If you enjoy exercising with your dog, you’ll be interested in the canicross competition. Combining complicity and relaxation between you and your dog, canicross is a sport in which one or two dogs are belted to the runner, with the aim of running together. The dog generally runs ahead, pulling you along.
Conditions for taking part in a canicross competition
Canicross is a sport that pairs a handler with his or her dog in a race. You may be wondering whether you can enter your dog in a canicross competition. It’s a legitimate question, since participation in the competition is subject to compliance with certain rules. However, it’s important that your dog is properly prepared for a sporting competition such as canicross before entering.
Points that can lead to withdrawal
The question of the dog’s age has been settled by the sporting rules. To take part in a canicross competition, your dog must be at least 12 months old on the day of the race. A veterinary surgeon will check the dog’s record book and state of health before the race. Of course, it’s forbidden to dope him or yourself.
Despite its age, the vet may withdraw your dog if it is deemed too weak. He can also remove the animal if it’s a nursing or pregnant female. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other canine activities you can enjoy with your faithful companion.
Essential elements to take into account
The dog’s breed is an important consideration. Apart from category 1 dogs, all breeds can take part in the race, regardless of size or weight. Whether your dog belongs to a pure-bred or cross-bred breed, or whether it is impossible to identify its origin, is of little importance in its admission to the race, but can be decisive in winning the competition.
Good preparation for a canicross competition also means making sure your dog ‘s vaccinations are up to date before you enter him. These include rabies and kennel cough vaccinations. We also recommend vaccinating against distemper, parvovirus and leptospirosis.
Essential canicross equipment
To take part in the competition safely, for yourself and other riders, you should be well equipped. Competition equipment consists mainly of four items:
- a pulling harness adapted to your dog,
- a canicross belt or harness for yourself,
- a line or leash with shock absorber to connect you over a distance of 2 meters,
- a muzzle adapted for category 2 dogs, so you can breathe and drink.
For yourself, make sure you wear comfortable sportswear with reflective and heat-insulating features. You’ll need running shoes. Spiked shoes are forbidden for the dog’s safety. You’ll also need compression sleeves, a hat and a windbreaker.
Canicross competition: rules to remember
What distance should I cover in the competition? The answer depends on the rider. In the children’s category, the distance varies between 1 and 2 km. In the adult category, it varies between 5 and 9 km. On the other hand, the answer depends on the dog’s ability. If your dog is no longer able to run, you should stop the race.
Under penalty of law, you must not abuse your dog for any reason. It’s also strictly forbidden to pull or drag your dog, except to put him back on the track. It’s up to him to pull you in this sport. These prohibitions also apply to you with regard to the other dogs in the race. Remember that the aim is to go out and come back together. You must therefore remain attentive to your dog’s condition and make sure you refresh him, whatever the distance to be covered, without blocking the way for the others.
Between runners, you must observe the rules of good manners. It is forbidden to physically or verbally abuse another runner, under penalty of disqualification. This also applies to you, judges and volunteers. You must make it easier to overtake other runners by running to the side and holding your dog firmly. You must prevent your dog from disturbing your opponents or other runners.
Once you’ve passed all the necessary checks to take part in the race, your dog will be tattooed or microchipped. The winning duo is the one whose dog reaches the finish line. Scoring takes place when the dog’s muzzle crosses the finish line, unless the chip has a stopwatch.
More than a competition, canicross is above all a moment of complicity and leisure with your dog. Take part in the competition and enjoy yourself, while respecting the rules and regulations.
