Canicross Conversations

Vickie Pullin is back, fresh from the IFSS European Championships in Sweden, with three medals and a lot of honest reflection. We talk about getting dogs race ready through a scorching summer, the injury that kept her fastest hound at home, and the nutrition changes making a difference for her dogs and for Vickie herself. About Vickie Vickie owns 46 sled dogs and races them around the world. She runs husky rides in the UK through her sled tour company, takes educational programmes into schools and coaches other athletes in the sport. She mostly races bikejor, scooter and dog teams on dry land, and races on snow with the sled. What we talked about 00:02:11 Feeding the whole kennel raw and dry food, and why retired and older dogs deserve premium nutrition too 00:04:03 The lack of independent science on canine nutrition, why breeds differ, and being dope tested as a musher 00:06:17 A packed pre-Christmas calendar: IFSS Europeans, ICF Worlds, WSA Worlds and Nationals 00:08:00 Training through the heat: a May break, then short, early blasts that keep the dogs hungry for it 00:10:05 Arnie’s hamstring injury, his rehab, and the decision to leave him at home 00:16:01 Entering six classes in Sweden, the bike mistakes, and a gold, silver and bronze 00:26:06 Vickie’s own training: triathlon, Ironman and why she went back to having a coach 00:28:54 What changed in her own race nutrition, from white rice to a well timed jelly baby 00:37:11 Why she doesn’t canicross 00:39:17 The A100, a 100km triathlon in Antarctica, and her search for a corporate sponsor to raise money for Cancer Research Links mentioned Arctic Quest: ArcticQuest.co.uk Vickie on Facebook and instagram: Vickie Pullin Find Canicross Conversations wherever you get your podcasts, with new episodes every week. If this one got you thinking, share it with a running buddy, two-legged or four.

This week we chat to Taylor Gathercole, founder of Fettle Pets, a Suffolk company making whole food supplements for active and working dogs.  Taylor tells us how Fettle started out making supplements for every dog, then switched a year ago to focus on active, sporting and working dogs: canicross, bikejor, agility, flyball, gun dogs and big hiking dogs. He trains his flat-coated retriever Inca for the shooting field, and his partner Amber does canicross, so he lives in both worlds. Fettle uses whole foods rather than synthetic extracts, and Taylor explains what "nutrient synergy" means for your dog Fettle have just launched a free quiz called What Does Your Dog Need? It asks about your dog's diet, activity, age and any niggles, then gives you a score out of 100 and the top three things to focus on. Michelle and Louise are doing it too. Take the quiz here Share your dog's score with us on Instagram or Facebook! Fettle Trails canicross race Fettle are hosting their own canicross race in February 2027 in Norfolk, with 5k and 10k routes through parkland and woodland around a lake. Race details Listener offer 15% off for listeners Code: CANIXPOD15 Or click here to visit the Fettle Pets website and apply the code automatically Free Nutrition for Canicross Guide A free guide on fuelling and recovery for canicross dogs (free with email sign-up) Find Fettle Website: fettlepets.com Instagram and Facebook: @fettlepets Also stocked in around 300 independent pet shops. Use the stockist finder on their website to support your local one.   As always, check with your vet before you change your dog's diet or start a supplement, especially if they're on medication or have a health condition.

This week is something completely different. Lisa McCabe, known as The Dog Witch, is a holistic dog wellbeing consultant. She looks at nutrition, exercise, environment and health, and at how they all shape your dog's day-to-day wellbeing. It all started with Zane. He was a rescue dog who was scared of the world and reactive with other dogs, and Lisa was the owner who felt embarrassed every time he kicked off. Then someone suggested giving him a job. That job was canicross, and it changed everything for them both. Lisa talks about how she went from dog walker to holistic consultant. She covers Reiki and massage, the silent pain dogs carry, fresh feeding on a budget, golden paste, and the two essential oils she uses ahead of bonfire night.  Timings - 02:22 Who is The Dog Witch? - 03:16 Zane, reactivity and how canicross gave him a job - 06:00 From dog walker to holistic consultant - 08:07 Zane's rescue story - 10:44 Reading body language and scoping out venues - 13:22 What is Reiki? - 16:21 Silent pain and what X-rays can miss - 17:33 Teaching owners dog massage - 19:40 Nutrition: the best food you can afford - 22:34 Golden paste explained - 25:04 Natural remedies vs shop-bought supplements - 29:25 Batch cooking for your dog - 31:11 Essential oils and firework anxiety - 33:41 Why Zach the cocker spaniel doesn't canicross   Where to find Lisa The Dog Witch website Holistic Dog Care & Healing Therapy | Holistic Pet Care - The Dog Witch    Golden Paste for Dogs : How it Can Support their Health   YouTube: The Dog Witch (where most of Lisa's tips live)

Ever felt like you're the only person in your area who does canicross? Katrine knows exactly how that feels. Originally from Denmark and now living in Norway, Katrine had never heard the word canicross until she adopted Saxo, a gentle black Labrador who came to her at 10 months old, barely used to walking on a lead. With no club, no running buddies and no one to ask, she researched it all herself and just got going. Three and a half years later, she's racing, building her own local canicross group from scratch, and training for a half marathon across a frozen Swedish lake. In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Katrine about: Why canicross is surprisingly small in Norway, even though it's home to Non-stop dogwear Starting out alone with a FreeMotion harness and a lot of online research Her first proper canicross race: first off the line, the only Lab among a row of hounds, and a 3K PB The moment she realised Saxo wasn't a "non-pulling dog." If she picks up the pace, he goes. If she backs off, so does he. How listening to the podcast inspired her to add strength training, a weekly solo interval session and a look at her nutrition Starting a Facebook canicross group, running an info evening and getting the local paper interested Why newcomers find canicross scary, and how she reassures nervous runners and owners of reactive dogs Running through Norwegian winters at minus 20, using dog boots, and plans for snowshoe cani-trekking Her next big goal: the Sollentuna Winter Marathon half marathon for dogs, near Stockholm Why she's joining the Great British Dog Jog and planning group runs around it. (Join us and run 5K with your dog any time between 12 and 31 October) Follow Katrine and Saxo Follow @saxothelab on Instagram Join Katrine's Canicross Bø og omegn page on Facebook. 

Becky Forman joins Louise and Michelle once again on Canicross Conversations, this time with a very personal update. Her German Shorthaired Pointer, Bronson, has been diagnosed with epilepsy, and Becky talks openly about the confusion, the fear, the medication merry-go-round, and the change that finally gave the family some breathing space. Bronson's episodes started at around 14 months old. At first he just seemed "drunk", wobbly and a bit unwell. Over time they became more frequent and more severe, until a specialist confirmed they were seizures. Becky shares what they've learned about triggers, how they managed day to day, what to do during a seizure, and why she wishes they'd started medication sooner. Since switching Bronson to a raw diet on 1st June, he hasn't had a seizure. Becky is clear this isn't a cure and it won't work for every dog, but it has given them their life back. NB This is Becky's own experience and not veterinary advice. If your dog is having seizures, please speak to your vet or a specialist.   - 01:16 How it all started - 06:02 The medication "honeymoon period" - 07:16 Triggers and the gentle wake-up routine - 11:02 Seizures after sedation - 12:10 Why every seizure matters - 14:05 How long is too long, and cluster seizures - 16:25 Ten tablets a day and the side effects - 18:50 The diet change - 21:15 Why keto is the key - 24:13 What happened with Lexi - 27:46 What the vet thinks - 30:28 Is it hereditary? - 32:33 Why you should report it to your breed coordinator - 35:38 Is Bronson still running? - 38:42 Vaccines and flea treatments - 39:57 Becky's advice if you're at the start of this journey - 41:09 Where to find Becky   Follow @lexi_and_bronson on Instagram and look for the post titled Epilepsy. Becky's inbox is open if you want to share your story or just need someone who understands.  

Michelle and Louise are back for their SIXTH season. They share what they've been up to over summer, and invite listeners to support Janey in her Great British Dog Jog while she runs the length of Sri Lanka. How to get involved in the Great British Dog Jog Donate £5 to Janey's fundraising page here Do a run of 5k or more with your dog(s) between 12th and 31st October 2026 Tag us on Instagram when you're done at @canicrossconversations @janeythevet @wecare_srilanka

It’s just Louise and Michelle for this one a quick catch-up before Canicross Conversations breaks for the summer. In this episode: Season five is a wrap and season six kicks off Friday 4th September Some brilliant stats: 75,000 downloads, 34,000 listeners, and 215 episodes released since launch with only 25% of listeners based in the UK A shoutout to the most-downloaded episodes this year, including Dr Juliet McGratton on running through menopause, Emily on canicross with a nervous dog, Annika and Felicia from the Swedish and Danish teams, and the Trailbreak episode Louise and Michelle’s own favourite episodes to record, including the ones with Emma and with Janie the Vet A call for support for JD, who’s running the length of Sri Lanka in October for her rescue and vet centre charity ideas welcome for how listeners and clubs could get involved A search for podcast sponsorship, plus an open call for guest suggestions (dog-related or not!) for season six Follow along over the break: Canicross Conversations is on Instagram and Facebook. You can also find Michelle at Miles with Michelle and Louise at Studio44 Pilates, where she’s sharing regular exercises to build leg strength and help keep you injury-free before canicross season starts back up. Back on Friday 4th September have a great summer!

This week Louise and Michelle are joined by Emma Stuart, farm animal vet, ultra runner, dog owner, and the woman behind @the_running_vet on Instagram. Emma spends her days working with cattle and her weekends running big miles through fields full of them, so she's the perfect person to answer the question every runner and dog walker has thought at some point: what do I actually do when I'm surrounded by cows?   Emma breaks down the psychology of cattle behaviour — why most "aggressive" cows are actually just curious youngsters, why running through a field is the worst thing you can do, and the one situation where you should never hesitate to move fast. She also talks through how to read a herd, when to let your dog off the lead (and when absolutely not to), the difference between dairy and beef cattle, and shares a genuinely hair-raising story or two from her own running and farming life.   If you've ever stood at a gate with your heart in your mouth, wondering whether to walk on or turn back, this episode is for you.   Meet Emma Emma is a farm animal vet based in the Lake District, an ultra runner of 7–8 years, and owner of two collies, Moss and Skye, the latter a rescue with a remarkable turnaround story. She swapped small animal practice for farm work because she couldn't bear seeing pets frightened of her, and found she loved working with cattle instead.   Why cows aren't actually out to get you Most of the cattle runners and walkers encounter in fields are young, curious animals rather than aggressive ones. Emma explains that a lot of "intimidating" behaviour is simply cattle investigating something new — which is exactly why a 600kg animal jogging over to say hello can still feel (and be) dangerous.   The one group to genuinely watch for Cows with very young calves are the exception. These mothers can be properly protective, and the golden rule is simple: never put yourself between a cow and her calf, even if it means a long detour.   Why running through a field is the worst move Cattle see fast movement far more easily than slow movement. Running through a field is more likely to draw a herd's attention and get them chasing — not out of aggression, but because a good sprint looks like the most exciting thing that's happened to them all day. Walking slowly and steadily is always the safer option.   What to do if they do come for you Stop. Turn. Make yourself big. Shout. Emma's advice runs counter to instinct — most people want to get away as fast as possible — but standing your ground and making noise is what actually gets a herd to back off. The exception: if it's a single aggressive cow with a calf, that's the one time to run.   Dogs change everything A dog on a lead, walked calmly and kept close, is far safer around cattle than one running loose and panicking — loose, frightened dogs can send a herd scattering unpredictably. Whether to let a dog off the lead depends entirely on knowing how that individual dog will react; Emma's two dogs behave completely differently in the same situation.   Reading the herd A cow chewing the cud is a relaxed cow. It's one of the simplest, most reliable signs that a herd isn't bothered by you at all.   Dairy vs beef, and the bulls to actually worry about Dairy cattle are used to people daily and are generally unbothered. Beef cattle with calves are the ones to be more cautious around. Dairy bulls are the one class of animal Emma is genuinely wary of, and the reason they're legally not allowed on public footpaths.   Bonus: horses Even a vet and farm animal expert admits horses are a different story entirely: a topic for a future episode.   Follow Emma on Instagram

Louise and Michelle chat to Katie Parker and Jack Avery from Pickles Pet Pantry, who share the story behind their independent pet shop and how their own experiences as dog owners shaped the business and canicross club they wanted to build. At the heart of the conversation is Fred, their rescue dog. When he first arrived, he was energetic, unpredictable and highly reactive, making everyday walks a challenge. Katie and Jack explain how patience, training and discovering canicross helped channel Fred's energy, build his confidence and strengthen their relationship. Today, he's a much calmer and happier dog who loves racing. Whether you've adopted a rescue dog, live with a reactive dog, or are simply curious about canicross, this episode is full of honest experiences and encouragement. In this episode we discuss: Why Katie and Jack started Pickles Pet Pantry. Meeting Fred, and the realities of owning a reactive dog. How a behaviourist told them there was nothing they could do to help with Fred. How canicross gave Fred a positive outlet for his energy. Advice for anyone considering canicross with their own dog. https://www.picklespetpantry.com/

Louise and Michelle are joined by Courtney Goodright, a Canine Behaviourist and Training Advisor at Battersea.   Courtney pulls back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes at one of the country's best-known rescues, from the moment a dog arrives to the day it goes home.   We learn why strays are on the rise, what those first three decompression days look like, and how the team works out what makes each individual dog tick. There's a beautiful success story about a shut-down foster dog who completely blossomed, an honest chat about what reactivity actually means, and a lovely thread running right through it all: every dog needs a job, and that is exactly where canicross comes in.   Warm, fascinating, and genuinely useful whether you're thinking about adopting or just want to understand your own dog a little better.   Timings 00:00 – Meet Courtney Her role splits two ways: hands-on behaviour work with the more complex dogs, and training and mentoring the staff, volunteers and fosterers. No two days look the same. 01:55 – Three sites, 160 dogs Brands Hatch, London and Old Windsor each have their own strengths, from rural space to on-site clinics. Battersea is completely charity funded with no government money, caring for around 160 dogs at a time. 03:43 – Why dogs end up at Battersea A big rise in strays, the financial squeeze meaning people can no longer afford their pets, the knock-on from COVID-era ownership, and life changes like new babies and returning to the office. Courtney also touches on the new Renters' Rights Bill and what it could mean for keeping dogs in rented homes. 05:35 – History helps, but it can cut both ways Why a dog with no known background isn't always harder to place, and how a long list of "can't live with this, can't cope with that" can become a barrier of its own. 06:36 – Behaviour modification plans How the team builds a plan for any flagged dog so they can see the behaviour for themselves, make progress, and then be completely honest with new owners about what's been done and what they'll need to take on. 10:03 – The first three days Why every new arrival gets a decompression period to settle, build bonds with their care group, and start showing the team their likes, dislikes and motivations before anything formal begins. 11:11 – The assessment process Formal handling, play with and without toys, dog-to-dog assessments and more, always at the dog's pace. If something flags up, they pause, train, and set the dog up to succeed. 12:04 – The success story that says it all A foster dog from abroad who arrived so shut down they could only use a single lead on his collar. Weeks of patience, tiny glimmers of joy, paddock zoomies, and eventually a completely different dog whose personality shone. Have the tissues ready. 14:53 – Matching dogs and owners (a bit like a dating site) It starts online with a form about your lifestyle and what you're looking for, then the rehomers match you on what suits you both. The takeaway: get registered early, because you could be matched before a dog even hits the website. 19:03 – Going home and aftercare Check-in calls, a settling-in window, and aftercare cases that stay open to 28 days, with the Behaviour Advice Service on hand for the more complex dogs. Plus a gentle reminder to keep those first few weeks calm and quiet. 21:43 – Early teething issues Toileting indoors, struggling when left, and behaviours spiking at home after so much change. All normal, all manageable with calm, fun and plenty of enrichment. 23:48 – What "reactive" really means Spoiler: it's not always fear. It can be frustration, excitement, or a mix that shifts moment to moment. Courtney explains why reactivity is a spectrum, not a fixed label. 25:21 – Prey drive and what to do with it Why you often can't train it out, and how to redirect that genetic desire instead, using a flirt pole, a long line or a favourite toy so the dog has a productive outlet for the chase. 27:09 – Why every dog needs a job The bit canicrossers will love. From Labradors and search games to the Shih Tzu nobody expected to love a toy, Courtney explains how giving any dog a job builds focus, engagement and relationship, and how that's exactly what canicross delivers. 29:44 – Other jobs beyond running Agility, scent work, mantrailing and constructive toy play for the dogs who aren't built for the trails. 32:08 – The power of the pack Louise and Michelle share how their canicross packs look out for nervous and reactive dogs, including a shout-out to Rosie, and how the right group can help a worried dog just keep going. 35:17 – Breed trends and social media Why Battersea is seeing a wave of French Bulldogs right now, and the good and bad sides of social media for a rescue. 36:05 – A canicross dog on the web right now Meet Sonny, a leggy, athletic German Shepherd Courtney reckons would make a brilliant canicross partner. 37:57 – Honest advice on adopting a reactive dog Think long term, be realistic about your lifestyle, and know that with the right time and understanding it can be the most rewarding relationship you'll ever have. 38:15 – Where to find help Battersea's rehoming gallery, free at-a-glance advice packages, and the Behaviour Advice Service, a completely free service open to anyone with a question about their dog. Rehome or donate: Battersea website (battersea.org.uk)  Looking for a canicross dog? Ask about Sonny, the German Shepherd mentioned in this episode