Cani-Fit FAQs

It is so easy to get started in this wonderful sport. We have put together a “Getting Started On Canicross” guide which is available to read here.

As always we are here to help so for anything else we may not have covered in this guide – please do not hesitate to get in touch!.

The image below provides accurate instructions for measuring your dog for a canicross harness. Please ensure the measurments are accurate and double check them as the comfort and correct fit for your dog is paramount.

Below is a size guide showing you what size harness would best suit your dog.

Small

Neck (A-B) 15 – 19cm / 6 – 7.5″ Back (A-E) Upto 18cm / 7″ Chest (B-C) Upto 23cm / 9″ Waist (E-D) 44 – 54cm / 17 – 21″

Example: Cairn Terriers,Westies

Small/Medium

Neck (A-B) 16 – 20cm / 6.5 – 8″ Back (A-E) Upto 29cm / 11.5″ Chest (B-C) Upto 29cm / 11.5″ Waist (E-D) 50 – 60cm / 20 – 24″

Example: Border Collie

Medium

Neck (A-B) 19 – 23cm / 7.5 – 9″ Back (A-E) Upto 37cm / 14.5″ Chest (B-C) Upto 32cm/12.5″ Waist (E-D) 60 – 70cm / 23.5 – 27.5″

Example: Bitch Husky/GSD/Labrador, Boxer

Medium/Large

Neck (A-B) 22 – 26cm / 9 – 10″ Back (A-E) Upto 35cm / 14″ Chest (B-C) Upto 37cm / 14.5″ Waist (E-D) 60 – 70cm / 23.5 – 27.5″

Large

Neck (A-B) 23 – 27cm / 9 – 11″ Back (A-E) Upto 40cm / 16″ Chest (B-C) Upto 42cm / 16.5″ Waist (E-D) 66cm – 76cm / 26 – 30″

Example: Dog Husky/GSD/Labrador, Rottweiller

Extra Large

Neck (A-B) 29 – 33cm / 11.5 – 13″ Back (A-E) Upto 46cm / 18″ Chest (B-C) Upto 46cm / 18″ Waist (E-D) 80 – 90cm / 31.5 – 35.5″

Example: Alaskan Malamute

Size Max Neck Opening Neck Circumference Breed Examples

3 35cm 28-33cm Parson Russel Terrier
4 40cm 33-36cm English Cocker Spaniel
5 44cm 36-40cm Border Collie
6 48cm 40-44cm Hungarian Vizsla
7 52cm 44-48cm German Shorthaired Pointer
8 56cm 48-52cm German Shepherd
9 60cm 52-56cm Alaskan Malamute

Not at all! Although we do have experienced people in our groups, everyone has to start somewhere so we run classes that begin at the very bottom and will help you work your way up. As long as both you and your dog are physically healthy enough to take part in exercise, then we have a class level that is suitable for you. The main aim at Cani-Fit is for it to be fun for you and your dog to train together so your starting fitness level is not something you should worry about. For more detail refer to the class level guides at the top of this page. If running isn’t for you then bikejor and scooter are other sports we specialise in.

You should have trainers to get started and some comfortable lightweight exercise clothing, something you can move freely in and that you don’t mind getting muddy. Trail shoes are the ideal but ordinary trainers will be enough to let you get started. Wellies are not suitable. In winter you will need a headtorch for the evening classes. We will lend newcomers the necessary canicross belt and bungee line.
Your dog should ideally have a well fitting comfortable harness – we can let newcomers borrow a canicross harness to let you get started – but in case we don’t have your dog’s size, please always bring their own walking gear as back up. You cannot use anything that is anti-pull. If you don’t have a harness, a plain flat collar will do (no choke or anti pull devices) but is not ideal – a harness will be far more comfortable for your dog to run in. If in doubt, get in touch.

If you are borrowing kit from us, please come along a bit earlier

The short answer is yes – as long as you are happy that you are in control of your dog and simply let us know that they like their space. We have had many success stories of dogs that suffer from things such as fear aggression really benefitting through the exercise and socialisation of Cani-Fit. Often people that attend our classes use a running muzzle on their dogs and find these an effective safety net. If you have any specific behaviour concerns before attending a class then please get in touch, we are happy to discuss.

That’s ok, most of the commands you need for canicross/bikejor will be new to you and them anyway. We work on a basis of ‘positive reinforcement’ and will help you and your dog work towards being pros at the commands needed ofr good canisports etiquette. All training is simple and effective, nothing complex, just fun based positive training for you both.

It’s very unlikely! The equipment that is used for canicross is specially designed to aid your balance and for shock absorption. We’ll also give you a few tricks of the trade to help you with balance and speed control.

Cani-Fit classes continue through rain, hail and shine (without the dogs when it’s too hot!). Sometimes though, weather conditions get the better even of the hardiest of us and weather can render the trails too unsafe for classes to go ahead. Such weather events are out with our control and so regrettably we are unable to offer refunds or transfers in these instances. We will endeavour to let you know in as much time as possible but often decisions cannot be made until shortly before the class is due to start. We advise that if weather conditions are adverse that you monitor our social media pages for announcements.

Please do not under any circumstances bring a dog to class or an event that you suspect might have kennel cough, has kennel cough or has been in contact with a dog that has kennel cough. Kennel cough is extremely infectious (i.e. it spreads through the air/through the environment, direct contact is not needed). Incubation period is two to fourteen days after exposure to an infected animal and dogs can be infectious before they show symptoms so please be very mindful of any possible exposure.

The main symptom is a harsh, hacking cough. Dogs may still eat and drink normally. Know what is normal for your dog.

If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to kennel cough or has the illness, do not attend class/event. Consult your veterinarian for further advice and assistance.

Class and event bookings already made which you are then unable to attend due to kennel cough are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a later class or event.

Dogs should not return to class until two weeks after the last cough.

If in doubt, do not risk it. Kennel cough can be extremely serious to young, old and infirm dogs, and will spread round a class like wildfire. We have people who attend classes in various locations so there is also the risk of passing the illness to other areas. Please do not take any risks.