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CaniX DeerhoundWe decided to do something different at Crufts this year and luckily was accepted to run with Banrigh (Drawing Down the Moon to Cusidh) at the CaniX event. I’d run at a couple of CaniX events previously but with my Lurcher Hettie. Anyway, Hettie was much relieved that Banrigh would be taking the strain as Hettie says it’s been very hard work pulling me up hills and through mud and says I need to give up the chocolate and wine and do more training before she goes out with me again.

Well, the Friday arrived – race day and a warm up walk was completed. Then came the fun of trying on the equipment including the harness. Dogs wear a harness for these events as it stops any strain for them as the idea is that they should be pulling strongly while you run behind. I bought a X-back harness, and because hounds are quite deep chested, Banrigh ended up with one of the largest sizes. The drawback of this is that the harness then goes to the end of her back which means in effect when the lead is attached to the end of the harness you are trying to steer the dog by its tail! Now believe me this isn’t too easy when you are running out of breath and forget to give steering commands. I also had to wear a harness round my waist which was very comfortable and really does make a difference to your stability when the dog pulls. So if you were worried about getting pulled over by your hound if you wanted to try running get a waist harness it makes things a lot easier. The final piece of equipment is the special bungee type lead designed to ‘give’ and absorb any shock/strains.

Once we were all geared up it was a quick jog to the Pavilion area near Hall 1 at the NEC in Birmingham. This was all the practice Banrigh got with the harness I’m afraid since it hadn’t been possible to get it earlier. However, some forward progress was made and we arrived in the Pavilion and went to the collecting ring for the main arena for a briefing. By this point I was beginning to think Banrigh and I had taken on a bit too much. Not only had I not run an event with Banrigh before let alone use a harness but the atmosphere in the main arena area was something else – loud music and commentary, large numbers of people watching, cameras and absolutely loads of dogs warming up with their handlers looking a lot more together than Banrigh and I were. Scottish Deerhounds aren’t really known for being easy to train or particularly co-operative. However, here I was with a Deerhound about to enter the main arena at Crufts with the aim of then running along with about 80 other people and dogs round a lake! Would Banrigh run with me? Or would she take off so quickly I’d end up face down being dragged instead of running? Or would she head for the van to go home too traumatised by the experience?

CaniX Deerhound
Entering the Arena (all photos courtesy of Miia Seilonen)

After what seemed like hours I was ready to find out. The Rocky theme tune was on and that was the cue to enter the main arena. I was running at no. 20 so was in near the front after an Irish terrier and before a border collie. Collies, Huskies, Dobermans, Labradors, Terriers and cross breeds are common in CaniX, however, there are also a good number of Whippets, Greyhounds and Lurchers competing too. However, no one to date I think has taken a Deerhound (perhaps there is a reason for that). Banrigh though did me proud. CaniX DeerhoundRunners were set off approximately 20 seconds apart and when it was our slot Banrigh didn’t refuse to move or head the opposite direction she raced off at top speed seemingly enjoying the atmosphere and experience. I was lucky to keep up without falling over. But as I said these waist harnesses are brilliant.

So we were off out of the main arena and heading for the lake outside the NEC halls. Here came the steering problem and at every corner Banrigh went one way and I went the other. However, after a quick gather up with me then steering Banrigh by her collar we were off. The dogs running ahead and, I must admit, the dogs overtaking us, captured Banrigh’s attention and she pulled well and ahead for most of the race. She was absolutely brilliant and I was ever so proud of her.

We finished the 2.5 km race in 8 min 02 seconds. The winning woman in my age category was somewhat faster in 5 min 26 seconds. However, I had an excellent time and would thoroughly recommend taking Scottish Deerhounds to these events.

YouTube video of the event (with Banrigh and I attempting a corner)

Further info
Equipment and competition information http://www.cani-cross.co.uk/

More Pictures - Thank you Miia Seilonen

CaniX Deerhound

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CaniX Deerhound

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