Talk Canicross DogFit

We are delighted to have  Daisy Hickman on this episode, she is one of our Ambassadors and a regular Canicrosser.

For ten years, Daisy dedicated herself to long-distance trails and club running events, however six years ago, began experiencing debilitating panic attacks during her runs. 

After numerous medical tests she was eventually diagnosed with exercise induced panic attacks and the pleasure of running seemed completely lost.

However enter Pepper, who came as a puppy and when she was old enough gave Daisy the confidence to consider running again.  As well as being great company Pepper became Daisy's anxiety antidote. The connection they shared on the trails made Daisy feel less alone, providing a distraction from anxiety and a sense of being looked after. 

The power of Canicross is a remarkable thing and so interesting to hear about their journey.

You can follow Daisy and Peppers adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petalpawsdaisy/

For more information about Canicross, kit and how to run with your dog, please visit: https://dogfit.co.uk/

If you are a regular follower of DogFit you’ll know that at the heart of everything we do and stand for is a passion to spread the positive word of Canicross and its inclusivity for all - and when we say ‘all’ that’s people and dogs of course.

So when four-time Paralympian Jess Tuomela contacted us about her desire to join the team as a DogFit Trainer, we were beyond excited. And even more so when she agreed to speak with us on our podcast today. Jess lost her sight at 3 years old, but this didn't stop her; she is a complete inspiration.

Do you have an anxious, reactive or nervous dog and think Canicross is the last thing you would be able to do with them, especially with a group of people and their dogs?

Well, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that Canicross can be a positive experience for your dog, and we have countless examples over the years of people who have seen their dogs transform into confident and focused dogs who simply want to run and enjoy being part of a pack.

Ginetta and I receive enquiries pretty much every week from people who want to try Canicross but are worried their dog may not be suitable for Canicross, so we wanted to address that today and hopefully allay any fears you may have.

We are joined by Lynzi Mulford who is our DogFit Trainer based in Shoreham. Lynzi has vast experience in helping nervous and reactive dogs. In fact, her own dog that she runs with, River, is reactive. And it’s on the back of her experiences with River that Lynzi receives enquiries from people who want the same positive results with their dogs. So we thought, who better to have on our podcast?

If you would like to start Canicrossing with your dog, we can help you both every step of the way.

www. dogfit.co.uk

On the 29 September 2023 our friend and fellow Canicrosser, Sue-Lee faced every dog owner’s worst nightmare.

While she was away on holiday, her Labrador Darwin was being cared for by a friend. However he managed to unexpectedly barge out of the front door and bolt up the road. It was nightime, and reports then came that a large black dog had been hit by a car and then had run off out of sight into the woods. Sue was contacted immediately, and she flew straight back from holiday to find her dog.

Given that Darwin had disappeared in a built-up area that he knew well, you might think that he would have been found quite quickly. However, it was over six weeks before he was caught and reunited with Sue Lee.

We wanted to share this story with our listeners, as lots of valuable things to learn about how dogs start to behave differently when they are lost.

Here are links to the groups that were key in helping Sue find Darwin.

https://m.facebook.com/SolsticeMissingDogs/https://m.facebook.com/groups/DroneSARForLostDogsUK/?locale=en_GBhttps://m.facebook.com/lostdogrecoveryuksouth/

If you would like to know more about Canicross or looking for kit, classes for support, please visit:
https://dogfit.co.uk/

We’re joined by DogFit Trainer Manda Crofts. Manda runs Canicross sessions with her dog Arlo. She is also a personal trainer and perimenopause specialist coach and has been empowering women to feel fitter, stronger, healthier and energised for over 8 years.

Manda helps women ditch yo-yo dieting and thrive through menopause with her personalised online coaching and today she’s going to share some of this knowledge and also explain why exercise is so important.



Below are links to the websites mentioned.

If you are looking to start Canicrossing with your dog, we can help with advice, kit and support.

https://dogfit.co.uk/



You can find out more about Manda and her services here:

Website - https://www.movewithmanda.co.uk/ 



https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/body-identical-hormones-factsheet/ - body identical hormone information

https://www.themenopausecharity.org/ - The Menopause Charity

https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/menopause-workplace-pledge/ - Menopause workplace pledge

Hannah Robinson is a huge dog lover with a big heart. So much so, she has adopted two Tripawd Vizsla girls, Nula and Maple, from the wonderful charity Vizslamentes. In fact, Hannah drove all the way to Hungary in 2022 to meet Maple and bring her back to her new forever home in the UK.

For anyone who hasn’t come across the word Tripawd, this is an affectionate term for dogs with three legs. That doesn’t stop them from Canicrossing though as you are about to find out!

Hannah shares her very special story about her beautiful girls and how they are her world.

If you would like to read our blog and see pictures of Hannah and her lovely dogs, please visit:

https://blog.dogfit.co.uk/2023/10/canicrossing-with-a-tripawd-dog/