Canicross Story: Building Community Through Canicross - Tails & Trails (Episode 211)

This week Louise and Michelle are joined by SJ, founder of Tails and Trails, a canicross club based near Ludlow in South Shropshire. SJ's journey into canicross began not from a love of racing, but from a simple need: helping her rescue dog Rosie thrive. What started as a behavioural tool recommended by Dogs Trust became a decade-long passion, a business, and a thriving community.

SJ talks honestly about starting with the wrong kit, the joy of introducing beginners to the sport, and why canicross can be genuinely life-changing for reactive dogs.

Timings

00:00 Introduction: Michelle introduces SJ and her rescue dog Rosie

00:33 SJ's background: PE teacher, running, and her first dog Molly the mad cocker spaniel

01:37 How Rosie came into SJ's life in 2014 via her sister at a London vet's

03:43 Dogs Trust behaviourists suggest canicross as an outlet for Rosie's energy and reactivity

04:12 SJ's first experience of canicross — starting from scratch with no prior knowledge

05:45 First run with Rosie at the Salisbury rehoming centre — and the moment she "was absolutely off"

06:20 Kit chat: SJ's honest admission about not having the right kit to start with

08:57 Rosie at 13: she's hung up her canicross harness

12:33 Moving to South Shropshire two years ago and using canicross to find friends and build community

13:51 Setting up Tails and Trails: from casual group in Dorset to a proper canicross club with her coaching qualification.

15:10 Summer running: early starts, shaded forest runs, dog-friendly water spots, and keeping the community together with guest speakers

16:50 Racing: SJ's experience at CaniX and Canicross Midlands events — taking the group together so no one feels intimidated

18:18 The range of dogs in her group: Vizslas, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, a Dachshund… and a marathon runner who wants to learn to run with his dog properly

21:20 Why canicross works so well for reactive dogs

25:31 What's next: restarting beginners groups in September, plus exciting news about a retail store selling Non-Stop Dogwear at the farm shop

 Tails and Trails website
📍 Based near Ludlow, South Shropshire