What Age Can My Dog Start Canicross?
Is My Dog Old Enough For Canicross?
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One of the most common questions we receive is about puppies and young dogs.
While puppies can begin learning the foundations of canicross from an early age, structured running should wait until your dog’s body has finished developing.
Growth plates close at different ages depending on breed and individual development. Larger breeds generally mature later than smaller breeds.
What Puppies Can Learn
Before running begins, puppies can enjoy:
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* Harness familiarisation
* Recall training
* Directional cues
* Focus exercises
* Trail confidence
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These skills create strong foundations for future canicross success.
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They should not be pulling into a harness or running extensive distances while their bodies and skeletons are still developing.
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A good rule of thumb is that the longer it takes to introduce your dog, the better foundations you will have.
Every Dog Is Different
Age is only one factor. Confidence, fitness, health and maturity all play an important role.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is ready, professional guidance can help you make the right decision.
We welcome dogs from the age of 12 months into our training classes, however we can support your foundations of canicross introduction before this and provide guidance and information on a one to one and case by case basis.
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Not sure if your dog is ready for canicross? Get in touch and we’ll help you assess the next steps.