Different Games, One Passion: Canicross - The Joy of Running with Dogs

Shauna Alcock is an avid runner and dog lover from Calgary who found the perfect blend in Canicross. With experience in related sports like Bikejoring and Skijoring, Shauna enjoys being outdoors year-round. She is the founder of Team Potato, a Canicross group on Facebook. 

Q: Can you describe Canicross as a sport and its popularity in Canada?

Canicross is a sport that allows humans and dogs to run in sync, using the dog’s power and forward motion to help the runner move faster. While it can be done with more basic equipment, Canicross generally uses a special type of harness for both the human and the dog, along with a bungee leash that allows the pulling and forward motion to happen safely. Canicross is very popular in eastern Canada in places like Quebec, where mushing sports have a long history, but it is gaining traction in Western Canada as well.

Q: What got you into Canicross, and how did you tackle the initial challenges??

I started Canicross with my dog when I realized she needed more of an outlet than just regular walks - she wanted to go faster than we were going. I did some online research and found a Facebook group that gave me tips on how to start properly, and one of the members let me try all of her gear. I ordered an x-back (pulling) harness online and the rest was history! At first, the struggle was getting my dog to move forward in a straight line - she would turn around and jump into me sometimes. Needless to say, this didn't make the running very enjoyable, so I even gave up for a while at first. We kept at it and found other people to run with, which I think was the motivation we needed to keep trying and improve.

Q: You run the Canicross group Team Potato, can you tell us more about it?

I started a Facebook group for those interested in Canicross to meet up for more casual runs and feel motivated by running with human and dog friends in Calgary. We named our group "Team Potato" as the majority of us are "wannabe-athletes" who just do this stuff for fun, but aren't that focused on winning. We aim to foster a welcoming environment that makes people want to return and hopefully enjoy running and exercising with their dogs!

Q: Do you also incorporate related sports like Bikejoring and Skijoring?

Absolutely! Bikejoring is an excellent way to get more kilometers in if you have a high-energy dog, or if you aren't keen on running. Skijoring is also a fantastic way to get out with your dog and enjoy the colder winter months - I absolutely love it. The groundwork is always important though, and it is highly encouraged to get out with your dog for a few walks, runs, or hikes first to practice your verbal cues before adding speed into the mix! There are a few places around Alberta that allow dogs on cross-country ski trails and some cities have regulations about dogs being attached to bicycles, so if you decide to participate in these sports, you'll have to check regulations in the parks and green spaces near you.

Q: What does training and conditioning look like for both dogs and handlers?

Generally, any dog can do Canicross, but how fast and long the dog can go depends on a variety of factors, including their physical fitness - just like humans. If you want to progress and get faster or aim for competitions, then you will have to start building up your dog's fitness level slowly - starting with shorter distances and building over time. Rest days are important to avoid injury, as well as an at-home conditioning program. For training of cues, an in-person or virtual workshop is the best way to learn - teaching your dog cues such as left and right, or "gee" and "haw", and "on by" (keep on moving). I also like to add in cues to ask my dog to go faster or slower, or an emergency stop.

Q: What training schedules and conditioning routines do you follow?

We usually run 1-2 times a week, and in the winter we add Skijoring as well. It's generally pretty casual, unless we are preparing for a race. Race paces are hard to match without the race atmosphere, so running in groups will help you prepare! I generally aim for fun when I run Canicross with my dog; the experience is more important than the time or pace most of the time. We love running trails in places like West Bragg Creek or Nose Hill Park, which have lots of options. We even run in the winter when it's not too cold! We have also added physio exercises in twice per week at home to work on strength and conditioning, which helps prepare for runs. I also train at the gym to keep myself in shape! And with any exercise or sport, rest days are important. If we have a long Canicross run or Skijor, I usually give my dog 1-2 days rest (light exercise) after.

Q: Can you tell us about Canicross competitions in Canada?

As the sport is still gaining popularity, there aren't many Canicross competitions in western Canada just yet. There are usually events that are held locally where placements are given, and some are qualifying events for higher-level competitions. Generally, the races are open to anyone with a dog and the right equipment, but those who move on to compete nationally or even internationally are top-notch athletes. They are great runners and have dogs that are bred for this. They can be tough to beat! However, anyone can compete if you practice enough and you and your dog are conditioned enough. Many Canicross events are short and fast. If you are interested in progressing to higher levels, you can enter races and contact your local club to find out more.

Q: How is it to participate in a Canicross competition?

Competitions can be really fun, but stressful! Your dog generally knows the "race environment" and will be hyped up and ready to go after they've experienced it a time or two. Most races are single-start only, but some are mass starts, so you’ll need to know what you're getting into ahead of time. It can be really fun to push yourself and test your training in a competition environment.

Skijoring and other winter events happen during the winter season - Canicross happens only during what is called “dryland season," which, depending on the weather and who you ask, generally runs from about September to November. Sometimes they’re also held in April and May, but there is a very small window between when the snow melts, the ground is dry enough, and the weather is cool enough to safely run dogs for dryland sports.

Q: How is Canicross judged?

Canicross competitions are generally judged solely based on time - some events are split into gender categories, or age categories, but this depends largely on the number of entries and the level at which you are competing. Most of the events I have competed in give overall times based on first place, second place, third place, and so on. For some winter events, they will have a separate "Northern Breed" category, but most people who run Canicross aren't running with northern breeds!

Q: Are there particular breeds that are more suitable for competition? What other considerations exist for selecting a suitable dog?

Generally, the sled dog breeds that are created for pulling in slightly warmer climates will do best at Canicross - German Shorthaired Pointers, Greysters (a mix of Greyhound and German Shorthaired Pointers), Eurohounds (a mix of Siberian Husky and German Shorthaired Pointers) - or dogs who do well with running fast, such as Belgian Malinois or Border Collies. If you are looking to compete and win, then definitely invest in a dog bred for the sport. However, any dog that loves to run can do it! I run with a bully breed mix, and although she isn’t the speediest dog, she definitely has some "go" when she feels like going fast.

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in starting Canicross?

Just get out and try it! Do some reading online, research your gear, take a virtual or in-person course - or just start with the gear you have, borrow other people's until you feel comfortable enough to purchase your own. The sport is growing, but so many people get stuck on how to get started - it isn't as challenging as it looks! I truly believe Canicross can be so enjoyable and such a stress relief for both people and dogs, so don't be afraid to start!

A big thank you to Shauna for sharing her Canicross experience with our readers – we really appreciate it!

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K9Force (2025, April). Canicross - The Joy of Running with Dogs K9Force April 2025

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Images courtesy of Wendy Devenet, Shauna Alcock, Donna Kroeger