There is nothing better than sharing daily activities with your dog to strengthen your relationship with him, so in this article by Animal Expert we will explain everything about canicross: what it is and how to practice it. It is a sport that consists of running with your dog accompanied by a specific team.
In addition to being super healthy and providing countless health benefits for both, canicross allows for better communication to get to know you. Discover everything you need to know to practice canicross and start exercising with your dog as soon as possible.
- Canicross is a very popular canine sport today.
- In fact.
- It is a variant of mushing.
- The traditional sled dog race.
It is a sporty modality in which the tutor and the dog run together, practicing a physical exercise. The dog must be attached to the caregiver’s waist with a special anti-traction harness and a specific canicross belt (usually quite long) that will be placed at the caregiver’s waist to control the dog’s speed. But look, no traditional collars are used, as it is a specific team that protects the dog and the keeper from the footprints of the four-legged companion.
This modality is well known, especially in some European countries, which have been maintaining this tradition for many years. In addition to many canicross competitions, you can also practice only in forests, trails and trails.
It is essential to have specific equipment for the practice of this sport, since otherwise an accident could occur, both of the dog and the owner. The full set of canicross includes:
In addition to these basic elements for this canine sport, it should be noted that:
In addition, it is necessary to train constantly with the dog, both depending on the intensity of the activity (as should be done with any other athlete), and the basic orders of obedience.
There is no suitable breed for canicrossing. In fact, almost all dogs are able to do this, although this canine sport is usually practiced with medium and large dogs (between 20 and 30 kilos).
Brachycephalic puppies (flat snout) are not recommended to exercise as intensely as canicross, since these breeds of dogs have breathing problems and therefore have difficulty modulating and balancing body temperature, as well as other complications.
On the other hand, breeds of Dogs Molossus should also not practice cranicross. Mastiff, Cane Corso, Bern Boiadeiro, Boxer and other similar breeds have a body structure that makes them more prone to certain health problems if they practice intense physical exercise, such as heatstroke and other breathing problems.
As mentioned above, virtually any adult dog can initiate canicross, however, a thorough veterinary examination is essential before starting to practice this sport that certifies the good health of the dog, as well as the condition of the legs, which must be examined. Periodically.
There are several modes within canicross, but the most common is sprint, medium and long distance. They usually measure between 5 and 12 km, however, the distance may vary depending on the rules of the organizing federation. In such events, the attention and care of the dog are fundamental, the classification is secondary to any responsible tutor.
People who engage in canicross competition at the professional level have the utmost respect for the animal, so there are prohibited guidelines, such as the dog running with the harness behind the shoulder and, of course, any kind of abuse.
Finally, it is recommended to go to the veterinarian with your dog to confirm that your health and physical availability to run in this type of conditions are ideal.
Once you have the canicross team and your dog has understood the basic commands, you can start training only in any activated area. It is recommended to start with a moderate routine and gradually increase the pace, depending on your own performance and that of your pet.
If you want to participate in official canicross competitions, you must set goals for distance and time, and pass them gradually to assess whether you are a good candidate for this intense sport. You can then join a canicross or mushing club to train with others and participate in the various activities that take place, whether official or not.
Canicross is still a little-known practice in Brazil, but it is gaining popularity. As a result, you may have difficulty finding the equipment needed for sale in the domestic market, so it’s best to use online stores. In addition, a Brazilian Canicross Federation is also being created to increase visibility in the country.
Watch our YouTube video with all 5 dog exercises
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