There's an article in the "Weekend" section of today's Telegraph about one man's experience of trying cani-cross - organised running with dogs - with his springer spaniel.  I wondered - has anyone any experience of this? (I have no intention whatsoever of trying it, btw. :D :D :D )

There is a Cani-X meeting in Bracknell. They a have their own website. The sport has been going on here is the UK for a few years. Originally it was horses pulling people on skis, called skijor, then dogs and people on skis, but as we don't have snaow we have a cross country run with the dog.

The dogs have a chest harness to wear which is attached to the runner by a long cord, (you can buy a special line or some have said use a bungee elastic). The dog is NEVEr attached to the runner by his/her collar.

http://www.cookhosting.co.uk/mysharedaccounts/dogsports/cc_index.htm

They have a 2.5k run for beginners at Bracknell which you can have a go at, you can walk it as well. It is for any age of person. Extreme Cani-x is when a runner has two or more dogs with them.

I read something about it a while back where one of the rules is that the dog must run ahead of the human - I suppose to prove that that the dog's not being dragged along when it's too tired, or whatever. But that's no good for those of us who prefer our dogs at heel ... :(

If you visit the site it says the dogs can run at heel but must not run behind the handler for the dogs safety.

It's a non-starter for me, then. :( I prefer my dogs to follow me when we run rather than get in my way and trip me up.

cani cross is great fun apparently  there are often classes at the husky rallies.  i have never ran in one, i'm not that mad!!!!(and far too unfit!)   its a great way to exercise you and your dog, but i much prefer being on the rig and letting the doggies do the work 

I have this mental picture of my delinquent TM spotting a bird/deer/squirrel and going over to introduce himself - result would be me ending up either wrapped round a tree or being dragged behind him face down in the mud. I do have a great shar-pei I could borrow who I'm sure would be fantastic at it as I used to walk him and one of my pei in one of those husky belts. However I'm way too fat and unfit to do him any credit.

Tut Tut I am sure your TM is absolutely wonderful and the breeder is a fantastic charming incredibly handsome guy you must be so lucky to know him ,See you at Crufts Lovey
              Cheers Wes

JeanGenie,
If you read the information on the web link I posted above, you will see it clearly says ahead or at heel for the dog but not running behind.

Still no good for me, though.