CaniX Column - CaniX updates

For those fans of running with dog's below we have two updates direct from CaniX. Have a read and if you are interested on learning more then either contact Gilly Wight in the Leeds Central store or go direct to the www.canix.co.uk  site

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CaniX Column

In this month’s column by Eileen Cook, who runs CaniX UK (competitive cross-country racing with dogs), with her husband Richard looks at exercising puppies safely. The couple have 2 fully grown Siberian Huskies and a young Husky puppy, called Chilli, who will be trained up for the 2012 European CaniX championships in Britain.

Taking on a puppy is not something you do lightly. When awake, puppies are full-on and require constant attention – when asleep, it’s hard to believe that little ball of fluff can get up to such mischief e.g. your 5 kg puppy does not cause problems when it jumps up at you, once it is 30 kg you may not feel the same.

With this in mind, it’s easy to think that with such an abundance of energy, your puppy can be – or even should be – exercised extensively. While the mind may be willing in the young dog, we as owners have to be aware of the long-term damage of over exercising a puppy.

Be mindful that dogs have soft growth plates in their arms that need to harden up before you push them. That’s why at CaniX, we recommend that dogs under one year old should not enter 5km races, and those younger than two years old should not compete in races of 10km or over. Large breeds may mature later so consult your vet if unsure.

Remember also that keeping your puppy happy is not just about physical stimulation; it’s about mental stimulation too.

Provide it with toys and enroll in a puppy-training class, which can provide mental stimulation through training – while also providing you, the owner, with tips on how to teach basic commands. It will also give your young dog a chance to mix with other puppies. Most vets can provide a list of reputable dog trainers and puppy classes.

Putting the care, time and effort into training in the initial months will pay-off with a rewarding, loyal and trusting friendship between you and your dog.

For more advice and info on running with dogs, visit www.canix.co.uk

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At CaniX, we know every dog is a champion, pairing up with their owners to compete in cross-country races of different lengths. There is no other sport where dogs work in such unison with their owner to cross a finishing line.

While humans get to race in stunning scenery, the dogs get to play in the great outdoors, making it a win-win for all that take part.
For Crufts, we developed a 2km sprint race that went from the main arena out to the lake and around it.

Rescue dogs, pedigrees and cross breeds enjoyed the blast through the fresh air, and in the process, helped promote healthy living for humans and canines alike. Every age, shape and size of human and dog took part, as they do in the many CaniX races held across the UK.

Like all CaniX races,CaniX Crufts had a friendly competitiveness about it, meaning some took part for the fun of it and others took part to win - but everyone had a great day out.

The support from the audience was amazing. If you were there cheering us along, thank you, maybe Richard and I will see you at a CaniX race near you.

Unfortunately there is not enough room here to print all the winners, but they know who they were, and results can be found on the CaniX website. Richard and I again congratulate them. To everyone else who took part, we want to say thank you, you all made the event the huge success it was.

To find out more about CaniX visit www.canix.co.uk