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Canicross Conversations

Canicross Conversations

By: Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey
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The leading podcast for all things canicross and cani-sports. Canicross instructors Louise and Michelle chat to various guests and experts, who love to run or compete with their dogs, about how to keep both dog and human happy and healthy.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Hygiene & Healthy Living Running & Jogging
Episodes
  • Surrounded by cows on a run? Here's what a farm vet actually wants you to do (Episode 215)

    Surrounded by cows on a run? Here's what a farm vet actually wants you to do (Episode 215)
    Jul 10 2026
    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
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    54 mins
  • Canicross changed our rescue dog's life - Pickle's Pet Pantry (Episode 214)

    Canicross changed our rescue dog's life - Pickle's Pet Pantry (Episode 214)
    Jul 3 2026

    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/
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    46 mins
  • Inside Battersea (Episode 213)

    Inside Battersea (Episode 213)
    Jun 26 2026
    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 ...
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    45 mins
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super inspired and enthused hearing this, looking forward to experiencing it myself!
this podcast has been an awesome source to have as a "buddy" to keep me motivated as there is no local club for me in my area, thank you!!

can't wait to try this!

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