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MUD AND PAWS — FREE CANICROSS STARTER CHECKLIST
UK Edition · mudandpaws.co.uk
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BEFORE YOUR FIRST RUN
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□ Vet sign-off — confirm dog is cleared for pulling sports
□ Dog is fully grown — wait until 12–18 months (larger breeds 18 months)
□ Dog can walk briskly for 15 minutes without heavy panting
□ You have three core pieces of kit: harness, bungee line, waist belt

HARNESS FIT CHECKLIST
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□ Using a dedicated pulling harness (Y-front, back D-ring) — NOT a front-clip walking harness
□ Two-finger clearance between harness and ribcage all around
□ No gaping at the chest panel — should lie flat against the breastbone
□ Harness does not restrict shoulder movement — watch dog walk before running
□ No rubbing under the armpits — check after the first short run
□ Bungee line clips to the BACK D-ring (between shoulder blades), not the chest clip

BUNGEE LINE CHECKLIST
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□ Line is 1.8–2.0 m stretched length for most trails (shorter for dense woodland)
□ Line does not drag on the ground when the dog is running at pace
□ Carabiner clips are secure and rotate freely
□ Bungee section provides visible stretch and shock absorption — replace if cord is stiff

WAIST BELT CHECKLIST
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□ Belt sits on the hips, not the waist — low enough to engage the hip flexors
□ Belt does not ride up when running uphill — tighten hip straps before you start
□ D-ring sits at the small of the back, not at the side
□ Release buckle is accessible with one hand

PRE-RUN CHECKLIST (every session)
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□ Check paws — no cuts, swelling, or debris between toes
□ Check harness fit — dogs change shape as they warm up; re-check after 5 minutes
□ Check bungee line carabiner is locked
□ Carry water — dogs need water after 20 minutes of effort in most UK conditions
□ Carry a poo bag — always, on every run
□ Check terrain — avoid icy or heavily frosted surfaces

FIRST RUN CHECKLIST
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□ Start with a 5-minute tug game to activate drive before clipping in
□ Use a short line (2–3 m) for the first few sessions
□ Keep first run to 10–15 minutes maximum — build gradually
□ Reward every solid pull — treat or tug toy every few hundred metres
□ Watch for: panting beyond normal effort, reluctance to move, limping — stop if any appear

SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS (UK)
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Summer (June–August):
□ Run early morning or evening — avoid ground above 25°C (5-second hand test on tarmac)
□ Carry extra water; offer every 10–15 minutes
□ Check for signs of overheating: excessive drooling, stumbling, bright red gums — stop immediately

Autumn/Winter (October–March):
□ Wipe paws after every run — grit and road salt cause cracking
□ Check for ice on trail surfaces before letting dog pull at pace
□ Lambing season February–April — keep dog on lead near farmland
□ Add reflective gear for early morning/evening low-light runs

UK TRAIL RULES — QUICK REFERENCE
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□ Yellow OS arrow = public footpath — legal for canicross
□ Blue OS arrow = bridleway — legal, but stop and lead dog when passing horses
□ Always give way to horses — stop, shorten lead, ask rider before passing
□ Near livestock — lead on, no exceptions
□ Forestry England land — follow posted signs; orange = dogs on lead near sensitive areas

WHEN TO STOP — RED FLAGS
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Stop immediately if the dog shows any of:
□ Limping or favouring a leg
□ Yelping or flinching when harness is touched
□ Refusing to move or sitting down mid-run
□ Excessive panting beyond normal effort
□ Tail tucked tightly — stress or pain signal

USEFUL LINKS
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Guides:           https://mudandpaws.co.uk/blog/
Beginners guide:  https://mudandpaws.co.uk/blog/start-canicross-uk-beginners-guide/
Harness guide:    https://mudandpaws.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-canicross-harness-for-your-dog-fit-their-shape-not-just-their-size/
Find events:      https://mudandpaws.co.uk/blog/canicross-events-uk-finding-races-runs/
Contact:          hello@mudandpaws.co.uk

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© 2026 Mud and Paws · mudandpaws.co.uk
This checklist is free to share and print for personal use.
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