Letter to the Reader

Wednesday, March 13, 2024, I was scrolling through my phone looking for canicross content, not really expecting to find anything new. However, an amateur video with 3.6 thousand views caught my attention and inspired me to create this magazine. The video was made by a trainer and canicross enthusiast who was showcasing his training routine. In the first few seconds, he shared incorrect and extremely dangerous information for dogs participating in this sport. He stated that he fed his dog 50 grams of kibble 40 minutes before the run. For those who don't know, there is a high risk of gastric torsion if a dog is fed before training. The recommended feeding time is around 5 hours before the run, and some athletes only run after 8 hours. Gastric torsion can be fatal if the dog is not given emergency care, and a considerable number of people had already seen that video. I contacted my WhatsApp groups, and we flooded the video with comments asking the trainer to correct the information. For the sake of the sport and the dogs, he even deleted the video =) Reflecting on this issue and the fact that there is little information about this beautiful sport, which is growing in worldwide, I felt inspired to create this magazine and share more information with all enthusiasts. You'll find tips for beginners, training and location suggestions, a calendar of competitions, curiosities about the sport and athletes, information about different breeds with their strengths and weaknesses, and everything interesting and valuable about the world of canicross here. We will also cover related sports such as bikejoring, scooter, and all dog-pulling sports, including snow sports. We believe that great athletes inspire and motivate all of us to seek improvement and deeper engagement in the sport. Therefore, we will always bring you exciting and inspiring stories of the great legends of this sport, as well as those who are just starting and challenging themselves day by day on the trails with their dogs. If you have a beautiful and inspiring story, send us an email at canicrossmagazine@gmail.com We will select the best ones and publish them here. =)

My name is Rodrigo S. Damião. I am a businessman, married, and the owner of Haji, a clumsy and sleepy Whippet. As soon as I started in canicross, I realized the strength of this growing global community. I was warmly welcomed by the veterans in my country and by international athletes and brands related to the sport. I noticed that more than just a sport, practitioners see it as a lifestyle, and this deeply captivated me. To align two passions, Canicross and journalism, and provide the community with information about the sport, has become a personal goal." Our goal now is to find more partnerships to strengthen the magazine and bring the highest quality information and photography for the enjoyment of all lovers of this incredible sport. Best regards, and I hope you enjoy the articles we have prepared for you in this first edition.

Rodrigo S. Damião Founder and Editor @rodrigo.canicross

The Story Behind The Photo

Running with a dog like Trigo is the best lesson I could take from canicross because it speaks to the pillars of what is essential to me in mushing, and that in the image we see, can almost be felt. December 2023. Dumbría La Coruña. Spanish Land Mushing Cup. The federated competition season in Spain for the 2023/2024 season began. We traveled to northern Spain to compete in the canicross event on a circuit of just over 4 km and 88 m of slope, in a route dominated by nature n its wildest state. Rain, mud, wind, fog, and an extraordinary environment as a perfect combination to give us an experience in canicross that we will remember forever. It may seem like a short distance, but 4 kilometers in such a wild environment give us a lot to talk about. In 4 kilometers of running, we experienced dozens of unique moments alongside our four-legged companion, and if we are able to create a special bond with him/her, we can have a silent conversation during the race that will remain in our memory. Trigo is not just a 24 kg vizsla and retired police dog who failed the tests. Trigo is the best canicross companion I have ever had even though he is not the best racing dog because what makes Trigo great is his attitude. An attitude that makes him great in the race and teaches me to be a little like him, to fight by gritting my teeth and putting all my heart into everything we do together. In Dumbría, we started each of the two heats with the same attitude that we learned to compete since Trigo and I started running together: with courage.

Getting the best out of Trigo in canicross and making our race together a competitive success involves achieving good competence in more factors than just speed, such as concentration or continuity in shooting, and that's where our relationship comes in. In Dumbría, the moment reflected in the photograph corresponds to reaching the finish line after our first heat when we ran alone for 4 kilometers, which represented a great work of concentration for Trigo and a race where the mind was essential. A strong physique on both our parts is essential so that our strength does not fail and make our minds start to weaken, but what has always been essential between us is the attitude with which we go out to compete and with which we live every race together. Because at the end of the day, canicross is not just running with a dog; canicross is a sport based on bonding. Laura Ramos

Photos: @roberth_outdoors

Photo: Niklas Sjolund

Guide For Beginners

Canicross is a physical activity that involves running with your dog. It's an excellent way to keep both you and your pet active and healthy. If you're interested in getting started in the world of Canicross, here's a basic beginner's guide:

1. Choose the Right Equipment:

Belt: You'll need a belt that is comfortable and distributes weight evenly around your waist.

Traction Line: Use a specific elastic line for Canicross, which connects your belt to your dog. This line absorbs the impact of pulls and gives more freedom of movement to your dog.

Harness: Your dog should wear a comfortable harness that doesn't restrict their natural movements. Avoid using collars as they can cause damage to your dog's throat.

While you can start the sport with an H-style harness, a specific Canicross harness will be much more comfortable for your dog. As one of our top athletes (Willian Oliveira) says, "You can run a marathon in dress shoes, but I don't think you would choose that footwear, right?"

2.Basic Training:

Commands: Although not mandatory, some basic and easy-to-teach commands will enhance your experience in the sport. It is recommended to teach your dog to respond to commands such as "let's go" to encourage them to move forward, "right" and "left" to guide them to the correct path at forks (especially in competitions), and sometimes even "slow down" to prevent them from dragging you down a muddy slope.

3.Choose a Suitable Location:

Specific Terrains and Running Technique: Practice running with your dog on cross-country terrains. Canicross is a Trail Run sport, so always look for trails, parks with gravel paths, dirt trails, grass, and similar terrains. Avoid asphalt, as the temperature is much more felt by the dog's paws on asphalt than on natural terrains (tip: only run if you can easily place and keep your hand on the ground for 10 seconds). Start with short runs and gradually increase the distance and intensity as both of you gain fitness.

4.Avoid the Heat:

Avoid running during the hottest times of the day, especially if you live in a hot climate region. Dogs can easily overheat, so it's important to take precautions. The best times to run are early in the morning and late in the afternoon, but what matters most is the temperature, so always observe if the ambient temperature isn't exceeding 25°C. When the temperature is near the limit, bring a water reservoir to wet your dog and try to train in shaded areas.

5.Safety First:

As mentioned in the letter to the reader (do not feed your dog before training. This practice can cause gastric torsion. This condition is so serious that it can lead to the death of the dog if not treated urgently. The recommendation is to feed the dogs between 5 and 8 hours before training.

Check Your Dog's Health: Before starting Canicross practice, make sure your dog is healthy and fit for physical activities. Consult your veterinarian regularly to ensure they are in good health condition.

Enjoy the Journey:

Canicross is not just about exercising but also about strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Enjoy the time together outdoors and celebrate the progress you make together. Be Patient: Remember that both you and your dog are learning together. Don't give up, even if there are setbacks or challenges along the way.

With this guide, you are ready to start your journey into the world of Canicross. Always remember to prioritize your dog's well-being and have fun exploring new trails and adventures together!

This was part 1 of the Beginner's Guide. In the upcoming editions, we will continue to bring more information to help you introduce yourself to the sport in a healthy and enjoyable way. However, if you still have questions and can't wait for the next editions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Fotos: Juki @canicrossemfoco

Tessa Philippaerts

Canicross Magazine interview

The moment we thought about making a Canicross magazine, the first person that came to mind for an interview was Tessa Philippaerts. And to our delight, she accepted immediately =)

Tessa is a mega champion and one of the greatest inspirations in the sport worldwide. She is also one of the biggest promoters and "teachers," always willing to give that precious tip to help you evolve in the sport.

Born on March 12, 1992 in Belgium, Tessa has always been passionate about dogs and running, but the longer distances of endurance athletics were becoming very boring to run alone for such a long time. Her parents then decided to buy a dog, a Whippet named Angel, to keep Tessa company while running. A few months later, her family discovered that there were races where you could run with your dog (canicross). That’s where it all began for Tessa and Angel. After trying the sport for the first time, they bought all the necessary equipment and since then, Tessa has never stopped running in this beautiful sport, collecting titles and much respect around the world...

World junior champion canicross IFSS, Borken 2011 - World champion elite canicross IFSS - Italy 2013, World champion elite canicross, IFSS, Canada 2015 - Vice European champion canicross elite ECF, 2012 Cirencester - Vice European champion canicross elite IFSS, 2013 France - Bronze medalist European championship IFSS, Sweden 2018 - 3 x Belgian champion canicross short distance - 1 x Belgian champion canicross long distance - 2 x Vice Belgian champion canicross short distance - 2 x first place Norwegian Championships canicross (without title) - 3 x Belgian champion bikejoring

Currently, Tessa has won two new titles as Norwegian champion in canicross one of them was the Kings Trophee, which is the most prestigious award you can win in Norway.

What are the main lessons you have learned from Canicross and how do they apply to your life outside of the races? Running has always been a passion and a way to clear my mind after busy days in school and work. Once I added a dog my training runs became even more fun and this has worked like therapy throughout the years. Running with my best friend has been the drive and motivation to get through my studies and other tough times in life. My dogs learned me to be more patient, everybody and every dog is different and appreciate the little things in life (cause life is very short for our 4 legged friends).

What are the main benefits you see in Canicross, both for athletes and dogs? Many of the above would apply for this questions as well. Canicross is free therapy, physical and mental training. It helps a lot of dogs that are struggling with trusting issues, aggression, physical problems, (separation) anxiety, destructive behavior. Canicross strengthens the bond between you and your dog and you will become an unbreakable duo. Both humans and dogs need to be outside in nature every day so why not combine the best things in life =).

We always read about dogs pulling on the leash? Why not teach them that sometimes they can release heir inner sleddog when wearing a harness and to go on easy walks just attached by the collar! You do not necessarily need to run but you can hike as well when your dog is pulling so canicross/dogtrekking works for many different people and ages. Same for the dogs when you build up slowly most dogs and dog breeds can be active.

What is the importance of the partnership between athlete and dog in Canicross, and how do you develop that relationship with your animals? You can strengthen your bond with your dog in many ways. Teaching new commands and obedience for example craves a lot of focus from your dog on you. Most dogs want to please their owner and like to be outside. Learning something new increases the strength of your relationship. I like to train different things with my dogs. Also things they might not be the best at. Balance training, tricks, some agility in summer, swimming, basic obedience, jogging on the leash beside me.

Important is not to forget to give clear and direct signals and praise your dog when he/she does something right.

How do you mentally and physically prepare for high-level competitions in Canicross? Part of the mental training is the physical training itself. If you have build up properly and managed to put in the correct amount of training, you will feel race after race that you are improving . This gives a big boost to your selfasteem and motivation. I try to prepare for all types of situations. Both myself and the dogs. Never ask something from your dog in competition that you know he cannot do. If you have not been able to train 5km and only managed 3km do not ask your dog to run a 5km race. Dogs do not think like humans and do not know how long we are going to run They only know habits and need to build up distance slowly (with intervals for example). If you or your dog are anxious in some situations or are scared/unsure to participate in a race. Just try to go to a race without participating. Sniff up the race atmosphere! See what others are doing and how they are doing it. Ask questions!

Show your dog the start and finish area and try to teach them to stay calm. There are many things you can do to prepare mentally! Find a trail or section at home that looks like the next race you are planning. If it is hilly, train hills. If it is flat, train more speed and run on flat trails. Prepare for all possible worst scenarios in your head and think about how you should react or solve the situation in a good and positive way. This will help you a lot during a race if you are unsure or if some situation suddenly pops up. If you or your dog has a bad day, never forget to give "kudos" to your dog. They are just doing this for fun and to please us. They always deserve a high five .

What was the most challenging moment of your career in Canicross and how did you overcome it? The most challenging moments have probably been the last few years. Not knowing for many year that I have a chronic illness and pushing my body to the limits has reached its toll. 

There were many signs, but I did not listen (and the Docters did not either ). Finally receiving treatment was one thing but the mental impact of knowing you might never get 100% healthy again hits hard. Giving birth to the most amazing girl in the world on top of this has asked a lot of energy from my body. Resulting in me being sick all the time. I heard it many times that people get sick often when their kids go to kinder garden but in my case with a chronic disease it meant being sick Non-stop all the time for almost two years. This has started to affect my training (free therapy) and later on also daily life to the point where I had to take a break from work. I felt mostly sad for our dogs during this hard period because I felt they did not get the attention they deserved. I understand now how easy it is to end up in this downward spiral. But with a lot of help from friends, family, work and professionals I feel we have now a good plan and I am looking forward to having a healthier body again. It will only take more time than I had hoped for. Maybe I will never get to the level I was at but I am still eager to try. To be continued,....

What advice would you give to someone starting in the world of Canicross? My life motto is to have FUN! If you don't think it's fun your dog will most likely not enjoy it either or get stressed. They are sensitive creatures that react a lot to our emotions. If you don't like what you do you will most likely quit! Search for information. Be like a sponge and soak in as much info as you can from different people and make your own routines. Try something new, if it does not work, try a little bit more, if is till does not work it might not be right method for you. If it works, great! Implement it in your training routines. Every person and every dog is different and there are different ways to get from point A to B ! Make big and small personal goals throughout the year to keep you and your dog motivated! Motivation is key to success! Get the right gear! Getting something comfortable for yourself and your dog makes the whole experience more enjoyable! I can highly recommend the canix kit from Non-stop dogwear.

In your opinion, how has Canicross evolved over the years and where do you think the sport is heading in the future? I started with canicross approximately 18 years ago when the sport was still small in Belgium. Everybody knew everybody at a race and it was super cosy. (20-35 participants). People were running with all types of dogs from chihuaua until great dane mixes. I started out myself with my whippet Angel. People were just happy to do something together with their dogs.

The only discipline there was at that time in this federation was canicross (no bikejoring or scooter). Through the years I have seen these numbers in Belgium go up until 350 participants/race (including bike and scooter). After some time more performant breeds started to enter as well and we soon started the age of the greysters and european sleddogs when I was 16-18 years old. I remember entering my first EC with my best friends border collie and being completely shocked seeing these enormous, powerfull and performant dogs. I had never seen anything like this before. In Belgium I won many races with a border collie but here I did not stand a chance on this hilly trail. The sport continued to grow and we were still accommodating all kinds of different breeds in Belgium. The biggest part of the field were still people who had dogs not bred for the sport whilst the top 5 might be more competitive. People like to participate at races no matter their fitness level. I really like this mentality. Now more and more people have mixes that are bred for the sport. I moved to Norway about 6 years ago where the racing scene and mentality is completely different. A lot of people are super active and running/canicrossing outside in the forest without knowing it is a sport but very little people meet up at races. I got the feeling people think they need to be really good to be able to participate in a race and do not dare to do it just for fun. In the racing scene you will see mostly people with specific bred dogs for the sport but the federation is working hard into integrating new people and creating training groups all over the country. It is very rare we get over 100 participants at dryland races. I see more and more longer distances on normal races and big championships. When I started in the big races day 1 usually was a shorter distance like a prologue 2-3,5 km and day 2 around 4-5 km. I really loved this setup as 2 days of canicross asks a lot of your body and both sprint/middle distance runner and longer distance runners will have some advantage one of the days. The last years the distances are getting longer and longer and now we got to the point where we are asked to run 2 x longer distances over 5K on both days. The planet is only getting warmer and warmer and I have seen more and more dogs struggle with this setup. Canicross is very often on the warmest point of the day but the dogs work very hard for a longer period than you would do with a bike or a scooter for example over the same distance. More often I see decisions made too late regarding temperature when they are around the acceptable limit. There are definitely some working points if we want to keep this sport growing in a positive way in the future. On a positive note I see a lot of new groups/clubs being created around the whole world which is really heartwarming. So the canicross community is growing slowly. If all those people would like to race is something different but not everybody needs to compete to enjoy the benefits of canicross. I do not know where the sport is heading but I hope they will realize that the dogs come first and we need to adapt to the changing environment.

What are your goals and future plans in Canicross, both in terms of competitions and promoting the sport? My first goal is to become healthy again and to create a continuous training routine. The last years I made what I call a "kamikaze" program to get me as ready as one can get within 3 months before the national and international races without a proper base. It "works" but it is not sustainable, and I always get injured. I got on the national team this year as a motivation boost and the current goals are the Norwegian championships in canicross beginning October followed by the EC in Finland 2 weeks after and the Canix open from Non-stop dogwear 25-27 October. I hope to do more seminars again abroad if I have the time and energy.

Canicross Magazine: We immensely appreciate your participation in our first edition. We believe that high-level athletes like you inspire and motivate people to strive for continuous improvement in sports, and that is our mission. "To create a bridge between great athletes and the general public so that together we can learn the best paths for the healthy, safe, enjoyable, and pleasurable practice of this beautiful sport." Thank you once again for your kindness and willingness to promptly accommodate us for this interview. We look forward to seeing much more of Tessa in future editions. Feel at home, the door is open for you!

Photos: Håkon Mæland / Non-stop dogwear

What is Canicross to you in one word? Therapy ____________________________________________

Braziliam Championship

"The Brazilian Canicross Championship is approaching. And instead of just one, we will have two for you to compete in and perhaps become the Brazilian champion. =)

The first will take place on June 6th and will be organized by Lbcanis. In this championship, around 30 competitors are expected to participate in three categories: Canicross, Canicross Sprint, and Bikejoring. The venue will be the beautiful trail of Fazenda NSC in Jundiaí, São Paulo, with approximately 4/5 kilometers (Lbcanis has not yet defined the exact length), but you can expect a stunning course amidst nature, with small gravel sections and no paved parts, which is great for canicross. The trail is not very technical and has no roots, but it does have the feared climbs and enjoyable descents. If it rains? Mud is certain to make the photos look beautiful. We will have two categories – Elite from 18 to 39 years and Master 40+, with the elite category open to the master, meaning those aged 40 or older can register for the elite category."

This year we will have the debut of a new category called Canicross Sprint. It's the same good old canicross but with a distance between 800 meters and 1.5 kilometers (Lbcanis is still defining the final length within this range). This category was designed to provide better comfort for young dogs to undergo desensitization, habituation, and socialization in the racing environment. It also aims to gradually increase the mileage for dogs that are just starting out and older dogs whose performance has already decreased, as well as for those dogs that can only pull for a few meters and do not enjoy longer courses.

In this category, you can register your dog if it is older than 12 months. However, in the regular distance category (4/5 km), only dogs older than 18 months will be allowed.

“Hello, president”

A quick chat with Ana Cristina, president of LBCanis, about the challenges of the Brazilian Championship.

Ana Cristina has been practicing canicross for 10 years. Her first official race was in 2014. Since then, there have been many titles and numerous adventures with her dogs, especially with the well-known Xico, her current loyal trail companion. Together, they achieved 5th place in the world championship in their category, filling the country with pride.

Canicross Magazine:

What are the expectations regarding the number of participants for this stage of the Brazilian championship, and what efforts are being made to attract more competitors? We expect around 20 to 30 athletes. We are making efforts with publicity and hope it reaches all athletes in Brazil. To attract more competitors, LBCANIS will allow non-affiliated athletes to compete, but only affiliated members will be eligible for the title. This is a democratic way to allow everyone to participate, even without being affiliated.

How is the association encouraging the participation of beginners and newcomers in the sport during the championship? We have created a format in Canicross called Canicross Sprint. This discipline aims to help dogs that cannot run long distances and beginners. The course is shorter than the minimum distance of regular Canicross. The course can vary from 800m to 1200m. It is also open to dogs younger than 18 months and older than 12 months, allowing these dogs to start socializing with the race environment. Their owners can better understand their behavior in this setting and conduct specific training to help the dog behave increasingly better in this environment.

What safety protocols are in place to handle unforeseen situations or emergencies during the event? At our events, we always have paramedics and an emergency removal unit for humans, as well as a veterinarian for the dogs. We also have a veterinary clinic on standby for any emergencies involving the dogs.

How do you expect this championship to contribute to promoting the sport of Canicross and strengthening the community and the sport? We understand that competitions are a means of publicizing the sport. They are often covered by the media, and their reach on social media is significant. The athletes themselves automatically promote the event and the sport.

LBCANIS is a league for Canicross and similar sports affiliated with the International Federation of Sleddogs Sports (IFSS), and this stage of the Brazilian Championship will count towards the World Cup organized by the IFSS. In addition to the Brazilian Championship, LBCANIS organizes a series of other events and championships throughout the year. For more information and registration for the Brazilian Championship, visit www.lbcanis.com.br/nacional.

For more information about other events organized by the league, become a member and/or follow LBCANIS on Instagram @lbcanis.

Photo: Lisiane Viegas

Foto by: Gabriel Papp

What is the strongest breed?

We asked three top athletes about the positive and negative aspects of their dogs and which breed they consider the strongest for the sport

Check out this amazing article we prepared for you with the participation of athletes: Andoni Isusi, Paulina Frelich and Jordana Salvado

ANDONI ISUSI

🥉 3º - ICF Canicros World Championship 22 DCM

🥇 1º - Spain Snow Mushing DCM

🥇 1º - 3X🥈Spain Land Mushing DCM

🥈 2º - Snow Skijoring Mushing"

Photo: Anna Guijarro

Canicross Magazine: What is the breed of the dogs you use for competing, and what are the positive and negative aspects of them?

Andoni: The dog I race with is named Balto and he is a Eurohound (ESD)* (although the dog I started competing with and discovered this sport with is Tyson, a Pitbull). The skills I would highlight of the Eurohound are: the ability to work in Canicross, a discipline in which a dog needs to be very consistent and stubborn in running since to them, no matter how fast the human goes, he is still slow. I would also highlight their ambition at certain moments, and that they are stronger, more resilient, and 'tougher' for long distances than others. As weaknesses, they tend to be less explosive than other breeds, such as Greysters for example. They are quite stubborn for better and for worse, and it is difficult to get them out of habits or vices they learn.

*Eurohound: Commonly referred to as European Sled Dog (ESD) or Alaskan, it results from a crossbreeding between an Alaskan Husky and a Pointer.

Which breed do you consider the strongest for the sport, and why?

To practice this sport, any dog or breed in good physical condition is valid, but if we mention more professionally specific and commonly used breeds, they are the Greyster and the Eurohound, as they are the fastest and have a great predisposition for pulling. Choosing one dog over another depends on what we are looking for, our physical level, where we live (geographically), what we want, or the goal we want to achieve. It is important to seek a complete combination that is as suitable as possible.

PAULINA FRELICH

🥇 1º World Champion DBW 2023 ICF

🥉 3º World Champion DBW 2023 IFSS

🥇 1º Polish Champion DBW 2024

Photo: Zuzanna Pajak

What is the breed of the dogs you use for competing, and what are the positive and negative aspects of them?

Which breed do you consider the strongest for the sport, and why?

Paulina: At the moment I have a pack of 11 dogs. I started 15 years ago and for over half of that time I was practicing this sport recreationally with my huskies. Some huskies do not want to work at all or work when they are in a mood . Our first husky, Shasta, was a typical working dog who enjoyed the sport immensely. The next two didn’t always want to run. After a few years, we have two sporty huskies from the work line. Tajfun works both solo in bikejoring and with her sister Tila on a scooter. But Tila doesn’t run alone, she is quite unsure of herself and always likes to have dogs with her. he fits perfectly in the harness. I also have a German pointer mix from adoption.

He runs, but only after dogs, so we call it „lack of motivation, lack of head”. My next dogs are greysters, dogs that perfectly fit our lifestyle and are best suited to horse riding sports. I think that huskies are more difficult to train, but a lot depends on their character. Most of them are much less dependent on humans than greysters.

"We must choose a dog that suits us and what we expect. I believe that real sport begins with greysters"

Not only because these dogs win, but because they always want to. Not every greyster has to win, but the dog is supposed to motivate us to set new goals: lose weight, go for training when the weather is bad and, above all, we have to have fun with our dogs. It should be a common passion. It is much easier to do obedience training with Greysters, these dogs want to do everything they can do with humans and when they see that it makes us happy, they want even more. I believe that he will find his way in every sport and task set by his partner. They love swimming, fetching, running and eating. They like to sleep in bed, most of them even under the covers.

JORDANA SALVADO

🥇🥇🥈Campeonato España Ds1W

🥇🥇🥇Copa España Ds1W

🥉 Compeonato Español de Skijoring

Top 11 🌎 Ds1W

Jordana: Currently, I compete in scooter with Negan and Pistón, who are European Sled Dogs (ESD).

Negan is powerful and fast, explosive at the start, and a clock when it comes to managing any situation. Pistón is lighter but very hardworking and consistent, and even though he runs with only one eye, he is the dog with the most heart for this sport that I have ever known.

started 11 years ago doing canicross with a rescued dog named Nerón, who is currently 14 years old. I owe everything to Nerón because thanks to him, I discovered this wonderful sport. When I adopted him, he was a very active dog, and in canicross, I found a way to channel that energy and share things together. After 11 years and 8 more dogs, here we are! All the other dogs we have at home (already retired) are ESD except Guindilla, who is a Deutsch Drathaar that we also adopted 8 years ago.

Strengths and weaknesses: For me, the ESD is the most complete dog because it possesses qualities of many breeds that make it ideal for enjoying this sport. It is powerful, fast, and hardworking. It must also be said that the way we start introducing the dog to mushing is very important because good practice will allow us to create a perfect bond and partnership. They are dogs that require a lot of time and I consider it vital when forging the bond with them. The ESD is capable of assimilating a few kilometers at high speed, and when well trained, they are genuine speed reactors. From my point of view, they are genetically very well-prepared dogs to work and they focus very well on what is asked of them. They are very energetic dogs and attached to their humans, extremely affectionate, and in some cases, very "hunter" types.

Believe that any dog that enjoys running is suitable for practicing this sport. But if we talk about high-level competitive level, I stand firm with the ESD. In the end, it is the result of the genetic evolution of dogs in this sport, and nowadays, the top dog is this one”

What is the breed of the dogs you use for competing, and what are the positive and negative aspects of them?

Which breed do you consider the strongest for the sport, and why?"

Foto: Zuzanna Pajak

Fotos: Domi

Overcoming Adversity

Carol and Boris achieved fifth place in the women's category at the Atibaia stage of the Rock Mountain Games 2024 (Brazil)...

But to get here, she faced the worst of obstacles...

her own mind...

PERSISTENCE, DEDICATION, AND A LOT OF STRENGTH TO PURSUE AND ACHIEVE DREAMS.

Por: Rodrigo Damião

Starting to practice canicross with new people who provided her with a new environment encouraged her to eat better, exercise more frequently, and seek a healthier lifestyle. She completely changed her diet, removing ultra-processed foods, processed meats, and fried foods. She created a meal plan with a calorie deficit, combined with a running routine, and enrolled in weight training to improve her endurance in running. That's when "things really started to click."

"Strength training helped me lose weight faster and with better quality and increased my performance in running in a way I never imagined. Before I knew it, I had lost 20kg, was living a healthy routine, and exercising daily."

The strength of a new environment aligned with unwavering determination produces surprising results, or as "Napoleon Hill" once said, "Successful people have willpower, which combines with persistence and is placed behind their desires to ensure the achievement of their goals.

5th place in the women's Canicross category.

"The podium at the Rocky Mountain Games was a surprise, to be honest. In the previous week, I was training alone on the treadmill and started to think that maybe I had a chance in the race, but I knew it would be competitive. Many people who competed, I already knew from training, and I knew they were much more experienced than me. During the race itself, I didn't imagine that my time was good. It was a tough course, especially with the erosions, but Boris was very excited to run and pulled through the whole route. I tried to give my best at the parts where

the terrain allowed us to develop the race, and when we reached the last kilometer, Boris really wanted to run, and I tried to give my best at that moment to gain some advantage, but still thinking that I would only have a good time for my own comparison.

When the results came out, I couldn't believe it. I never thought I could place 5th in the overall women's time. I was so happy with what Boris and I achieved together."

Although Carol says that the podium at the Rocky Mountain Games was a surprise for her, for everyone who followed this incredible journey of dedication and adoption of a new healthy life, they know that this year's 5th place was just the beginning of an inspiring and exciting story that we want to follow closely to see the new achievements and victories of this slim duo.

Foto: Rosita Belinky

Foto: Rosita Belinky

Foto: Juki

Foto: Rosita Belinky

You wake up on yet another ordinary day, get out of bed from the same side, slip on your slippers, and automatically head to the bathroom to take a shower, brush your teeth, and go about another normal day. But that day had something special; it was the day she would welcome another Whippet into her family. Boris came into Carol's life on 12/16/2022, and from that seemingly ordinary day, the sedentary life of an overweight woman with health problems, where the only exercise was a light stroll, took a turn. Boris was just a puppy, peeing all over the house, and tormenting her older brother Valente, who due to a health restriction couldn't exercise. Time went by, and as soon as Boris reached the age and clearance for exercise, Carol discovered that a canicross group was forming in her city. Despite never having run in her life, she decided to give it a try because the desire to do something with her new dog was greater.

"When I started with Canicross, I met people who love their animals and turn that sport into a healthy lifestyle for both. That motivated me to keep going, despite all the difficulty. When I started, I couldn't trot for 500m without having to stop, but the joy of my dog made it worth it.".

Bikejoring

Experience all the intensity of one of the toughest traction sports in the world

Practical tips to start well in bikejoring

It is advisable that you and your dog already practice canicross before venturing into bikejoring, as canicross will give you all the foundation for this new sport. However, it's not impossible to start with bikejoring right away. Still, some basic commands like right and left, which are not necessarily important for canicross, are indispensable for bikejoring. Therefore, starting with canicross would be more appropriate so that you can begin training these commands. After all, missing a tree turn, where your dog goes one way and you go the other, is much less punitive in canicross than in bikejoring. The great thing is that you can start training these commands with your dog while it's still a puppy, so when it is old enough to pull a bike (after 12 months), you already have this foundation established."

IIntroduction to the Equipment

As with any canicross modality, you need to introduce the equipment to the dog gradually so that it gets used to it and doesn't get scared when it's time to perform. Place the bike next to your dog and leave it there so that it can sniff every part of it and feel that it is not a dangerous object. Then you can walk with the bike, and if the dog is comfortable, you can get on it and pedal slowly with the dog following freely (without attaching it to the bike yet).

Traction Time

If your dog is already accustomed to canicross, it will be natural for him to pull the bike once you put on the harness and attach him to it. If he doesn't pull, it is important to train him for traction with canicross before attaching him to the bike.

• Use a traction harness for pulling activities. Use a collar or a regular harness when you don't want your dog to pull.

• Reward your dog as soon as he leans into the harness.

• Gradually increase the difficulty by letting your dog go a little further each time.

• Have another dog or person walk next to your dog, if necessary.

• Start at a slow pace and keep your training sessions short.

• Introduce one new challenge at a time.

Find a Suitable Place to Ride Your Bike

Before hitting the trail with your dog and your bike, assess the following conditions:

Surface: Look for gravel trails or roads, and avoid asphalt, as hard surfaces put a lot of stress on your dog's joints.

Difficulty: Gradually add difficulty. Trails with sharper curves can be extremely exciting and challenging, but if you're a beginner, you should know that bikejoring accidents are not simple. Besides you, your dog is also involved in the process. So take it easy at the beginning

Traffic: Avoid peak hours. If you are a beginner, prefer a trail with little or no foot traffic.

Distance: Just because you are on a bike being pulled does not mean you can ride many kilometers with your dog. Pulling requires more physical exertion from the animal. The route should be short and fun, keep this in mind.

Temperature: Do not go for a ride in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). On days with temperatures close to this, choose shaded trails and ones near a reservoir or lake where your dog can cool off.

Foto: Håkon Mæland / Non-stop dogwear

Foto: Håkon Mæland / Non-stop dogwear

“Stories of Snow and Mud”

In this section, we will always bring you an inspiring story of athletes who face snow and mud with their dogs.

Today, learn about the story of Kim and her Greysters...

Canicross Magazine:

Kim is a passionate dog breeder, extremely dedicated to her breeding and canine family. In the following story, you will learn more about this passion and Kim's projects, which involve her dogs' offspring, bonds of friendship, elite competitive teams, and plenty of pulling, snow, and mud.

Kim:

Breeding dogs has been my lifelong dream, and over ten years ago, this passion led me to the world of sled dog sports. I set my heart on Greyster/ESD dogs, liked for their record-breaking speed in championships across the globe. My passion began with Dakota, my first Greyster. The next year, I adopted my second Greyster, Fury, who is the sister of Dakota from another litter. This marked the start of incredible aventures.

At the heart of my work is a special connection with the adoptive families of my puppies. It's a tale of passion, dedication, and a deep-seated commitment to the well-being and success of my dogs”

The Perfect Match: Beyond Breeding I wanted to do more than producing high dog athletes; I wanted to form exceptional teams with my puppies. I wanted to write stories of friendships, achievements and shared love for the world of sled dog sports. Each puppy's journey to their new home is carefully curated, ensuring that the families they join share the same enthusiasm and dedication to canine sports. This meticulous process guarantees that every puppy will not only have the opportunity to compete in sled dog racing circuits globally, but also be part of the family.

Team Spirit: The Creation of an Elite Canine Sports Team

In collaboration with La Belle Bête, I've formed an elite team of canine sports, comprising seven of my close friends and exceptional athletes who own my puppies. This group shares good training practices and travel across Canada to participate in events.

The Legacy of Bonds and Achievements

My ultimate passion is seeing the strong connection that arises between the teams I've personally made. Observing the heights these teams can reach, fueled by the connections they've built, is a source of immense pride and fulfillment. As I continue my adventure with my dogs, I remain committed to my vision: to see each team I've formed thrive and explore the limits of what they can achieve together. 

Kim

@kimandhergreysters @teamkimandhergreysters

Foto: Marie Parent Photographie

Foto: Marie Parent Photographie

Foto: Marie Parent Photographie

Foto: DanielTphoto

Acknowledgements

Photographers

None of this would be possible without the support of the excellent photographers that Canicross Magazine selected to support us in this project. They all "donated" their beautiful artistic works to illustrate our magazine, believing along with us in the dream of spreading the sport to the world.

Athletes

To all the athletes involved in the articles of this edition. Thank you for your willingness to donate your time to write the articles, answer questions, and tolerate me for over a month. We at Canicross Magazine believe that a simple image of a high-level athlete inspires and motivates many to seek improvement in the sport, and for this, we are very grateful that you accepted to participate in this dream with us. May the next editions also be filled with athletes like you, always inspiring a new generation.

Nonstop-dogwear

Hajen Ljubica, for all the support in mediating the partnership with Nonstop in providing photos, as well as for your constant friendship and care. Maybe if you hadn't supported us at that moment, we wouldn't have continued with the project. Mathilde, for believing in the project. Blanka Csizmadia, for the assistance and sensitivity in selecting the photos. And the entire Nonstop-dogwear team, who always surprised me with their positive attitudes towards customers and the sport.

Community

Naming names is complicated because there certainly wouldn't be enough pages to summarize the support the entire community has given us to make this magazine a reality. But I would like to mention just a few as a representation of everyone: Andreia Ribeiro and Eduardo Ribeiro, for all the support and encouragement to get the magazine off the ground, as well as for supporting beginners in the sport. Your work is essential for the growth of the sport in Brazil.

All the national teams (Canicross Caiçara, Canicross BSB, Canicity, CTBC, and all the others that help us evolve in the sport). William Oliveira, for helping us with technical review, as well as for all the support, high-level mentoring, and inspiration for everyone seeking to improve in the sport.

Juki, for teaching us about copyright and image processes and for helping us identify photographers.

Armando Farias, for all the exclusive information exchanges about the sport and for providing us with millions of ideas for articles that we will still develop here. To the entire community, my most sincere thanks for collaborating with this dream that is already a reality. Warm regards,

@canicross.magazine / @rodrigo.canicross