Fed up slobbing out and ready to get fit for 2017? Gayle Ritchie and her labrador Toby attempt to shed a few pounds via Cani-Fit
Being a labrador, Toby is a dog who loves to sniff out and guzzle unsavoury items wherever he goes.
Rotten potatoes, rabbit poo and dead mice are just some of the delights I’ve discovered him devouring on our country walks.
As a result, he’s developed a bit of a wobbling gut, and, following weeks of festive over-indulgence, so have I.
That’s why we’ve hooked up with Cani-Fit leader Linzi Melville in the middle of a forest in Fife.
Linzi, who’s brought along Indie – her svelte Weimaraner – is raring to go, but she takes a minute to explain the concept of Cani-Fit before Toby and I attempt to join in.
“The sport canicross, is trail running with a dog,” she says.
“The dog, which runs in front of you, wears a harness and is attached by a bungee line to your belt.
“Cani-Fit is fitness training using harness-based sports adapted to suit a mix of fitness abilities and breeds.”
“It’s great exercise for both humans and dogs and it gets you outdoors, off the tarmac and onto soft woodland trails which are kind on paws and joints.”
As I’ve never run with Toby on a harness, Linzi suggests we start with the basics and runs through the various commands, many of which are used for sled dogs.
“I say ‘go left’ to Indie, but some use the mushing term ‘haw’. For turning right, you can say ‘gee’, and then there’s ‘go forward’ or simply ‘go’.
“When you’re getting ready to go, you can say ‘ready’ or simply count down.
“There’s also ‘steady’ when you’re going down a hill and you don’t want to be going flat out and dragged along!”
Having spent four years training Toby to walk to heel (although he’s off lead and free-running 99% of the time), my hopes of him excelling at Cani-Fit aren’t high.
Encouraged by Linzi and Indie, who sprint off into the distance, I try Toby with some words of encouragement.
“Go on,” I holler. “Yes, go forward”. No response. Instead, he simply turns round and gazes up at me in bewilderment.
When we finally get moving, he trots along at my side, stopping to cock his leg on the odd tree stump and tripping me up, gouging a chunk out of my elbow. Ouch!
After a good half hour of plodding up and down the same pathway, we head for a twisty, narrow trail through the heart of the woods.
With Linzi and Indie speeding on ahead, Toby is keen to keep up, and finally, we get a true taste of the joys of Cani-Fit.
We fly on through trees, ducking to dodge branches and jumping over slippery roots, and I can tell that Toby is loving it.
I’m out of breath when we stop, but totally exhilarated. “See why it’s addictive?” beams Linzi, and I have to say that yes, I do.
There’s no doubt this is a great way to keep fit and if you’re doing it with a group, it could be a social whirlwind.
It’s open to all dogs although some high energy breeds like collies are particularly well suited to the sport.
“Most dogs can do it, as long as they’re 12 months or older, fit enough and don’t have any breathing issues,” says Linzi.
“The majority of dogs love having a job to do and love working with their owners. If for any reason a dog wasn’t enjoying it, we’d say not to make them do it, but most seem to.”
There are all levels of classes on offer, from high-intensity training sessions aimed at those wanting to compete in races, to power walking.
Worried your dog won’t pay any attention? Linzi says it’s all about positive reinforcement and lots of praise, as with any training.
Good boy, Toby!
info
Exercise with your dog and get fit today. Beginner, intermediate and advanced Cani-Fit classes are available, as well as one-to-one sessions.
Cani-Fit classes run all over Scotland but Gayle and Toby took part in the Heatherhall Wood Pop Up Class near Ladybank in Fife.
Classes can loan kit including harnesses and belts, but runners should bring trail shoes and running trousers.
For more information, see www.cani-fit.com
