Canicross

Starting Canicross

Ready to discover Canicross with your dog? Our 1-to-1 introduction is a relaxed, practical session designed to help you and your dog learn the basics at your pace, find the right equipment and build confidence together.

1-to-1: £30 | 90 minutes

Want to bring friends or family?

You can upgrade your 1-to-1 session to a small group introduction for up to 4 people in total.

The group session is extended from 90 minutes to 2 hours, giving everyone time to learn the basics, get comfortable with their equipment and enjoy the experience together.

Small group: £40 | Up to 4 people (family and friends) | 2 hours

What to expect

We’ll start with a kit introduction and fitting, taking time to find the best combination of equipment for fit, safety and comfort for both you and your dog. You’ll learn how your kit should feel and work before we head out onto the trail.

We’ll then begin with a warm-up for both human and dog, including simple activities to help your dog engage with you and prepare for exercise.

Next, we’ll introduce the basics of hands-free running. You’ll have time to get used to the feel of the belt, harness and line while learning how to encourage your dog to work out in front of you. The session combines walking and running, allowing you and your dog to build confidence at a comfortable pace.

We’ll also discuss introducing basic Canicross commands to help you communicate with your dog and make your future adventures safer, more enjoyable and more rewarding.

Canicross can be a great way to build fitness, strengthen the bond between you and your dog and give your dog a positive working focus.

All breeds are welcome, provided your dog:

• Is over 12 months old

• Enjoys being active

• Has no known health concerns or contraindications that would prevent them from exercising

• Is not a banned breed under UK legislation

Reactive and anxious dogs are welcome. We can work at your dog's pace and consider their individual needs throughout the session.

If your dog normally wears a muzzle, a Greyhound-style muzzle may be worn, provided it allows unrestricted breathing, panting and drinking.

Is Canicross suitable for my dog?

Health, Safety and Consent

Your safety and your dog’s wellbeing are important to us. Before your session, you’ll be asked to complete a Health & Consent Form covering relevant health information for both you and your dog. This helps us understand any concerns, limitations or individual needs and adapt the session where appropriate.

You are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information about your own health and your dog’s health and behaviour. Any health concerns, injuries, medical conditions or other factors that may affect participation should be disclosed before the session.

Canicross is an active outdoor sport and, like any physical activity, carries some risk of injury to both humans and dogs. We’ll take a sensible, progressive approach and work within the abilities of you and your dog, but you remain responsible for making decisions about your own participation and your dog’s welfare during the session.

If you are unsure whether you or your dog is physically fit enough to take part, please seek appropriate professional advice before booking. For dogs, this should be your veterinary surgeon.

The Health & Consent Form will be emailed to you after your booking enquiry and must be completed before your session can be confirmed.

FAQs

Do I need experience or specialist equipment?

No. Our canicross 1-to-1 and small group sessions are suitable for complete beginners and experienced participants alike. You don’t need to buy equipment beforehand, we’ll introduce the essential Canicross kit and help you find the best combination for fit, safety and comfort. If you already have equipment, bring it along and we can assess whether it is suitable.

What happens during the session?

Introductory sessions are designed around one dog per person. Your 1-to-1 session can be upgraded to a small group of up to 4 people in total for an additional £10, with the session extended from 90 minutes to 2 hours. There is no additional charge for spectators.

Experienced Canicrossers who want to work with more than one dog should discuss this when booking.

Is my dog suitable for Canicross?

Most breeds can take part provided they are over 12 months old, enjoy being active and are physically suitable for the activity. Dogs must not be a banned breed under UK legislation to be able to take part in our sessions. If you have concerns about your dog’s health or suitability, please speak to your vet before taking part.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for running and trail shoes with good grip. Bring any Canicross equipment you already own so we can look at its suitability. We recommend covering your legs to help protect against scratches, stings and ticks.

Can reactive or anxious dogs take part?

Yes. Reactive and anxious dogs are welcome. We’ll consider their individual needs and work at a suitable pace. Please tell us about any concerns when booking so we can plan the session appropriately.

Where does the session take place?

We don't have fixed session locations. We’ll discuss a suitable location for you and your dog, with familiar surroundings often being a good choice, particularly for nervous or inexperienced dogs.

Sessions include kit fitting, warm-up and cool-down activities, walking and running, hands-free running skills and basic Canicross commands. We’ll work at a pace suited to you and your dog, helping you build confidence and enjoy the experience together.

A Health & Consent Form will be emailed after your booking enquiry and must be completed before your session can be confirmed. Please disclose relevant health, injury, behavioural or other concerns for yourself or your dog. Canicross is an active outdoor sport and carries inherent risks, so please seek appropriate medical or veterinary advice if you are unsure about taking part. Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the session.

Can I bring more than one dog or other people?

What about health, safety and consent?

What happens during the session?

Photos and short video clips may be taken during sessions and used on the Nose and Paws Active website and social media. They will also be shared with you after the session. If you do not want to be photographed or filmed, please let us know by email.

Sessions normally go ahead in typical UK weather, but may be changed, postponed or cancelled if conditions become unsuitable or unsafe. You will be contacted if arrangements need to change.