Fun, Fun, Fun!

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Susan

It was such a beautiful sunny day with clear blue skies that we decided to head for Irvine Beach. This was Biggles’ first experience of the sea. The sun was so warm that Paul got sunburn!

The beach is over three miles long. Last year someone had told us that there was a lovely restaurant at the far end where you could eat on the beach with your dogs so we decided to walk the full length. I guess it’s only open in the Summer season because all we found was a little corner shop selling egg sandwiches and ice-cream!

I Still want a Sheep!

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Susan

We took Beanie and Biggles back to Muirshiels park today for a walk along the mine track. It’s about a 5 mile round trip on a good path through openm hilly country. This time we were wearing our cani-cross equipment. The walk was a lot more enjoyable for them and us. They had comfy harnesses, we had our hands free and we all benefited from being linked together by nice, springy bungee cords. I thoroughly recommend this kit even if you never have any intention of running with your dogs.

Beanie was as good as gold. Biggles was slightly calmer this time, but he still can’t resist those sheep!

Weekly 5k Timed Races in Pollock Park

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Susan

Beanie & Biggles’ swimming buddy Cullin likes to do a bit of running with his mum. I had emailed her to let her know that we’d got some reasonably priced cani-cross equipment and she replied to tell us about a regular race venue right on our doorstep.

There’s a weekly 5k (3 miles) timed race held in Pollock Park every Saturday morning at 9.30am. And the best bit – dogs are welcome provided they are on lead! It’s free to enter – just register on the website. You don’t need to be a good runner – no reason why you can’t walk the course (the Biggly boy and his mum will be). It’s just you against the clock.

More info here

Do any of Beanie and Biggles buddies fancy joining us? Especially their fellow Beagles! Kathleen – what about Neil and some of your gang?

EDIT:

Kathleen from Muchisle Beagles asked where we got the cani-cross equipment. They sell kits here, but they don’t do harnesses small enough for Beagles (not small enough for ours anyway). Also, we were warned by an experienced cani-crosser not to get the x-back harness for beagles. The reason being is that they are really designed for sled dogs pulling a sled as it directs the forces along the dogs back. It’s great for running with large dogs but with little dogs the line pulls the harness upwards and puts the strain in all the wrong places.

We each got:

A delux belt with key pouch
A Bungee
A single line

The bungee attaches to the belt, and the single line attaches to the bungee. There’s an emergency release clip so you can separate yourself from the dog quickly. We weren’t keen on this as it looked as if it could be released by accident. Fair enough for a big dog with reliable recall but I think on balance you’re best having your Beagle firmly attached! So we also purchased a carabiner to replace the clip.

We also got a double line so that we could have both dogs running with one person. You could manage this with two single lines, but it gives the dogs more scope to run off in opposite directions!!

We were told that the fleece harness from here are better than the cani-cross ones because they are completely fleece lined so much more comfy for short haired dogs. Ours are very happy to wear them.