In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Michelle and Louise chat to Jo from Dorwest, a leading natural pet supplement company with a deep history in herbal care.

Jo shares the Dorwest journey, how their products support active dogs, and offers practical, evidence-based advice on keeping your canicross companion healthy.

Listeners will gain insights into physical demands on dogs, early signs of stress or overuse, and what to do when your dog needs recovery support especially in peak mileage seasons. From mobility to calming aids, and even how to manage gut issues during race days, Jo’s expertise offers a holistic look at dog welfare in sport. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how Dorwest sources ingredients, works with vets, and develops products based on real-world feedback from working and sporting dogs.

Whether you’re new to canicross or training at a high level, this conversation is packed with useful tips to help your dog thrive on and off the trails.

1.10 – the Dorwest story and Jo’s background 5.50 – what canicross dogs need: joints, gut, stress & more 11.40 – key products for active dogs: mobility, recovery, calming 19.05 – common problems at races and how to support your dog 26.15 – inside Dorwest: sourcing, safety, vet testing 31.30 – Jo’s top 3 tips for dog wellbeing

@dorwestherbs on Instagram & Facebook

For 10% off at dorwest.com use code CANICROSS10

In this episode, Michelle and Louse chat to Jamie Stevenson, with a focus on the ICF World Championships last month, and his role in the BSSF as monosports rep.

Listen for behind‑the‑scenes insight into how the International Canicross Federation (ICF) World Championships work — from selection via the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF), to the challenges of visas, travel, and dog‑friendly logistics across Europe. Jamie reflects on the highs and challenges of international competition — including the rush of a mass‑start, the thrill of representing Britain, and the necessary balance between competitive drive, dog welfare, and everyday life.

We also hear live interviews with other British athletes gathered at the ICF World Championships by the BSSF.

NB: Please note that Jamie refers to Seb Coe heading up British Orienteering, when he meant to say Steve Cram

Links:

ICF - https://canicross.international/

BSSF - https://thebssf.org.uk/

• VJ Sports has moved from orienteering into trail/fell and now canicross‑relevant shoes by focusing on terrain‑specific grip (e.g., butyl rubber outsoles, variable stud lengths).
• Fit matters: multiple lasts (foot shapes) plus stud‑length differences (3 mm → 9 mm) mean choosing the right shoe for terrain and individual foot shape is important.
• Two contrasting models: a firmer, lower‑profile “race/technical” shoe (e.g., Max) vs a softer, higher‑cushion “longer run” shoe (e.g., Ultra) — both relevant, depending on run style.
• Canicrossers often face muddy, mixed‑terrain conditions with a pulling dog, so shoe demands differ from road running; community feedback is driving a bespoke “monster truck” future model for this niche.
• Try‑before‑you‑buy remains important, especially with trail/canicross shoes. Online reviews help but foot shape / terrain matter.
• Shoe care counts: wash with hot soapy water and air dry (avoid radiators/dryers) to extend lifespan of technical outsoles.
• Sizing guidance: VJ is “true to UK size” except one model (MAXx 2) which comes up a half‑size larger — always check empirically.

• VJ  Shoes Website
• @vjsportsshoes on Instagram
• BSSF race series

• 00:01:24 – 00:02:03 – Lisa introduces herself, her dogs Barley (3) and Biscuit (2), and how the journey began.
• 00:02:03 – 00:03:03 – Lisa talking about her mental rut, the Instagram reel, and joining a local canicross club.
• 00:03:03 – 00:04:08 – Early struggles with Couch‐to‑5K, joining social runs, and how the club helped.
• 00:04:08 – 00:05:01 – The welcome, supportive culture of the club; no one gets left behind.
• 00:05:01 – 00:07:00 – How the dogs got into it: Barley’s progression, Biscuit’s natural pull, the feeling of working as a team.
• 00:07:00 – 00:10:30 – Race stories: first event experience, the joy of finishing, the difference between a “race” and “an event you enjoy”.
• 00:10:30 – 00:12:11 – Dog behaviours: reactivity, start‑line nerves, and how events accommodate that.
• 00:12:11 – 00:16:10 – Running with dogs vs running solo: the difference, the benefit of solo sessions, the concept of “easy runs”.
• 00:16:10 – 00:20:05 – Goals: signed up for 10 K, training together, accepting your pace, moving more and more.
• 00:20:05 – 00:25:00 – Motivation, how to start: tip to “just do it”, find a local club, support matters.

• Instagram account: @RunningWithCrows
• Canicross Ireland
• Stop Walking Your Dog book Podcast episode 108 (March 2024) with Niki French
• Membership: Pilates / strength training membership offered by Louise Humphrey

In this episode, Louise and Michelle are joined by Anna Pollard of The Dog House Canine Spa in Leicestershire to explore how best to care for your dog’s coat, especially when you’re into canicross and other active dog sports.

Anna shares her insights from years of grooming experience, explaining why proper maintenance of the coat and skin isn't just cosmetic but a key part of your dog’s wellbeing and performance.

The conversation covers coat types (single vs double coat), grooming routines for active dogs, the role of brushing and bathing, pad and nail care, seasonal changes, and much more.

Whether you’re a seasoned canicrosser or just beginning to run with your dog, this episode offers practical tips to help your canine companion feel and perform at their best — and maybe convert a non‑groomer into a regular brusher! Expect to learn how coat condition affects temperature regulation, how friction from harnesses can lead to matting, and how pad health and nails tie into overall musculoskeletal wellbeing.

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 1:40 – Why grooming is important for active/canicross dogs
• 3:15 – How a coat works: insulation, heat regulation
• 5:45 – Brushing vs clipping: which to choose?
• 7:50 – Harness friction and matting danger zones
• 10:00 – Coats types: single vs double vs hybrid
• 12:30 – What is hand‑stripping and when to consider it
• 16:15 – How often should you brush and bathe?
• 20:20 – Choosing shampoos & avoiding human products
• 22:50 – After muddy runs: rinse or bathe?
• 24:30 – Nail length, pad health & impact on joints/gait
• 28:10 – Seasonal coat length and shedding challenges
• 31:00 – Heating, fleas and indoor environment effects
• 33:40 – Harness the expert: starting canicross: gear, pace, where to train
• 37:10 – Closing discussion & guest contact info
• 40:00 – Outro and call for reviews

• The Dog House Canine Spa website thedoghouseleicester.co.uk
• Instagram: @thedoghouse_spa
• Facebook: The Dog House Canine Spa

• 00:00 – 02:00 ­ Introduction & Ray’s background
• 02:00 – 05:00 ­ Meet Ray’s dogs: Cloud, Nomad, older dogs
• 05:00 – 08:00 ­ Training and challenges with Nomad (harness anxiety, grass obsession)
• 08:00 – 11:00 ­ First races, social aspect of the club
• 11:00 – 14:00 ­ Why Ray doesn’t consider herself a “runner” & what changed post‑COVID
• 14:00 – 18:00 ­ Dog health story (dehydration, vertigo) and hydration lesson
• 18:00 – 22:00 ­ Season goals, 10K aim, Cloud’s future, balancing veteran dog
• 22:00 – 27:00 ­ Advice for new canicrossers: non‑runners, reactive dogs, using muzzles, equipment tips
• 27:00 – 30:00 ­ Harness The Expert: How to strengthen Achilles in pain from a pulling dog
• 30:00 – 31:00 ­ Final reflections & how to follow Ray (Instagram Fluffy Multipack)