Canitrail is a booming sports discipline, which combines running and complicity with your dog. Ideal for lovers of animals and outdoor activities, canitrail helps strengthen the bonds between man and his best friend, while enjoying the benefits of sport.
What is canitrail?
Canitrail is a variant of trail running, which is practiced in the company of your dog. The goal is to walk trails in the middle of nature, generally in the mountains or in the forest, while running with your dog. The routes vary in distance and difficulty.
What does it consist of?
Canitrail requires both stamina and the complicity between the runner and his dog. The dog, equipped with a specific harness, is connected to the runner by an elastic lanyard and a harness. This system allows the dog to pull the rider lightly and help them on climbs, while leaving enough distance to avoid collisions. Runners, on the other hand, must adapt their stride and speed to that of their four-legged friend.
Canitrail is a sport that encourages cooperation and teamwork. The duo must learn to understand each other, to anticipate each other's reactions and to adapt to the conditions on the ground. This complicity is essential to succeed in crossing the trails and the differences in altitude encountered during a canitrail.
To practice canitrail, it is important to respect certain conditions:
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Age: The dog must be at least 12 months old for short trails and 18 months old for longer trails, in order to maintain its growth and health. Likewise, runners must be of legal age or accompanied by an adult.
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Health : it is essential that the dog and the runner are in good health and able to practice sport. A medical certificate and an up-to-date vaccination record for the dog are generally required during competitions.
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The Equipment : the dog must be equipped with a specific harness for canitrail, which distributes traction throughout its body. The runner should use a harness and an elastic lanyard to connect to the dog. Shoes adapted to the terrain and weather conditions are also essential.
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The training: Before starting canitrail, it is recommended to follow a gradual and adapted preparation, both for the runner and for the dog. It is important to strengthen stamina, running technique and the complicity between the two partners.
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Respect for the environment and other participants : Canitrail practitioners must take care to respect nature and the trails they use, by avoiding leaving waste and by respecting protected areas. They must also show fair play and mutual aid with other runners and dogs encountered on the course.
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Local regulations : before participating in a canitrail, it is essential to find out about local regulations concerning access to trails and natural areas with a dog, as well as the specific conditions of the breed.
The benefits of canitrail
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Strengthening the link between humans and animals: The teamwork and complicity developed during training and breeds strengthen the relationship between the runner and his dog.
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Improving physical condition: Canitrail allows you to work on endurance, strength and coordination, while enjoying the benefits of outdoor sports.
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Socialization: Races and training are often an opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and to socialize your dog with other congeners.
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Discovering new landscapes: Canitrail allows you to explore magnificent trails and natural landscapes, while sharing this experience with your four-legged friend.
