We’ve been asked a lot recently about lines for canicross, mainly because there’s now so many options available. We thought we’d try and simplify it a little in this new blog.
Line length – this is usually a stretched length which means unstretched they are approx 30 cms shorter with a webbing line.
Most standard canicross lines are 2 metres when stretched, so if you see Standard, CC or Canicross in the description they will be 2 metres stretched, although (confusingly) depending on the product sometimes they are the short version if there’s nothing shorter!
An example of a standard line would be the Arctic Wolf Canicross Bungee: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/arctic-wolf-canicross-bungee-line/
Short lines are known as Parkrun lines (because they came into existence to meet the Parkrun requirement of a short line) and are are generally 1.2 metres stretched, so if you see Short (except in the case of some as mentioned above) Parkrun or PR in the description, then they will be 1.2 metres stretched.
An example of a parkrun line would be the Bono Parkrun Line: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/bonos-parkrun-canicross-walking-line/
We also have our own range of lines here: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/trail-bungee-canicross-line-rainbow-range/ all of which have a handle and now come with a Mid length option too which stretches to a length of 1.6 metres for those who find the Standard length too long and Short length too short.
Longer lines such as Bikejor lines will be anything from 2.5 – 2.8 metres stretched and will be described as Long, Bikejor, Scooter or something to that effect. These can still be used for canicross but many find them too long for regular use and would be too long for racing.
An example of a bikejor length line: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/arctic-wolf-bikejor-bungee-line/
Line Clips – this is what attaches to your dogs harness
Most line clips will be brass trigger clips and this is the standard clip, easy to hook on and take off any ring or cord on your dogs harness. These are the most suitable clips for every day and regular use.
An example of a line with a standard clip would be the Bono Standard Canicross Line: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/bonos-standard-canicross-line/
Some lines however have a twist lock carabiner, this means there is a gate which opens and a screw lock which will automatically (not if it’s got mud and dirt in the mechanism) close and twist around when attached so your dog cannot pull the clip open by catching it on something. You might want to use these if your dog has the potential to escape or you want a bit more security, they are lightweight and no heavier than a normal clip.
An example of a twist lock carabiner can be found on the Arctic Wolf Adventure Lines: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/arctic-wolf-adventure-bungee-line/
Handles – some lines have handles on them to grab if you need to
The lines with handles will either have an ‘external’ grab handle which is an additional webbing loop sewn on to the line or an ‘internal’ handle which forms part of the line and you slide your hand in to grab.
An external grab handle can be found on the Bono Parkrun Line near the clip: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/bonos-parkrun-canicross-walking-line/
Handles can be situated around the half way point on the line or further down near the clip to attach to your dog.
Our own range of lines here: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/trail-bungee-canicross-line-rainbow-range/ all have a handle for this extra control.
To attach to you – how the lines attach to your belt
Most of the lines we sell will have a handle at the end to attach to your belt and you can either loop the line through on itself or use a carabiner to attach the line to use if you need quick release. Some belts also have carabiners or a set up at the front of the belt so you can attach you line and have quick release.
Bungee section vs Fully elasticated
The majority of bungee lines have a section of bungee which is tied in with the webbing, please don’t undo these knots as the bungee will not function properly, the knots are there for a reason.
The Non-stop Line however is fully elasticated which means it is slightly shorter than the other webbing lines when not being pulled but will stretch further when pulled because the whole line is elasticated. The benefit of this is that you get more ‘spring’ in the line, the disadvantage is that you have less control as it’s harder to pull your dog back towards you with a line that’s fully elasticated!
The Non-stop Line is fully elasticated and comes with a twist lock carabiner: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/bikejor-scootering/lines/non-stop-canicross-skijor-bikejor-bungee-line/
We also have a line which we call ‘Fully Loaded’ because it has a section of bungee which extends through the entire line and gives you that extra spring too https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/fully-loaded-canicross-bungee-line-rainbow-range/
Two Dog Lines – The next complication!
If you want to run with two dogs, the lines tend to be longer in length to give each dog more space, so be aware these will feel quite long if you are used to having your dog close to you.
The shortest two dog line we sell is the Bono one: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/bungee-lines/bonos-two-dog-canicross-walking-line/ this has an external grab handle in the middle.
The Arctic Wolf two dog lines either have a long split with two sections of bungee, one on each line (this is called the 2 dog CC) or they have a shorter split with one bungee section (this is called the 2 Dog Lite S)
Arctic Wolf also do a longer two dog line for bike and scooter and the Neewa Two Dog Line is more suitable for wheels than canicross due to it’s length: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/active-accessories/walking/neewa-bungee-line-one-or-two-dog/ as is the Non-stop Two Dog Line.
Neckline – The final choice
If you are running two dogs together you may want to use a neck line, this is a small section of webbing, around 6 inches in length with 2 clips to attach to your dogs collars. The neckline will keep your dogs together and guide them to run side by side.
If your dogs are evenly matched this can be beneficial in keeping them together and focused but if they are every different in size and/or motivation then a neck line has the potential to pull the smaller / slower dog along at the speed of the bigger / faster dog and this would not be something we’d recommend.
An example of a neck line is the Neewa line here: https://www.k9trailtime.com/shop/bikejor-scootering/lines/neewa-neckline/
We hope that has helped determine what line you might need or prefer but if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to email us to answer your query: info@k9trailtime.com
Happy Trails!
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