Canicross Coach
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About
Having fun, gaining fitness, and building the bond with your dog is at the heart of all of our coached sessions. From introduction courses to advanced courses for those wishing to compete, our tailored content helps You to achieve Your goals.
Canicross Coach is a UK-based organisation dedicated to promoting the sport of canicross—running with your dog—through comprehensive coaching and training services. Their mission is to foster a dog-centred approach, ensuring both owners and their canine companions enjoy a safe and fulfilling experience.
Services Offered:
Canicross Coaching: For those new to the sport or seeking to enhance their skills, Canicross Coach provides classes led by experienced, qualified, and accredited coaches. These sessions focus on building a bond between owner and dog through activity and training, promoting fitness and mutual enjoyment.
Cani-Hike Classes: Recognising that running may not suit everyone, they offer cani-hike classes. These are particularly beneficial for older dogs or those who have retired from canicross, providing a gentler yet engaging form of exercise.
Coach Training Programmes: For experienced canicrossers interested in teaching others, Canicross Coach offers training courses to become certified coaches. This includes the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canicross Coaching, the only Ofqual-regulated qualification in the field, requiring a six-week commitment of guided learning and assessments.
Geographical Reach:
Canicross Coach operates across the UK, with a network of certified coaches located in various regions. Prospective participants can find a coach near them by visiting the "Meet Our Coaches" section on their website.
Benefits of Their Offerings:
For Dog Owners: Engaging in canicross or cani-hiking helps improve physical fitness, strengthens the bond with their dog, and provides a structured activity to channel their dog's energy positively.
For Dogs: These activities offer mental stimulation, physical exercise, and an opportunity to socialise, contributing to overall well-being.
For Aspiring Coaches: The training programmes equip individuals with the knowledge and credentials to safely and effectively teach canicross, opening avenues for career development in the field of dog sports.
By prioritising dog welfare and promoting an inclusive, fun approach to fitness, Canicross Coach stands as a leading authority in canicross coaching and career development within the UK.
Experience
So why have we come together to form Canicross Coach?
We both identified a need for a dog centred approach to canicross, where runners could be coached to improve their fitness, technique and understanding of the sport but where the needs of the dog are always put first.
Where leaders are experienced themselves in the sport of canicross, who can promote good practice in canine welfare, and importantly can bring a fun approach to delivering planned sessions that focus on the goals of the individual with their family dog and ensure progression that matches the owner and canine companion together.
Our aim is to build a strong network of Canicross Coaches across the UK, who share our ideals and promote our dog centred approach to the sessions.
Dawn Crook-Richards Co-Founder & Canicross Coach – Somerset & Mendips Dawn Crook-Richards is a prominent figure in the Canicross community, known as the owner of CaniX, which organises the oldest and largest National Championship in the UK and the CaniX Fur Nations.
With over 13 years of Canicross competition experience in the UK and internationally, Dawn is also a founding member of Canicross Somerset. She has 20+ years of teaching experience, specialising in Outdoor Education with NGB-recognised qualifications.
Dawn is an approved LiRF (Leader in Running Fitness) through UK Athletics and holds Level 3 and 4 qualifications in Sports Massage.
Emily Thomas Co-Founder & Canicross Coach – Brockworth & Birdlip Emily Thomas runs K9 Trail Time, a leading canicross retail business in the UK. She founded the Cotswold Canicross group, organises the UK’s only Dog Triathlon with her Tri Dog team, and represents the British Sleddog Sports Federation, the National governing body for dog-powered sports.
A competitor since 2009 in canicross, bikejor, and dog scootering, Emily has a deep knowledge of equipment and a passion for dog health and welfare. She is qualified in Canine Hydrotherapy, enhancing her understanding of canine physiology and musculoskeletal dynamics.
Emily is also an approved UK Athletics LiRF and is certified in both Sports Specific and Canine First Aid.
Toria Seaton Head Tutor & Canicross Coach – Lincolnshire Toria Seaton runs Wonky Dog Therapy, a clinic dedicated to canine massage for active dogs. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has vast expertise in instruction and development.
Toria has been a keen canicrosser since 2013, competing in numerous national championships and advocating for dog welfare at every stage of learning canicross.
In addition to her expertise in canine massage, Toria is a licensed Canine Conditioning Academy therapist, incorporating this knowledge into her role at Canicross Coach.
Qualifications
Fees
Contact for details
Age Groups
Young adults 18 - 25
Adults 25 - 55
Seniors 55+
Contact Types
In person
Audiences
Group sessions
Individuals
Availability
Please contact us for availability