Participating in canicross competitions

 

What happens in canicross competitions? How long are the distances? What do my dog and I need to be able to do? Are we in the way of others? 

These kinds of questions often run through the minds of canicross enthusiasts who have not yet dared to compete. After reading this page, hopefully you will know a little better what to expect. If you are very unsure of your skills, go watch the next competitions or events. You will notice that the atmosphere at sled dog sports competitions is relaxed and beginners manage just fine. Especially the starts of multi-dog classes are interesting to watch for the unaccustomed, as the dogs are usually very eager to get on the race route. Or just bravely join in running!

Starting a sled dog sports career is easiest for most with canicross, so here we focus especially on participating in canicross competitions. Most things also apply to other classes. If canicross is not yet familiar to you as a sport, read more about canicross on our sport introduction page.

Canicross is the best cooperation between dog and human!

PLANNING TO PARTICIPATE IN CANICROSS COMPETITIONS?

• Information about upcoming canicross races can be found, for example, here: Valjakkourheilukilpailut ja -tapahtumat. In race announcements, the canicross series class abbreviations are DCM / DCW (canicross men/women). In Finland, so-called off-season sled dog sports competitions are held in spring and autumn, and winter competitions of course depending on snow conditions. Summers are the holiday and base fitness season for sled dog athletes, as hot weather is not suitable for sled dog sports. In competitions under the Finnish Sled Dog Sports Association, the international sled dog sports association's IFSS competition rules National rules complement the IFSS rules in national sled dog sports competitions and Finnish Championships.
• Find out the length of the distance. In official canicross classes, the distance is usually about 5 km, and in recreational canicross classes, the distance is most often 2-3.5 kilometers. The top canicross runners run at an average speed of about 18–20 km/h, but everyone can proceed at their own suitable running pace even in official competitions. So you definitely do not need to be in top shape to participate, nor match anyone else's running speed, but do take into account your dog's pulling experience and condition. Choose a distance and pace that are suitable for you. If you have previously only trained for one-kilometer pulls, it is unfair to your dog to start a 5-kilometer race “cold.” This is especially emphasized in faster sled dog sports that require good speed endurance from the dog, but it applies equally to canicross.
• Goal-oriented competitors train so that the dog always moves forward in a Pulling harness with the Pull line taut. If you are not aiming for the top, you can participate in canicross races even if your dog does not actually pull. According to the rules, it is enough that the dog simply moves voluntarily ahead of the person.  
• Practicing overtaking and being overtaken in advance is a good idea. The person coming from behind is responsible for announcing their intention to overtake. The one being overtaken must give space to the overtaker by moving to the other edge of the track (and if necessary, slow down and bring their dog closer so that the overtaking situation proceeds smoothly).
• Canicross race routes are gravel roads or softer forest trails. There is no asphalt, nor is it recommended as a running surface for training.
• The race route is marked, for example, with flag tape or signs.
• Check well in advance that your equipment is intact and complies with the rules. You can find more detailed information about the necessary equipment, for example, on Traildog's page: canicross.
• Check that your dog's vaccinations are valid, it is healthy, and that its age complies with the competition rules: dogs participating in sled dog sports competitions must be at least 18 months old.
• NOTE: A dog with aggressive tendencies has no place whatsoever in sled dog sports competitions, as tight overtaking situations inevitably occur. Bringing a dog that reacts with its teeth to competitions can, at worst, ruin another dog team's entire hobby and competition career.
• Competition license: In unofficial, low-threshold competitions, no license is required. In official competitions under the Finnish Sled Dog Sports Association, the competitor must have a paid competition license, hobby license, or competition-specific insurance fee. You can read more about licenses on VUL's website.

THE COURSE OF THE COMPETITION DAY AND COMPETITION PERFORMANCE

Packing list for canicross competitions

• Pulling harness
• Pull line 
• Pulling harness
• For the runner, trail running shoes with a grippy sole and, in addition to sportswear, warm clothing
• Vaccination certificate
• Water for both the dog and the runner
• Own water bowl (shared water bowls always increase the risk of disease transmission)
• A reward for the dog at the finish line
• A coat for the dog to keep muscles warm before and after the performance, if the weather is cool/windy
• A happy and open mind: competitions are a great way to learn more from other enthusiasts and the most important thing is that you get to surpass yourself together with your dog!

Before the competition performance

• Feeding and drinking: Before the sporting event, the dog should not have eaten for several hours, as food in the stomach increases the risk of gastric torsion. The dog should drink plenty of water both the previous evening and about 1.5-3 hours before the event. Water can be flavored, for example, with a small amount of meat or dog energy drink powder so that the dog drinks willingly.
• Arrive at the competition venue on time. At the registration point, you will receive your race number and start time.
• Before the competition, there is a mandatory competitor meeting for everyone, where the organizer goes through important competition-related matters and announces, for example, any last-minute route changes.
• Walking the race route, for example, after the competitor meeting is often still possible. It is a convenient way to warm up both the dog's and the runner's muscles. Sometimes walking the route is not possible due to scheduling or other reasons. Warm up the muscles raising your heart rate anyway and also warm up/stretch your dog. 
• Give your dog the opportunity to relieve itself just before the start.

Competition performance

• In Finnish sled dog sports competitions, a so-called pursuit start is almost always used, meaning teams are sent to the route one by one at certain intervals. The start interval between competitors is usually 30 seconds or 1 minute. This also applies to canicross classes. The start order may be drawn or arranged based on previous competition results so that the fastest start first.
• A competitor may have an assistant at the starting line who can, for example, hold the dog. 
• On the race route, smooth overtaking is aimed for. The one coming from behind must announce their intention to overtake with a loud voice, and the one being overtaken must give space by moving to the other edge of the track. The one being overtaken should, if necessary/possible, slow down/stop/take their dog closer to themselves. Overtaking must not be disturbed in the finish area either, but there the one being overtaken no longer needs to slow down.
• Remember even during race nerves that you and your dog are a team: by praising and encouraging your dog, you also gain more strength – both mental and physical!
• Don't stop immediately after crossing the finish line but move further to the side so there is a safe, empty space for everyone to arrive at the finish. Non-competitors may be at the finish to cheer the final sprint and receive and reward the dog, as long as they also give way to the competitors.

After the competition performance

• Thank your dog, return your race number, and offer your dog a small amount of drink.
• Don't stay still so that lactic acid doesn't build up in the muscles: take a short walk so the muscles can gradually recover from the strain. Remember extra clothing if needed for both yourself and the dog.
• After the athletic performance, the dog should be well calm before eating. Many offer, for example, a very small portion 30-60 minutes after the competition and a larger portion a couple of hours later. It is good to offer plenty of fluids with the food.
• Remember both your own and your dog's body care after the competition day: massage and light stretching promote recovery.
• If/when you are happy with your shared performance, you can look ahead and think about how to start preparing for the next challenge. And also invite friends to train and compete! 

See you at the races then! Follow the Tail!