a link to the Sounds Scary therapy which Hannah mentions You can contact Hannah via her Facebook page Dog Meets Dog

Louise and Michelle chat to DogFit founders Gail Walker and Ginetta George about their experience of starting up DogFit to help introduce the joy of canicross to others. Gail and Ginetta have very different running backgrounds, which brought them to the same canicross social group, where the idea of DogFit was born. DogFit now prides itself on introducing beginners to the sport - not just another kit supplier, they are the place to go to find out what the best kit is for their dog, buy good quality kit, find a qualified person to help them get started, and find out lots of information about the sport. To find a DogFit trainer near you, visit www.dogfit.co.uk

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to ultra-running journalist Lily Canter, who writes for Trail Running Magazine and Runners World. She is soon to feature in a special article in the January 2022 edition of trail running magazine about when she tried canicross running for the first time, with Louise's dog Pickle. This weekend, Lily has competed in her first canicross race with Pickle, and we chat to her about her experience of trying canicross for the first time with somebody else's dog, how it differs to normal running, as well as the various challenges of adopting a rescue dog. If you have enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave us a review. You can find Lily on Twitter @lilycanter and Instagram @lilycanter

This week we chat to Georgie Lambert, who reveals her extraordinary story from non-canicrosser to international canicross medallist with her dogs, Benson and Bee. Georgie reveals how she got started in competition, and her top tips for beginners to the sport of canicross racing. Georgie talks about: how the start of each race works (10:21) tips on how to keep your dog calm at the start (13:34) warm ups for your dog (15:47 and 31:37)) the GB selection process for international competition (17:05) choosing a dog bred for canicross racing (20:08) advice for a first-time racer (29:24) Links to canicross races: www.dogfit.co.uk/pages/canicross-events www.thebssf.org.uk/race-and-events/information

This week we chat to Dr Juliet McGrattan, former GP and author of two books, her second of which, Run Well, has recently been published. Juliet joins Michelle and Louise on the run with her dog Honey this week, and answers common running related questions, such as: 5:30 How do we recognise the signs of overheating in ourselves? 9:35 Why do your fingers sometimes swell up when you run? 11:13 Hayfever and running 13:37 Why does your nose run when you're running? 16:02 As we head into autumn and winter what are the main things runners should be looking out for in our bodies? 18:37 Strength and conditioning for runners 22:53 Running technique and canicross 25:34 Recognising when to rest an injury and when to seek specialist help 28:05 Warm ups 30:00 Preparing your mind for a run 31:00 Should you run with a cold? 33:41 Heartrate while running and how do you know if there's a problem You can contact Juliet and find out more about her book on her website www.drjulietmcgrattan.com

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to canine researchers, canicrosser Anne Carter and vet Emily Hall, about how to spot the early signs of heatstroke when exercising your dog. Not just an issue over summer, but something to be aware of all year round. Early signs of heatstroke in dogs can include: Excessive panting, that doesn’t ease when you stop the activity A longer, or spade shaped, tongue A reluctance to move, or lethargy Changes in how your dog moves, such as poor coordination If not caught early, severe heatstroke can be fatal, and preceding symptoms can include: Confusion Seizures Diarrhoea and vomiting, which may contain blood Bleeding under the skin Losing consciousness It’s important to cool your dog quickly, if you suspect it is suffering heatstroke. Stop the activity you’re doing Find shade Douse the dog in water (river, hose, wet towel, whatever you can find, or use car aircon) Get your dog to a vet quickly if you’re worried Dogs don’t just die in hot cars; a lot of dogs overheat by over exertion, and not just in hot temperatures (this includes walking as well as running), as they can’t cool themselves as effectively as we can. Thanks to Anne and Emily at Hot Dogs Research. You can read all of Anne and Emily's research at https://heatstroke.dog/

In this first episode, Louise and Michelle take their dogs for a run while introducing the new podcast, the basics of canicross, and chat about the importance of the correct kit.