Crufts & What Do You Wish You Had Known When Starting Canicross? (Episode 199)

Louise and Michelle catch up after Louise’s busy few days at Crufts and share a behind-the-scenes look at what the event was really like, from the exhibition floor.   From long days on the stand and meeting listeners in person, to fitting first-time runners with canicross kit and chatting to dog lovers curious about the sport, this is a warm, honest and practical conversation about what makes canicross so appealing.   They reflect on just how much interest there is in canicross right now, especially from people who already run with their dogs but may not yet realise how much difference the right kit, knowledge and support can make.   The episode also explores some of the most common questions beginners ask, including how to get started safely, what equipment you actually need, whether you have to race, and how to build both your own fitness and your dog’s confidence over time.   Alongside Louise’s Crufts stories, Michelle shares her experience of coaching total beginners through taster sessions, with advice on stopping, starting, cue words and why going slowly in the early days matters so much. They also talk about finding local clubs, learning trail skills, and remembering that canicross should be fun, flexible and right for both dog and human.   To round things off, they share brilliant listener contributions about the things people wish they had known when they first started. Expect encouragement, useful beginner tips, plenty of relatable moments, and a reminder that canicross can be as social, supportive and addictive as you want it to be.   Timings 0.00 – Louise is back, Pickle is recovering, and the chat turns to Crufts 0.45 – Why this episode was inspired by conversations on the Crufts stand 2.22 – Best beginner episodes to go back and listen to first 3.04 – Behind the scenes at Crufts and Michelle’s social media role from home 5.00 – What Crufts is really like, from stand setup to five huge halls of dog-related shopping 7.29 – Who brings dogs to Crufts and the rise of dog influencers and ambassadors 9.42 – Louise meets service dogs, handlers and potential future podcast guests 10.04 – What a typical day on the stand looked like and the most popular kit 11.12 – The kinds of questions beginners were asking about canicross 13.02 – Why canicross is easier with some guidance and support 14.43 – Michelle’s top beginner tips from coaching taster sessions 16.03 – Why stop cues come before speed, and how to start introducing commands 17.42 – Why joining a club can make all the difference 18.31 – Teaching the “let’s go” cue and building enthusiasm 19.30 – You do not have to race to enjoy canicross 19.58 – Why getting kit fitted properly is so important 20.10 – Building your dog up slowly in harness, even if they already run 21.49 – Don’t forget your own running fitness and strength work 22.37 – Listener tips: what people wish they had known before starting canicross 24.39 – Wet feet, trail shoes and why mud comes with the territory 26.26 – Why trails are better than roads, and where trail beginners can start 27.06 – Unexpected speed boosts, prey drive and why canicross can become addictive 29.13 – More podcast resources for beginners and kit nerds 30.51 – Final encouragement for anyone thinking about giving canicross a go 32.19 – Louise reflects on meeting listeners at Crufts 33.22 – Final call for listener tips, guest suggestions and sharing the podcast   Links mentioned in the episode

• Episode 37 – an early episode on starting out in canicross
• Episode 130 – beginner Q&A with Tracey from No Fuss Fill
• Episode 44 – trail shoes episode with Georgie
• Episode 27 – Jason Pascoe on harnesses
• Episode 94 – Jason Pascoe on dog coats
• Episode 125 – Fredrik, founder of Non-stop, on the brand story
• Episode 192 – Track and Trail Canine Outfitters on strength-tested harnesses
• Ultra Women episode(s) with Lily Canter – mentioned as a useful related listen
• List of canicross clubs around the country – to help listeners find a local club
• Canicross Conversations Instagram reel – community tips on what people wish they had known
• Goodwoof – upcoming event Louise mentions