Canicross Conversations

In the final episode of 2024, Louise and Michelle take a look back at some of their favourite canicross stories of the podcast. What's yours?

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Lisa from Mantrailing Global all about this exciting and accessible canine activity.   Mantrailing is a sport teaching dogs to find people by following their unique scent trail. All dog's have a natural ability to hunt and mantrailing provides them with an outlet to do this in a safe, controlled and constructive way. Lisa explains how this can have a ve...

In this Christmas-themed episode, Louise and Michelle tackle the challenges of keeping dogs safe and happy during the festive season, and chat about two important episodes they recorded last year: Episode 91: Ask the Vet – Christmas Food Dangers for Dogs Vet Nick discusses the biggest food-related hazards for dogs at Christmas. From toxic foods like chocolate, raisins, and onions to tummy-troublin...

The festive season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a collection of inspiring reads? 🎄📚 In Episode 142 of Canicross Conversations, we’re revisiting some of the most memorable books featured on the podcast. From captivating memoirs and training guides, to cookbooks and stories of resilience, these books offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for inspiration or the...

In today's fascinating episode, Louise and Michelle chat to writer Paul Besley all about his experiences of finding and training his Mountain Rescue Search Dog, Scout. It's a fascinating episode full of insights into training a working dog, and the human-dog bond. Paul's book, The Search: The life of a mountain rescue search dog team is out now

Those regular listeners amongst you will know the running joke that Michelle has never participated in a canicross race with her dog Poppy. She has finally found a brand new event close to her, and on this episode quizzes Trail Blazing Events Director Richard McQuilton-Morgan all about the race. It will be the first canicross event Richard has hosted too, so it makes for an interesting episode. We...

Louise and Michelle chat to Clara Hewson, founder of The Muzzle Movement , about establishing a change in people's perceptions of muzzles, and creating a muzzle which allows dogs to drink, eat and pant fully. Find out the best way to accustom a dog to being comfortable with a muzzle, and inappropriate use of muzzles. We also ask Clara to bust a myth about muzzles in our newest feature. 

In this episode, we chat to Dr Juliet McGrattan, author, speaker and former GP, about running and alcohol.   We answer all the common questions, such as: - is a daily glass of red wine really good for our health? - is that post-race beer helpful? - can you sweat out a hangover? - how does alcohol affect sleep quality and recovery? - is there a safe amount of alcohol consumption for athletes that w...

In this episode, Louise and Michelle welcome back journalist and business coach Rachel Spencer for a chat about how to build good habits. We chat about what a habit is (and isn't!), how to make habits stick, and how to overcome the obstacles that keep us from making long-lasting changes. We also talk about strategies to stop habits that might not be so helpful to us as well. Whether you're working...

Louise and Michelle quiz broadcaster and fellow podcaster Anna Harding about her experience of canicrossing and running throughout pregnancy, and how she has felt getting back into it as a new parent. We also chat about introducing a new baby to the family dog.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Nicky Edwards, a physiotherapist and experienced marathon runner. Together, they question Nicky on the key aspects we should be focusing on in training to help us prevent injury, including: strength training mobility recovery adapting training as we age the dangers of overtraining optimising training around hormonal changes, including menopause how to a...

We know parkrun no longer allows canicross, BUT we also know a lot of you have many happy memories of parkrun as it turns 20 years old, and we also know many of you still run with your dog there (allowing for the new rules around dogs). Canicross Conversations wants to celebrate the world of parkrun on its 20th birthday, so Louise and Michelle chat to Lucy Waterlow , author of new book The Ultimat...

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to canicrosser Tamara Beach , who tells us about how she manages to fit in a high volume of training by training like a triathlete. It's a fascinating episode about finding the right training methods for you, and Tamara certainly has her sights on some big goals! 

In this episode, we follow on from our last episode with Gail Irvine, and chat to Susan Fraser who has been helping Gail's boys, Robert and William to get into the sport of canicross, by loaning dogs to race, and accompanying them to competitions. 

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle chat to Gail Irvine of Team Irvine Gail shares her own journey, and her family’s involvement in canicross, particularly her experiences in the sport with her young sons. Tune in as Gail provides valuable tips for getting youngsters involved in canicross and competing. From choosing the right dog to managing the demands of training, sh...

In this unique episode of Canicross Conversations, we switch things up as Tracey Powiesnik from No Fuss Fill asks Louise and Michelle the questions! Tracey is eager to start her canicross journey with her Springer Spaniel, Harvey, and she’s come prepared with all the questions beginners need to know. Find out: the basic principles of canicross and how it differs from regular running with your dog...

In this insightful episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle chat to dog behaviourist Alex Cooper, from Coxhill Behaviour. Alex shares her wealth of knowledge on managing reactive dogs, and effective muzzle training. This episode covers: primary causes of reactivity; how to identify triggers: steps to manage reactivity; desensitization versus avoidance; training tools and techniques;...

This podcast episode focuses on the importance of dog safety while travelling. Sharon from TransK9 discusses the benefits of using secure dog boxes, designed to keep dogs safe during travel.  The conversation delves into the design and manufacturing process of TransK9 boxes, which are all made in Scotland to high standards. The boxes are crafted to fit specific vehicles and include features like a...

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Furr Boost creator Louise Toal about how her background in the food industry helped her to find a way to help her dog stay hydrated through illness. Find out her top tips for hydration, and also the insider info on what it's like working with a real life Dragon!   This episode is sponsored by Non-stop Dogwear Join Non-stop in London for a fun and active...

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to Hannah Kent, dog walker and canicross coach, about how her "difficult" dogs being kicked out of training inspired her to look at canicross, and she's never looked back. This episode is a real celebration of how canicross is for everyone, even - and perhaps, especially - those dogs labelled as "difficult".  

In this episode, Michelle and Louise learn about the roots of Non Stop Dogwear from co-founder Fredrik. It's a fascinating episode into research and development of new products, and we're interested to learn about the rising popularity of canicross in Asia and South Afrria, and how Non Stop are helping with education about dog welfare.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to World Champion dog sledder Vicki Pullin. This is a fascinating dive into the training, mindset and determination of an elite athlete. 

In today's episode, Louise and Michelle chat to veterinary surgeon and orthopaedic specialist, and fellow podcaster, Rob Adams, to bust some myths about running with dogs. We chat about: The 5 minute per month rule How old should your dog be to start running? How far is too far? Recovery from injury Knowing when to retire your dog from canicross The benefits of supplementation for joints It's a fa...

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to ultrarunner Susie Chan all about her dogs, and ultra running. We find out why her dog Roy is so named in an exclusive story never told before, and hear about a dog she encountered in the desert who joined in the multi-day race with the competitors.  Susie's new book, Trails and Tribulations , is out now

Want to stay active over summer while keeping your dog safe in the heat? Peter Howse of Devon Howlers has just the challenge for you, with his Newnham Bark Sprint Challenge. Tune in for all the details and join the Newnham Bark Sprint Challenge Facebook page here