No dogs can join the group runs who are under 18 months, they are still growing.  All dogs mature at different rates, and some dogs won’t be fully grown and mature until after 18 months. If in any doubt check with your vet

We cannot advise on dogs fitness, you should check with your vet.

Canicross is not suitable for all dog breeds, some breeds are suitable to, little and often running but not distances.

But we are always happy to give guidance so please do get in touch

It may feel like the easiest thing for you when starting is to just grab your dogs lead and start running with them.

But holding a lead can be uncomfortable for you and your shoulder.  And using your dogs collar can cause damage to their neck, and also restrict their breathing.

A halti type head collar can be dangerous when running, as they are designed to stop the dog pulling.  And can cause damage to the dogs face and neck when you are running.

See our kit page for what we recommend for starting canicross.

If you are local and want to join us at our runs, or a local parkrun, get in touch.  We can lend you a harness for you and your dog and a bungee so you can try them out and feel the difference for you both.

Running hands free, whilst attached to your dog safety (the bungee line between you will mean you can still bring the dog in close if you need to) will complelty change your experience of running with your dog in a positive way.

Please see our Kit page

This is ok – the most important thing is that you let us know and we can make sure they get it.

They will always be attached to you.

We ask all members to be aware of other dogs and be in control of their own dog.

Contact us to discuss any issues and we can give you more information.

On our organised Tuesday and Sunday runs, we do 2 loops.  So if you want to stop after 1 look that is fine.

We have a tail runner too, so you will be supported if you stay towards the back.

Everyone in the group was a beginner, and are all really supportive of new runners.

In canicross you will always be attached to your dog.  Training them to learn the commands of left / right etc.

Once they are attached most are focused and know what their job is, and its running with you!

If you are using the correct kit, then canicross is all about working as a team with your dog.

Learning the correct technique to distribute the pull of the dog with your own weight.

We can show you the techniques in the group, or if you feel a 1-2-1 session would benefit you then have a look here 

parkrun is a free timed 5k weekly event happening all over the UK (and world!)

If you haven’t attend a parkrun before, register here and then download and print a copy of your barcode (you can’t show it on your phone)

Have a look at our events to see if we are attending any local parkruns as a group soon.

Details from parkrun about running with your dog can be found below (take from here)

Most of our 5k events do allow runners with dogs (including Cani Cross harnesses) although this may not be possible at some of our locations.
Please check on the course page of the event website first, or email the team to check – you can find their email address at the bottom of the event website.

Please note that we only allow 1 dog per runner and that the welfare of that animal remains your responsibility throughout your parkrun visit.

Please keep your dog under firm control at all times, either on a short lead or a harness with a short lead, and take extreme care to avoid tripping other runners.

Further information and advice about running with a dog can be found on the Cani Cross UK & CaniCross Ireland websites.

It is not permitted to run with a pushchair and a dog at the same time.

Can we bring our dog to junior parkrun?

Dogs are not allowed to take part or accompany volunteers at junior parkrun.

You can spectate with your dog on a lead but please stand well back from the course.

Remember, you cannot register your dog, or any other animal, with us – parkrun is for humans only.

Recommendations from members

Aennon LED Head Torch – Super Bright, Waterproof, Lightweight. 4 modes. CREE LED

We have just purchased think Neil Dobson recommended to us!

Kalenji body torch from decathlon- fabulous – Vicky Irvin

On ebay if you search cree xml t6 headlamp it brings up millions of different sizes/shapes/brightness’s, then just pick one in price range and what you’re after (best to search UK dispatchers as ones from china are cheaper but takes weeks to arrive) as you’ll be wearing it on your head go for a small sized one as the big ones are slightly big and heavier so they’re best for bikejor.

• don’t let it over charge, the battery charger has a light on it that’s red when charging and goes green once full. turn off as soon as possible once goes green.
• don’t let it turn off by itself (when using the button is green when got charge, it then goes red when low, and starts flashing red when critically low, turn it off before then as it damages the battery.
• once fully charged let it run down as much as possible and then re charge instead of topping it up every time as this effects battery longevity to! – Luke Nicholls

10000LM 7x Cree XM-L T6 LED MTB Mountain Bike Cycling Head Light Lamp 12800mAh – Amanda  (my bikejor light)

LED Lenser SEO7-R Rechargeable Head Torch – Bruce Gander and Kerry Burles

I recommend a branded head torch such as Petzl, LED lenser, Silva etc. For runners we normally recommend at least 100 lumens however since you have dogs running further in front I suggest a higher rating say 150 lumens (or more). Most running shops sell them or places like amazon, millets etc. Hope this helps –  Daniel Benwell

Decathlon chest torch, I think it’s fantastic! I found the bob from a head torch destracted Cooper a lot when running in the dark!  Owen Styles

Led lenser H7R head torch best value for money I think. Been flat out in pitch black woods with the collies and still seen where I’m going!! – Richard Jones