K9 Trail Time A-Z of Canicross – G is for Groups

I am always being asked how to get started in canicross and how to teach your dog to run out front of you when canicrossing and my answer always involves recommending people find themselves a group to go along to. The local canicross groups that have been set up in areas all over the UK and abroad are by far the best introduction to the sport of canicross you can get. Some of the bigger and more established groups now have kit bags with spare harnesses, waist belts and lines so you can try before you buy too. You and your dog will be welcomed along to a group run and treated as a friend from day one and if your dog is a little nervous or needs space then you can be assured that the canicross group will be understanding of this and be able to help you get your dog comfortable with a group run. By joining in with social runs most dogs will automatically learn to pull out in front too, as dogs seem to pick up canicross very quickly when they are in a group situation. I myself have run with dozens of different groups all over the UK and it’s great to be able to join up with others if you’re on holiday with your dog because you get to see parts of the country you might not otherwise know about. So because of how important the groups are for training, socialisation and for fun in canicross, I have chosen groups as my word associated with ‘G’ in the A-Z of Canicross.

Groups are so important for training and socialisation in canicross
Groups are so important for training and socialisation in canicross

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