Talk Canicross

Canicross is often seen simply as a great way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors with your dog, but for some dogs – particularly those who are nervous, anxious or easily overwhelmed – the benefits can go much further.

In a special episode of Talk Canicross, we go behind the scenes of ITV’s The Joy of Pets, after DogFit was approached by the production team to showcase Canicross for the new series. We’re joined by DogFit Trainer Richard Green, dog trainer Elisa from Woodland Pet Services, and Canicrosser Bev, whose rescue dog Cerys featured in the programme.

If you think Canicross could help you and your dog, find your nearest DogFit Trainer and have a chat about how to get started.

We put the Can into Canicross

www.dogfit.co.uk

Canicross and Multiple Sclerosis: How Running with Their Dogs Helped Cat Everard and Louise Cowling Take Back Control

In this inspiring episode of the Talk Canicross Podcast, we meet Cat Everard and Louise Cowling, two passionate Canicross runners living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

They share their very different journeys to diagnosis, how they discovered Canicross, and why running with their dogs has become such an important part of managing both their physical and mental wellbeing. From Couch to 5K to ultra marathons, this is an honest conversation about resilience, friendship, adapting to life's challenges, and the incredible bond we share with our dogs.

Whether you're living with MS, looking for motivation to get active, or simply love hearing inspiring stories from the Canicross community, this episode is full of encouragement and practical advice.

Useful Links

🐾 DogFit Canicross Kit
https://dogfit.co.uk

🏃 DogFit Couch to 5K Canicross App
https://dogfit.co.uk/products/caincross-your-way-from-couch-to-5k

👟 Find a DogFit Canicross Trainer
https://dogfit.co.uk/pages/dogfit-trainers

🎙️ More Talk Canicross Podcasts
https://talkcanicross.com

💚 MS UK
https://ms-uk.org

💚 MS Society
https://www.mssociety.org.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave us a review, and share it with anyone who might be inspired by Cat and Louise's story.

The Rise of BarkRun | Talk Canicross Podcast

What is BarkRun, how did it start, and why are more Canicross runners getting involved?

In this episode of the Talk Canicross Podcast, DogFit Trainer Rebecca Lawson joins Lara Trewin from the DogFit team to discuss the rise of BarkRun – the informal, community-led meet-ups that have become a popular way for people to run with their dogs.

We explore how BarkRun emerged following changes to Parkrun's Canicross rules, why proper Canicross equipment matters, and what makes these social runs so appealing to both experienced runners and complete beginners.

We also discuss:
🐾 What BarkRun is (and what it isn't)
🐾 Why Canicross runners use waist belts, bungee lines and specialist harnesses
🐾 How BarkRuns help introduce newcomers to Canicross
🐾 The community and friendships that develop through running with dogs
🐾 Why being active with your dog is about much more than fitness

Whether you're already involved in Canicross or simply curious about running with your dog, this episode offers an interesting insight into a growing part of the Canicross community.

Find out more about Canicross training, DogFit instructors and the DogFit Couch to 5K App at:
👉 https://dogfit.co.uk

Thinking about trying Canicross (trail running with your dog) but not sure where to start?
Or wondering if your dog (or you!) are ready for a Canicross event?

In this episode, we welcome back DogFit Trainer Fizz O’Neill from Hull to talk about her journey from early morning runs with her dogs to building a thriving Canicross community in the UK, and now organising her own successful Canicross events.

Since joining us in Episode 44, Fizz has created a supportive and inclusive group that brings together runners of all abilities. We explore how that community has grown, why the social side of Canicross is so powerful, and how it helps people build confidence, improve fitness, and form lasting friendships.

Fizz also shares the real-life benefits of Canicross for both dogs and owners — from complete beginners progressing to long-distance runs, to nervous or reactive dogs becoming calmer, more focused, and more confident through structured training and running as part of a team.

We then dive into her “Trails & Tails” Canicross events — how they started, what goes on behind the scenes, and why creating welcoming, beginner-friendly Canicross races is so important for growing the sport in the UK.

If you’re thinking about getting started with Canicross or entering your first event, this episode is packed with practical advice, including:

• How to choose the right Canicross event for your level
• Essential Canicross etiquette and safety tips
• Why Canicross training and commands matter (even for experienced runners)
• How to make sure your dog has a safe, positive experience

Whether you’re completely new to running with your dog or looking to take the next step into Canicross events, this episode will give you the confidence and knowledge to get started.

To get the right Canicross kit, find DogFit training classes near you, or access expert advice on running with your dog, visit:
👉 https://dogfit.co.uk

Link to Fizz's event this year 👉https://www.sientries.co.uk/admin/setup/event_summary.php?event_id=17357

Beginner to 5K The DogFit Way

Can you really go from beginner to 5K with your dog?

In this episode of Talk Canicross, we speak to Lou, who followed the DogFit Beginner to 5K training course and went on to complete her first 5K Canicross race, smashing her expectations along the way.

We talk about safe progression, building fitness together, learning commands, and how structured training leads to real Canicross success.

The course is also available in the DogFit app, so you can keep your training in your pocket and follow each session wherever you run.

🐾 Start the Beginner to 5K course here:
https://dogfit.co.uk/pages/canicross-beginner-to-5k

📲 You can also download the DogFit App at the App store.

Happy Canicrossing 🐾

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to swap your running shoes for a bike and let your dog take the lead, bikejor (bikejoring) might be your next obsession. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the trails together – especially if you or your dog love a bit of extra speed. In our podcast we chat with DogFit Trainer Sam Ellis, based in beautiful West Cornwall. She shares her experience and advice on getting started with bikejor: from the right kit and commands, to building your dog’s confidence and keeping things safe and enjoyable for you both.For help, advice, kit and classes please visit:

www.dogfit.co.uk

To find out more about Sam

Sam Ellis

Keeping our dogs healthy, happy and ready to run is key to enjoying Canicross - whether we’re training for an event or simply heading out for our regular trail runs together.

In this episode we chat with Ashleigh-Jade Rutherford from Equine America, a company well known in the equestrian world for its high-quality supplements and grooming products. Having recently expanded into the canine market, their range is designed to support the needs of active dogs, including those of us who enjoy Canicross.

Together, we discussed how to spot when your dog might need a bit of extra support, how to aid recovery after tougher runs, and what simple steps can help keep dogs in top condition all year round.

Read more here:

https://blog.dogfit.co.uk/2025/10/paws-performance-supporting-your-canicross-dogs-wellbeing-with-equine-america/

Ten years ago, we set out to make Canicross accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level or background. We've helped thousands of people and their dogs find joy, confidence, and community through this amazing sport.In our latest podcast, we've reflected on special moments and heartwarming stories. Grab a coffee and have a listen.

🔗 LINKS:👉 Find your local DogFit Trainer: https://dogfit.co.uk/find-a-trainer👉 Shop our Canicross Kit: https://dogfit.co.uk/shop

Why run when you can walk?Did you know you can enjoy all the benefits of Canicross - but without having to run?In this episode of the Talk Canicross Podcast, we introduce Canitrekking, a hands-free, purposeful way to walk with your dog that keeps you fit, builds your bond, and is accessible to all ages and abilities.

Joining us is DogFit Trainer Sara-Jane Ladhams, who covers the Ludlow area in Shropshire. A personal trainer and former Dogs Trust educator, Sara-Jane shares her journey into Canicross, how she started running with her rescue dog Rosie, and why she now offers CaniTrekking classes to help people ease into fitness at their own pace.👣

Whether you're new to exercise, dealing with a strong-pulling dog, recovering from injury, or just prefer walking over running Canitrekking is for you!

We cover:

✅ What is Canitrekking?

✅ How it differs from Canicross

✅ The benefits for fitness, wellbeing & dog behaviour

✅ Ideal kit for hands-free walking

✅ Real stories from clients who’ve transformed their routines

✅ Tips for getting started🎧 Listen in and discover why CaniTrekking might just be your (and your dog’s) new favourite activity.

🔗 LINKS:👉 Find your local DogFit Trainer👉 Shop our Canitrekking Kit🎙️ Listen to Sara-Jane’s podcast: Menopause and Motherhood📍 Sara-Jane is based in Ludlow, Shropshire – check out her DogFit classes on our site!📣

Don't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more Canicross and Canitrekking tips, stories, and interviews#Canicross #Canitrekking #DogFit #HandsFreeWalking #DogFitness #TalkCanicross #DogWalking #FitnessWithDogs #DogTraining #ActiveDogs #DogFitTrainer #RescueDogs

Calgary-based Evan Birch is not your everyday Canicrosser…and nor is his seven-year-old Vizsla, Nova.Both are ultra runners and have tackled some exceptionally long distances together, including more recently a whopping 75 miles as part of the Orcas Island 100 in the US.

How is this even possible I hear you ask? And, more importantly, how do you ensure the dog’s health and well-being is not put at risk? Well, we’re about to find out from Evan who joins us on this podcast to talk about all of this, including his background in running and his special partnership with Nova.

Watch Their Story

A documentary about Evan and Nova’s Orcas Island adventure launches 15th May 2025. It promises to be the dog-human running film of the year and a heartfelt look at what’s possible when two souls move in sync, one stride at a time.

Follow Evan: @ultrabirch
Watch the trailer (coming soon): ultrabirch.com

www.dogfit.co.uk⁠

👉🏻 Keep in touch with all things Canicross

🐾YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjG8gbY7wSVwsumilzsevg⁠

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