My dog, Frida, and I are crazy about "canicross." With her, my runs suddenly became a lot more fun - and the sport has helped us become the best pair.
When I got Frida almost 6 years ago, we tried many different types of dog sports: We went to obedience, hunting training, agility, etc. - but we didn't really find a sport that I thought was right for us. I'm a jogger myself, and one day I heard about the sport "canicross", where you run with your dog connected by an elastic line, and where the dog runs in front and helps pull the runner forward. It sounded exciting, and I got hold of some equipment so we could try it out.
Frida was "on" right from the first trip. Being out in nature, running on small, exciting trails - and yes, just being together and being allowed to give it some steam - she clearly thought it was really fun. And I also think she thought it was cool that, unlike on walks, she could be allowed to pull. I had the feeling that she preferred an activity where we were together - unlike many other types of dog sports, where it is mostly the dog that does the work.
And wow: I was also "bitten" by canicross right away. When I started, I probably thought it was "just" a run with my dog. But the more times we went, the more I found out how many nuances there are in running together: Because Frida had to learn to both run in front and pull, while at the same time she had to pay attention to me and my signals. And learn to ignore disturbances on the trails, e.g. other runners and dogs. And I had to learn a lot about reading Frida's signals myself: how far could she run, did she need a break or were there other things that affected her running?
So our runs together have really helped me to understand Frida's signals and her needs better. And the runs have given us so many fun and exciting experiences together: We've run in forests, on the beach - at home and abroad - and also competed in many different competitive races.
So canicross has clearly become our sport, and something we love to do together. Either just the two of us or with our good running friends in the local dog running club. Most of our canicross friends have the same experiences with the sport: They have developed a closer relationship with their dogs, and those who have dogs that have difficulty with other dogs say that the dogs react very positively to running together. They simply become better at tolerating other dogs. And everyone also mentioned that the dog just makes it easier to go on their walks. In a busy everyday life, it can also be nice to occasionally combine your own exercise with the dog's.
I have also seen many other benefits from our runs: Frida has become stronger and has gained fantastic fitness - and has become accustomed to many different experiences and impressions. And not least, the runs are just more fun and cozy when you have your four-legged friend along. And there is no doubt that our bond has become stronger.
In short: We have become a good team. Both in races and in everyday life.
Behind the blog:
Karoline is 46 years old and lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and the golden retriever, Frida, 6 years old. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championship and the World Championship. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to running. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, for example when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Frida and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower
Frida: the world's best running partner
My dog, Frida, and I are crazy about "canicross." With her, my runs suddenly became a lot more fun - and the sport has helped us become the best pair.
When I got Frida almost 6 years ago, we tried many different types of dog sports: We went to obedience, hunting training, agility, etc. - but we didn't really find a sport that I thought was right for us. I'm a jogger myself, and one day I heard about the sport "canicross", where you run with your dog connected by an elastic line, and where the dog runs in front and helps pull the runner forward. It sounded exciting, and I got hold of some equipment so we could try it out.
Frida was "on" right from the first trip. Being out in nature, running on small, exciting trails - and yes, just being together and being allowed to give it some steam - she clearly thought it was really fun. And I also think she thought it was cool that, unlike on walks, she could be allowed to pull. I had the feeling that she preferred an activity where we were together - unlike many other types of dog sports, where it is mostly the dog that does the work.
And wow: I was also "bitten" by canicross right away. When I started, I probably thought it was "just" a run with my dog. But the more times we went, the more I found out how many nuances there are in running together: Because Frida had to learn to both run in front and pull, while at the same time she had to pay attention to me and my signals. And learn to ignore disturbances on the trails, e.g. other runners and dogs. And I had to learn a lot about reading Frida's signals myself: how far could she run, did she need a break or were there other things that affected her running?
So our runs together have really helped me to understand Frida's signals and her needs better. And the runs have given us so many fun and exciting experiences together: We've run in forests, on the beach - at home and abroad - and also competed in many different competitive races.
So canicross has clearly become our sport, and something we love to do together. Either just the two of us or with our good running friends in the local dog running club. Most of our canicross friends have the same experiences with the sport: They have developed a closer relationship with their dogs, and those who have dogs that have difficulty with other dogs say that the dogs react very positively to running together. They simply become better at tolerating other dogs. And everyone also mentioned that the dog just makes it easier to go on their walks. In a busy everyday life, it can also be nice to occasionally combine your own exercise with the dog's.
I have also seen many other benefits from our runs: Frida has become stronger and has gained fantastic fitness - and has become accustomed to many different experiences and impressions. And not least, the runs are just more fun and cozy when you have your four-legged friend along. And there is no doubt that our bond has become stronger.
In short: We have become a good team. Both in races and in everyday life.
Behind the blog:
Karoline is 46 years old and lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and the golden retriever, Frida, 6 years old. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championship and the World Championship. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to running. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, for example when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Frida and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower