Canicross Conversations

Louise and Michelle are joined by Rhys Denham, digital growth manager at Non-stop Dogwear, who shares his journey from UK teacher to living an outdoor-focused life in Norway. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of a life shaped by dogs, adventure and bold decisions, as Rhys explains how he made the leap abroad and embraced a new lifestyle centred around nature and movement.
 
The conversation explores how their Dalmatians, Django and Amber, played a pivotal role in this transformation, including Amber’s recovery from a rare condition and how it influenced their direction. Rhys also shares how photography, community and social media opened unexpected doors, eventually leading them to Norway.
 
A key highlight of the episode is an introduction to skijoring – skiing with your dog – including what it feels like, how to get started and the realities of learning a new sport in a completely different environment. From snowy trails and peaceful landscapes to the challenges of cross-country skiing, this episode gives a refreshing and honest insight into trying something new.
 
Whether you’re curious about skijoring, love canicross or dream of combining dogs with outdoor adventure, this episode is packed with relatable experiences, practical insights and plenty of inspiration.
 
Timings
1.07 – introduction to Rhys and moving to Norway2.00 – leaving teaching and career change into digital marketing3.00 – meet the dogs: Django and Amber4.15 – Amber’s injury and recovery journey6.00 – photography, social media and new opportunities7.30 – discovering canicross and community events10.00 – the move to Norway and job opportunities14.00 – working in Norway and settling into a new lifestyle15.00 – travelling across Europe with dogs and cats18.30 – dogs adapting to snow and cold weather22.00 – winter kit, booties and paw care23.00 – introduction to skijoring25.00 – learning to cross-country ski31.00 – first skijoring experiences with the dogs33.00 – speeds, safety and downhill challenges36.00 – training dogs for skijoring39.00 – distances and building endurance41.00 – fitness benefits of skijoring43.30 – quick fire round
 
 
Sophia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophutch
Rhys’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denham_photos

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

Michelle chats to Seán and Louise from Canicross Ireland.
www.canicross-ireland.com
www.instagram.com/canicross_ireland
https://www.tiktok.com/@canicross.ireland

Louise and Michelle chat to Lucynda, about how canicross has helped her anxious cockerXcollie Sansa.
Lucynda is a behaviourist, so we also get an insight into other techniques that might help owners of other anxious dogs. 
www.dakotaschoiceabt.com

Louise and Michelle chat with Leanne, founder of Bark & Beau, about a surprisingly common canicross problem: drying muddy, wriggly dogs without turning it into a full-body wrestling match. Recorded during a very rainy February, the conversation is instantly relatable for anyone dealing with soaked coats, filthy paws, and that lingering “damp dog towel” smell that never quite leaves the boot of the car.
 
Leanne shares the story behind Bark & Beau, inspired by Darcy, her bonkers (and much-loved) German Shorthaired Pointer rescue from Benidorm. With a background as a horse trainer specialising in behavioural problems, Leanne brings a calm, practical approach to animal handling and product design. That experience led her to create a microfibre dog towel with hand pockets, allowing owners to hold and dry their dog more securely, with less stress and mess.
 
Louise and Michelle dig into what makes these towels different from standard bath towels, why microfibre can dry faster and stay fresher, and how a simple addition like a washable carry bag can make life easier for races, walks, and travelling. They also explore the reality of launching a new dog business: starting small, learning from customer feedback (including requests for a bigger size), and building recognition in a saturated market through shows, collaborations, and community connections.
 
Expect a friendly, practical episode with plenty of muddy-dog honesty, small business inspiration, and ideas for making post-run clean-up quicker, calmer, and a lot less grim.
 
 
Timings
0.08 – welcome and why muddy dog towels are a February reality0.45 – meet Leanne and the Bark & Beau origin story in Cornwall1.19 – Darcy the German Shorthaired Pointer: energetic, rescued, and the reason the product exists1.44 – the “wrestling match” problem and why calm handling matters2.28 – why bath towels fail and how microfibre became the solution3.34 – how the hand pockets work (and everyone miming it!)5.22 – making the leap: from horse training to building a home-based business6.02 – Leanne’s “day job” at Josh’s Chocolate and transferable skills7.31 – the towel bag: keeping the car boot less grim8.17 – Louise’s real-world test at a race and feedback about towel sizing9.56 – launch timeline: prototype in August, launch in November10.36 – marketing so far: website, socials, dog shows, and plans for more events11.06 – Crufts visit, collabs (shampoo brands), and talking to people in person11.57 – how Darcy adapted: calmer routine, less stress for everyone13.27 – future products: practical only, and where towels fit alongside dog robes14.56 – biggest challenge: getting recognised and social media unpredictability16.40 – customer feedback and pet professionals using the towels (walkers + mobile dog wash)17.22 – canicross chat and Cornwall community shoutout (Little Gecko)18.14 – Darcy’s rescue story (Benidorm to Cornwall)20.16 – pricing, colours, and why grey was the starting point21.48 – why bath towels can hold smell and why microfibre dries faster23.03 – five-year hopes: bigger shows, recognition, and hearing “I’ve got one — it’s amazing”24.06 – where to buy + how to tag Bark & Beau and the podcast
 
www.barkandbeau.co.uk
 
Bark & Beau is also on Instagram and Facebook
 
Mentioned event: Purple Gecko (Episode 86)

In this canicross story, Louise and Michelle chat to Laura about her two Parson Russell Terriers Fudge and Philly, and how canicross and showing complement one another perfectly.
Follow @two_russells on Instagram

Michelle and Louise are joined by Sweden-based mother–daughter duo Annika and Felicia Thor, members of the Danish national team. From humble beginnings with a malamute mix to World Championship gold, this conversation tracks their remarkable journey through canicross and bikejoring.
 
Annika shares her entry into dog-powered sports and how things ramped up when the family welcomed Scandinavian hounds into their lives. Felicia, now just 11 years old and the current ICF World Champion in her age category, reveals how she started running at 3, entered her first race at 7, and continues to train with help from mentor Martin Grimshaw of Team Hounds.
 
The pair dive into what training looks like (spoiler: lots of swimming and technical trails), their bond with their dogs Helium and Tosse, and how the sport keeps the whole family active and connected. Felicia shares her wisdom and drive, from managing race-day pressure to offering encouragement for other young canicrossers.
 
An episode full of motivation, laughter, family warmth and a global view on youth participation in dog sports.
 
“Just keep going and never give up.”
Timings
1.10 – Living in Sweden but racing for Denmark2.00 – How Annika and Felicia got started5.30 – From a malamute mix to world-level competition7.45 – Felicia’s first race at age 79.50 – The canicross scene in Denmark and Sweden11.30 – Meet the dogs: Helium and Tosse14.00 – Switching to bikejoring17.30 – Training routines for dogs and humans20.50 – Race-day warm-up and mental prep24.40 – Winning World Championship gold29.00 – Keeping motivation high post-race30.50 – Social media and inspiring others32.00 – Advice for new and young canicrossers
 
 
Resources mentioned
Felicia & Annika’s Instagram: @k9trailrun
Team Hounds
Episode 70 with Martin from Team Hounds

Michelle and Louise sit down with Pauline, founder of Scottish trail‑inspired running brand Trailbreeze, to explore how a love of running in the Scottish hills sparked a business born on the trails.
 
In August 2024, Pauline left her long‑term job in care to focus on family life and pursue something that nurtured her spirit, running the trails around her home with her spaniel, Joey. What began as a simple idea for headwear soon blossomed into a full range of trail gear, embraced by runners, dog lovers and the canicross community alike.
 
Pauline shares her journey from that first beanie, to events, sponsorship and future plans. She explains why trails have kept her inspired, motivated and balanced. Throughout, she speaks honestly about running, business, community and simply enjoying the outdoors.
 
 
Timings
 
0.00 – welcome & introduction to Pauline0.30 – Pauline's story: leaving work, family life & running1.30 – how Trailbreeze began: headwear idea to brand name3.00 – Joey the spaniel 4.00 – thoughts on canicross 5.30 – quitting her job & Trailbreeze launch7.00 – running background: road vs trail experiences8.40 – Glencoe marathon & the joy of trails10.00 – weekly training & ultras12.00 – next race: GB Ultra 50 miler13.30 – Trailbreeze product beginnings: beanies & tops15.00 – retail stockists & early success16.15 – events, brand awareness & BSSF sponsorship17.00 – feedback from canicross community18.30 – technical kit details & product quality20.00 – garments: shorts, hoodies, headbands, gloves22.00 – clubs & custom gear offerings23.30 – audience ideas & new products coming soon25.00 – quickfire questions26.00 – upcoming events
 
“Running on the trails isn’t about pace — it’s about enjoying where you are.”
 
Links
Trail Breeze website — https://trailbreeze.co.uk
Trail Breeze UK on Instagram — @trailbreezeuk

 
Hosts Louise and Michelle are joined by Amy, founder of Track and Trail Canine Outfitters, for an inspiring conversation about how one dog changed her life and led her into canicross, community‑building and launching a specialist canine gear shop.
 
Amy shares her personal journey with Max, a rescue cocker spaniel with behavioural challenges and boundless energy, and how discovering canicross transformed both of them — from anxious walks filled with zig‑zags and reactivity to focused runs, confidence building and partnership. 
 
Rather than take on the cheapest gear she finds on the high street, Amy’s experiences with a lead breaking under stress inspired her to research strength testing and purposeful design. This leads to the creation of her shop — a place that prioritises tested quality, and supports owners with nervous or reactive dogs through private shopping sessions and accessible advice.
 
 
 
Timings
00:00 – 04:40 – intro + how Amy first got into canicross with Max04:40 – 10:15 – Max’s progress and impact of running on behaviour10:15 – 17:00 – the incident that sparked the idea for a shop17:00 – 22:00 – research into strength‑tested brands and gear advice22:00 – 28:00 – what to look for when choosing dog equipment28:00 – 33:00 – business journey, community and online growth33:00 – 37:00 – rewarding moments, private sessions and helping owners37:00 – 42:30 – exciting plans: expanding shop space and workshops
 
 
https://trackandtrailcanine.co.uk

In this episode, Mary Pearson, Race Director at Race Harborough tells us all about how she and Louise have set up a new canicross event, as they prepare for its second edition in February.
Mary shares the story of how a canicross‑only race came to life in Leicestershire, inspired by the loss of canicross‑friendly parkruns, and a desire to create an inclusive, fun and sustainable race experience for beginners to canicross.
 
With practical tips on rolling starts, chip timing, ways to handle public parks and working with volunteers, Mary explains what she’s learned both from the inaugural event and from her extensive experience organising regular trail races and parkruns.
 
The conversation also explores what makes the race beginner‑friendly, the support available on the day — including kit fittings and advice — and how the event fosters community and inclusivity without feeling elitist. Mary and Louise discuss real participant feedback, route terrain, and what to expect at the 2026 race, taking place on Sunday 8 February at Irchester Country Park. This episode is perfect for anyone thinking about entering a canicross race, organising their own event or simply curious about the behind‑the‑scenes work that makes a race day successful.
 
Link for the race - https://raceharborough.co.uk/canicross/
 
 
Timings
1.00 – episode intro and overview3.00 – why Mary started a canicross‑only event6.20 – designing a dog‑friendly course9.40 – the importance of rolling starts12.00 – beginner support and equipment stands15.30 – participant feedback from the 2025 race18.00 – how public park logistics are managed21.30 – what’s new for the 2026 event24.40 – date, distance and entries info26.30 – trophies, medals and event extras28.00 – final thoughts on inclusivity and community