A runner’s best friend: Canicross opens up the possibility of trail running with your dog across Canada. This engaging sport, which combines the exhilaration of cross-country running with the companionship of our beloved canines, has been gathering momentum across the globe, not least in Canada. Canicross is more than just a workout – it’s a unique way of strengthening the bond between humans and their dogs, making every exercise session a shared adventure.
What is Canicross?
Canicross involves running off-road trails, tethered to your dog, with your furry friend leading the way. This form of canine-human teamwork provides a unique motivation for workouts, especially on crisp autumn mornings. It’s a sport that primarily focuses on connection and teamwork with your dog. As Jessica Tuomela, owner of Victoria-based True North Canine, a company that trains dogs in canicross and scent detection, puts it: “Moving together as a team and being a working unit is a big part of what draws me to canicross.”
For Jessica, a four-time Paralympic triathlete who runs with her guide dog, B, a six-year-old German shepherd mix, Canicross offers her an incredible sense of independence. She says, “This is the closest I will ever come to running solo.”
The Benefits of Canicross
Aside from the bonding experience, Canicross also offers a host of health benefits for both humans and dogs. Humans can enjoy reduced blood pressure, improved mood, and more restful sleep. For dogs, it aids in maintaining heart, muscle, and joint health, improves mood and also reduces reactivity.
The sport also provides an excellent outlet for high-energy, high-drive dogs to satisfy their exercise needs. Jenna Blagdon, a high-school teacher and owner of Yeti, a Siberian husky-Eskimo dog with some Labrador retriever in him, shares, “I wanted him to have an outlet to satisfy his genetic fulfilment needs because he has such an instinct [for dog sports].”
The Growing Popularity of Canicross
Originating in France and Belgium in the late 1980s, Canicross has since spread across Europe, and in recent years, has seen significant growth in Canada. Clubs promoting casual runs and organized races that attract human-dog teams of all paces, skill levels, and sizes continue to spring up. Steeltown Canicross, a Hamilton-based club, has grown from two members in early 2024 to approximately 100.
The growth of Canicross is not limited to casual clubs. The sport’s elite level has also seen increased participation. The 2025 International Canicross Federation World Championship in Pardubice, Czech Republic, is expected to draw a record 1,000 teams from 31 countries.
Canicross and Shelter Dogs
In a unique initiative, Steeltown Canicross provides shelter dogs for those lacking a dog but eager to try out the sport. This program not only helps high-energy canines whose needs aren’t met by basic walks, but also provides valuable information to the shelter for the dogs’ adoption profiles. To date, more than 75 dogs have been adopted or have found long-term foster homes after participating in the program.
Getting Started with Canicross
If you’re ready to hit the trails with your dog, it’s recommended to get your vet’s all-clear before starting. Joining a local or virtual Canicross group or a couch-to-5K Canicross program is a great way to build up your running practice comfortably. It’s also important to invest in properly fitted gear for both humans and dogs to ensure a safe and enjoyable run. Finally, remember to dress warmly for the peak Canicross season, which extends from late fall through late winter.
Whether you’re an experienced runner looking for a new challenge, a dog owner seeking a unique way to bond with your pet, or someone who simply enjoys being out in nature, Canicross offers a fun, healthy, and rewarding way to enjoy the great outdoors with your canine companion.
