What is Cani-rando?
We must not confuse cani-cross and cani-rando, which is often the case. Indeed, the cani-cross requires a certain physical training, as much for the Man as for his dog while the cani-rando can be practiced in complete relaxation, as a hobby in its own right.
Besides, the main difference between these two activities (besides the fact that one is practiced while running and the other while walking), is that cani-cross is a real canine sport with competitions while the cani-rando has no specific competition, the main goal is to get some fresh air and walk with your dog!
The equipment needed for cani-hiking
To practice cani-rando in complete safety but above all with maximum comfort, whether for you or for your dog, you will need:
- a pulling harness for your dog, adapted to his morphology and with a clip on the back (as close to the tail as possible so that he pulls with his whole body)
- a belt for you, or a harness, knowing that the harness gives you better support and less risk of back pain. In any case, it is better to favor a belt (whether simple or connected to a harness) as wide as possible for more comfort.
- a slightly elastic line to avoid jolts and make the pull more fluid.
Many specialized sites offer complete kits (harness, line, belt) for dog traction sports, including cani-hiking or cani-walking.
Cani-rando: precautions to take
Before going on a hike with your dog, you must of course make sure that he is physically capable of it. Moreover, if you want to go on regular hikes, increasingly long and complex (depending on the terrain, etc.), I advise you to have your dog followed by your veterinarian (at least) before each outing.
Then, it is advisable to study the route well beforehand, it is not a question of getting lost in the middle of the mountains at nightfall or of finding yourself blocked by the ban on dogs on the path you were planning take for example.
Then, always plan a bag with something to eat and drink, for you and your dog! You can carry this bag yourself or have it carried by your dog! Specific harness models (called pack bags) exist with side pockets. To be sure not to overload the bag, its contents should not exceed ⅓ of your dog's weight.
Also remember to take a flashlight and the route of your hike if you don't know the surroundings well.
Poop bags will also be useful for you to always adopt the good citizen gesture And yes, during a hike it is very likely that your dog will do his business, so remember to always pick up, wherever you are! Think of future walkers who will follow the same route as you.
Don't forget a first aid kit for minor sores as well as paw protection for your doggie if he gets hurt on the way.
Obviously, never leave without your phone to call for help if needed but also to immortalize your exploits for social networks: of course ;)
The cani-walk: for which dogs?
As soon as your dog is able to walk: he can practice cani-rando.This is not a discriminatory activity, all dogs are accepted. However, there are obviously breeds more or less adapted to practice this discipline, such as all sled dog breeds for example or even working breeds (shepherd type, hunting, etc.).
Instead of making you the list of dogs that can accompany you on a hike, here is the list of dogs for whom the cani-rando will have to be arranged (whether in terms of the route, the duration or the weather conditions):
- small dogs: who obviously won't be able to tow you like a Siberian Husky for example,
- (very) large dogs: who quickly suffer from physical (joint) problems when they practice too intense an activity; which can be the case for a long hike, even at low speed,
- brachycephalic dogs (crushed nose): there are Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, etc., which could have difficulty breathing, especially in summer,
- dogs who have not finished growing, regardless of size.
Next, this activity is recommended for educated and socialized dogs, so that the course goes as smoothly as possible, even if you come across other cani-hikers.
Of course, if you want to let your dog go free during your excursion, you will have to work on the reminder beforehand (especially for hunting dogs) so that your doggie does not take to their heels in a environment you don't know well.
The benefits of cani-rando for the dog
- Your dog is fully spent physically.
- His sense of smell is more than solicited with all the new messages to smell, which he is not used to sniffing.
- He discovers many environments with you, more or less rich in stimulation, which allows him to strengthen his socialization.
- Your interspecific relationship is also strengthened and you become a true accomplice duo.
- It also allows you to consolidate your education: the more you respond correctly to your dog's needs, the more he is cooperative in his interactions.
- Towing (with a suitable harness) also allows him to strengthen his muscles.
The process
A cani-hike is only considered as such when it exceeds 10 km. Below, it is considered a “classic” ride.
However, since there is no competition or regulation in this matter: as long as you walk with your dog, we can say that you cani-hike!
So of course, there are the “little” hikers who leave for a few hours with their dog and then there are the “experts” who will leave for several days
The most important thing is to have fun, to discover wonderful places in the company of your dog but also to respect his rhythm so that this "pleasure" activity does not become a constraint.
To progress in this area, you have three levers:
- duration (from a few hours to several days)
- the distance (gradual increase in the number of km)
- difficulty (mountains, elevations, etc.)
Set your own goals, evolve at your own pace and that of your dog, treat yourself and gradually exceed your limits.
Where to go for cani-hiking?
Mushers generally offer cani-rando sessions to individuals in the summer. This, initially to allow their dogs to maintain a certain activity, even when they are in “rest” during this period but also (to be completely honest), to generate some income.
In fact, do not hesitate to contact the Mushers who offer this kind of service in order to have the pleasure of cani-hiking with a powerful dog who can accompany you throughout your excursion.
Personally, I prefer cani-hiking in the mountains, where the help of a traction dog is really precious. This allows you to develop a real bond with your dog.
A few years ago, I spent a few weeks in a “Husky farm” in the Jura, the owners really gave me a taste for cani-hiking, whether with their dogs of sled or with my Border Collie who accompanied me on this trip. I therefore regularly went for walks in the heights and I can assure you that my dog helped me enormously to climb. Without him, I think I would have given up more than once out of fatigue.
However, you can cani-hike wherever you want in the end, as long as you have the right equipment and that you respect the places accessible or not to dogs (I am thinking in particular of certain natural parks which prohibit their presence), you are free to cani-hike anywhere!