WORKING WITH YOUR ALASKAN MALAMUTE - CANICROSS

[Johan Mostert]

What is Canicross:

The term canicross is of European origin. Cross means to move cross
country. Canicross is cross country with your dog. Canicross is the
sport of running or walking your dog in harness with equipment similar
or the same used for skijoring. Canicross is not simply walking the
dog. Running with a dog on a leash is not canicross. In canicross the
dog pulls you, just like in skijoring. Your hands are free because
your dog is attached at the belt.

What is required:

You need a hip musher belt, a ganline with an integrated shock cord
(bungee) and a long distance harness for the dog.

Competition:

Canicross events are held in combination with other mushing
activities. Competitors are started individually and the distances run
may range from 2 to 5 kilometers and run over fairly level terrain on
grass, dirt, gravel, sand or similar surfaces. Asphalt and concrete
are avoided.

Events are usually held early mornings over weekends. Competitors must
use the same dog in all heats of the event if held over more than one
single day and the length of the line between the competitor and the
dog is regulated, generally between 2,13 and 3,65 meters.

Safety:

Ambient temperatures exceeding certain limits may be cause for
cancellation of events as the safety of dogs and humans is of
paramount concern.

Social Activity:

It can also be done as a social activity between yourself and you dog
by just walking your dog using the same equipment.