Stronger Together: What Canicross Has Done for Me and Molly

I didn't get into Canicross because I was chasing a new sport, I got into it because I needed a better outlet for Molly.

She has always had a high prey drive. The kind where most of the time her recall was solid, until it was not. If something more exciting caught her attention, her ears would just switch off completely. And if you have ever had a dog like that, you will know how frustrating and honestly a bit stressful that can be.

I knew she needed more than just walks. She needed something that actually matched that drive.

Canicross ended up being exactly that.

It Became Our Thing

The first time we properly ran together, it was not perfect, but it felt right.

Molly finally had a clear job. Run forward, pull, focus. Instead of me constantly calling her back or managing distractions, we were moving in the same direction with the same goal.

It stopped being me trying to control her and started being us working together.

Now when the harness comes out, I do not get hesitation. I get pure excitement. She knows exactly what it means.

Turning Drive Into Something Positive

This is probably the biggest change I have seen in her.

That prey drive did not disappear, it just got redirected. Instead of constantly scanning for the next distraction, she had something better to focus on. Something that actually satisfied that instinct to chase and move.

That said, real life still happens.

Pheasants breaking cover at dusk can mean instant acceleration. No warning, no build up, just go. Moments like that remind me that the instinct is still very much there.

The difference now is that it is not a constant battle. She has an outlet, and those moments are just that, moments, not the whole walk.

The difference at home was (and is) massive.

She is more settled, more relaxed, and overall just happier. It is like giving her that outlet took the edge off everything else.

Building Trust Instead of Fighting It

Before Canicross, a lot of our effort went into recall, calling her away from things she found exciting.

Now it feels like we are not constantly in that push and pull.

When we run, I trust her to do her job out front, and she trusts me to guide her when needed. We have built communication in a completely different way, through movement, not just commands.

It is not about shutting down her instincts anymore. It is about working with them.

It Is Not Always Smooth and That Is Okay

There are runs where something catches her eye, the pace is off, or I am wondering why I thought this was a good idea halfway up a hill. And yes, sometimes there is a surprise burst of speed thanks to something darting out of a hedge. But those moments are part of it.

Every run, good or messy, builds that connection a little bit more.

Learning to Slow Down

This part has been the hardest to accept.

Molly is 10 now. She is not the same dog who could power through every run without a second thought. She is slower, she tires more quickly, and our runs look different than they used to.

If I am honest, that has been tough.

Because when something means this much, when it is your thing together, you do not want it to change. But it's not gone. It has just evolved.

She still loves it. You can see it in her face, in the way she leans into the harness, in that little burst of energy when we set off.

Now I let her set the terms a bit more.

If she wants to run, we run.

If she wants to slow down, we slow down.

If she is done, we stop.

No pressure. No expectations. Just meeting her where she is.

In a strange way, that has deepened our bond even more.

Why It Has Been a Game Changer for Us

Canicross gave Molly something she genuinely needed, a job that made sense to her.

For me, it took away that constant worry about what if she runs off and replaced it with something much more positive.

We are not just managing her behaviour anymore, we are using it.

Now we are learning something new together again. How to adapt, how to listen, and how to keep doing what we love in a way that works for both of us.

It is not just about the miles we used to run.

It is about the fact that even now, we are still out there, doing it together.

Ready for Your Own Adventure

If you're reading this and thinking your dog might need more than just the same daily walk, you are probably right.

You do not have to figure it out on your own.

As a fully qualified Canicross coach, I offer

• Kit fitting with a wide range of styles and sizes, because the right fit makes all the difference for comfort and safety

• One to one introduction sessions to get you and your dog started properly and help to build your trust in each other

• Small group sessions to build confidence, skills and friendships

• Discounts on kit through K9 Trail Time

  
  

This is about more than running.

It is about giving your dog a job they love and building something together that actually means something.

If you are curious, take that first step.

You might just find it becomes your thing too.

Get in touch to find out more and book your session:

jules@noseandpawsactive.co.uk