Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
From a body builder and weightlifter who had never run until lockdown, to adopting a rescue dog and discovering canicross, Michelle chats to Helen Milton who tells us about her Egyptian rescue spaniel Riley.
Friday May 10, 2024
Canicross Story: Sue Round (Episode 115)
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Louise and Michelle chat to Sue Round about canicrossing in her fifties
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
Louise and Michelle chat to BBC newsreader and runner Sophie Raworth about starting canicross and her first race with Luna
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Running with small dogs - Reece Maltby and his Jack Russell (Episode 113)
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Louise and Michelle interview Reece Maltby about canicrossing with a Jack Russell
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Canicross Story: Chloe Connell (Episode 112)
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Chloe discovered canicross by accident when she was competing in agility at a dog show and was asked to take part in a canicross taster session - she soon discovered a talent for racing and a love of mud and is currently ranked 4th in Great Britain. Louise and Michelle chat to Chloe about her training, and her goals for the future.
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
In this episode of Canicross Conversations, the spotlight is on a crucial topic that many dog owners face: understanding and supporting anxious and reactive dogs. The episode features Sarah, the founder of the "Dogs in Yellow" initiative, who shares insights into her work and the importance of raising awareness for dogs that need a little extra space.
Sarah's journey began with her own dog, Bella, who displayed signs of anxiety and reactivity when interacting with other dogs and people. Recognizing the need for a way to communicate Bella's needs to others, Sarah came up with the idea of using a yellow ribbon or bandana as a signal that a dog requires space. As she explains: "The yellow ribbon or bandana is a universal symbol that signifies a dog needs some space or is anxious. It's a simple yet effective way to communicate without words." This initiative has gained momentum, with more dog owners embracing the concept and using it to advocate for their pets.
Challenges Faced by Anxious and Reactive Dogs
Anxious and reactive dogs face numerous challenges in their daily lives, from feeling overwhelmed in busy environments to struggling with social interactions. Sarah emphasizes the importance of understanding these challenges. By raising awareness and promoting empathy towards anxious and reactive dogs, we can create a more inclusive and understanding community for both dogs and their owners.
Yellow Space Zones: A Safe Haven for Dogs
One innovative solution that Sarah has introduced is the concept of "yellow space zones" at dog shows and events. These designated areas provide a calm and safe space for dogs and their owners to relax and recharge, away from the hustle and bustle of the event. Sarah shares her excitement about this new initiative, saying, "The idea is really exciting. It gives people a little bit of confidence to go out and try attending a dog show, knowing that there's a yellow space zone where their dog can feel safe and comfortable."
The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Dogs
Beyond physical exercise, dogs also benefit greatly from mental stimulation. Sarah highlights the importance of engaging dogs in activities that challenge their minds and keep them entertained, such as canicross and enrichment games. She shares, "Our dogs are bright, intelligent creatures. Canicross is a great activity that provides both physical and mental stimulation for them." By incorporating these activities into their daily routines, we can help reduce anxiety and improve the overall well-being of our furry friends.
The Future of the Dogs in Yellow Initiative
Looking ahead, Sarah hopes to see the Dogs in Yellow initiative gain even more support from trainers, behaviourists, and dog owners alike. She expresses her desire to see the yellow ribbon incorporated into training classes and socialization activities, stating, "The more you see it, the more you want it. That's how I feel. It would be really good to see the yellow involved in classes and things like that a lot more." By continuing to raise awareness and promote the yellow ribbon symbol, we can create a safer and more understanding environment for all dogs.
Understanding and supporting anxious and reactive dogs is crucial for creating a harmonious and inclusive community of dog owners. Through initiatives like Dogs in Yellow and the introduction of yellow space zones, Sarah is paving the way for a more empathetic and understanding approach to dog ownership. By raising awareness, promoting mental stimulation, and advocating for the needs of anxious and reactive dogs, we can all play a part in creating a safer and happier environment for our furry friends. So, let's embrace the yellow ribbon symbol, show our support, and make a difference in the lives of anxious and reactive dogs everywhere.
Where to Find More Information
If you're interested in learning more about Sarah's work with the Dogs in Yellow initiative or want to follow her journey, you can visit her website at myanxiousdog.co.uk or follow her on Instagram and Facebook at MyAnxiousDog.
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Rachel Ann Cullen (Episode 110)
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Michelle has a frank conversation with author and runner Rachel Ann Cullen about running for mental health, body image, strength training, challenging oneself, owning a dog (who doesn't run), and writing books.
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Canicross Story: Lily Canter and Zippy (Episode 109)
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Friday Mar 29, 2024
Back in October 2021, Louise and Michelle chatted to journalist Lily Canter about her experience of borrowing Pickle to try canicross (Episode 5). In this episode we find out how she's adjusting to life - and canicross - with her own dog, Zippy.
If you have enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and leave us a review.
You can find Lily on X/Twitter @lilycanter and Instagram @lilycanter
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Stop walking your dog! Interview with Niki French (Episode 108)
Friday Mar 22, 2024
Friday Mar 22, 2024
In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to dog trainer Niki French about her book, Stop Walking Your Dog. Niki works with a lot of nervous and reactive dogs, and her training philosophy is to stop doing those things that can be stressful to your dog until you can learn how to overcome them with patience and training. It's a radical approach that goes beyond what humans feel conditioned to do with their dogs, and Niki's interview is well worth a listen, as she gears up for #DontWalkYourDogDay on 2nd April, and gives listeners plenty of tips on how to provide brilliant mental and physical stimulation without going through your front door.
We also ask her what she thinks of canicross ...
Find out more about Niki and the awareness day here: https://puptalk.co.uk/
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Crufts (Episode 107)
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Today, Louise and guests give a rundown of all the action at Crufts over the past weekend
Thank you for listening
We hope you've found lots of tips about getting started with canicross, as well as useful information about running, your dog‘s health and plenty more! We hope you enjoy joining us on the run with your dog. If there is anything you would like to learn more about, please get in touch via our respective websites or social media, or perhaps you would like to be a future guest. We would love to hear from you!
Louise Humphrey teaches both canicross in the Leicester area, and Pilates online.
Michelle Mortimer is a UK Athletics registered Coach in Running Fitness, coaching runners online, and teaches canicross in the West Pennine Moors area to the north of Manchester.
Links to both of our websites are at the top of the page.