Cani-rando: the essential guide to hiking with your dog

What is cani-rando?

Cani-hiking is simple: you're no longer going on a walk alone; you're going with your four-legged best friend. The idea is to share the hike, adapting the way you walk together according to your dog's personality and the environment.

To find out more about suitable routes, also discover our guide to mountain holidays with your dog .

Differences in how to do cani rando

In total freedom

Your dog has excellent recall and you're in an area where dogs are allowed off-leash ? It's the ultimate thrill: total freedom for everyone.

⚠️ Just remember to check local regulations (forests, parks, nature reserves): not all areas allow dogs to roam.

On the lunge

Does your dog not always have perfect recall, or are you in an area where leashes are mandatory ? Don't panic: take out the long one.

You can find 5, 10, even 20 meters. At Sprint Dog, we recommend biothane leashes . Why? Because the leash is semi-freedom :

• it drags on the ground, accessible to your feet (practical for walking on it and retrieving your dog if necessary),
  
• it resists everything(rain, mud, capricious weather),
  
• it rinsesin two seconds,
  
• and it's twice as strongif your dog suddenly takes off after a doe.
  
  

Essential tip:always attach the lead to a harness , never to the collar. Imagine the lead stuck against a tree (it happens to everyone). With a collar, the impact is brutal on the animal. With a harness, the shock is cushioned and much better distributed over its body.

In traction

Is your dog pulling or not coming back? Good news: it's not a problem, it's a strength.

All you need to do is invest in a harness, a long shock absorber, and a traction harness . And this time, let it pull you! Result:

• you spend half as much energy,
  
  
• you can walk further without straining,
  
  
• and your dog really gets some exercise.
  
  

After that, you can be sure: your little one will sleep like a baby when they get home.

To go further in the sport, discover our complete guide on essential canicross equipment .

Which dogs can go cani-hiking?

Minimum age and precautions for puppies

Cani-rando is open to almost all dogs, but not just any dog.

No traction before 12 months : the skeleton and joints are not yet consolidated. Forcing too early can lead to growth disorders.

With a puppy, we prefer freedom or semi-freedom on a leash . Let him move at his own pace: walk, stop, explore. The important thing is not the distance but the experience.

Points of vigilance:

• Avoid stairs and repeated jumping, which put too much strain on growing joints.
  
  
• Significant elevation changes : possible, but if the puppy is tired, carry him in a hiking or carrying bag.
  
  
• No minimum or maximum time: simply observe his signals (slowing down, panting, desire to lie down).
  
  
• Running, climbing, sniffing… all of this stimulates your body as much as your brain, as long as it's done at your own pace .
  
  

Practical tip: a simple hiking bag can be enough to carry a tired puppy at the end of the day, no need to invest in a specialized bag right away.

You can find more detailed precautions on puppy development from the French Association of Veterinarians for Companion Animals .

Tailored lessons and signs your dog is ready

Cani-rando is not reserved for a few classes: all dogs can benefit from it , provided that their individual abilities are respected. Of course, some sporting classes (such as shepherds, Nordic dogs, hunting dogs) have more endurance, but this is not an exclusive criterion. A small dog can very well accompany its owner, if the activity is suitable.

What matters are the signs that your dog is ready :

• Gradual : Don't start with 20 km. Increase the distance and elevation gain gradually.
  
• Breathing : rapid gasps or very long tongue = take a break!
  
• Heat : Be especially careful of tarmac, which burns pads and increases body heat. Choose dirt, grass, or shaded trails. Ideally, set off early in the morning or late in the day. In summer, aim for higher altitudes to enjoy the coolness of the mountains.
  
• Hydration : Always remember to bring as much water for your dog as you do for yourself. A collapsible bowl (attached to your harness or bag) makes it easy to stop.
  
• General energy : If he slows down, stops often, or seeks shade, it's a signal to cut things short, carry, or take a drink break.
  

In short: it's not a question of breed, but of listening . Observe your dog, adapt the effort and remain attentive to its needs, this is the key to a successful cani-rando.

Can we practice with several dogs?

Yes, cani-rando can be done with two dogs (or more), but it requires organization.

• Suitable equipment : Use a Y-shaped line (or a pull bar) to distribute the effort between the dogs and prevent them from getting tangled.
  
• Compatible dogs : Ideally, both should have similar energy levels and gaits. Otherwise, one may tire more quickly or pull more.
  
  

Rules to follow for regular cani-hiking with your dog

How to train your dog

Even as an adult, a dog does not become athletic overnight.

Start with short distances , between 5 and 10 km depending on your child's abilities, with little elevation gain. Observe your child's energy, recovery, and enjoyment during the outing. Then gradually increase the duration and difficulty.

Progression prevents injuries, but also discouragement of the dog.

Nutrition for sporting dogs

A dog that regularly goes cani-hiking expends a lot of energy. Its diet must therefore cover its accumulated needs, especially in protein , which is essential for muscle recovery and maintaining good mass.

Here are different ways to meet these needs:

• High-protein kibble : choose “sport” or “active dog” ranges with at least 30% quality protein .
  
• Homemade ration or BARF : possible if well balanced.
• Protein Treats : Dried meat, protein snacks, small pieces of cheese
  
  

Days off

All dogs need rest. But even more so for you, if you go on a series of hikes, impose days without sport , with only hygienic outings.

For what ?

• Too much effort = chronic fatigue→ more nervousness, less listening.
  
• Not enough rest= risk of putting the dog off activity.
  
• Rest helps the dog settle, recover and progress .
  
  

An exhausted dog is not a happy dog ​​either.Rest days are essential to stay balanced.

Cani-rando isn't just a sporting activity: it's a real moment of bonding between dog and owner. Whether you enjoy complete freedom, are on a lead or are pulling, each method has its advantages, as long as you respect your companion's age, abilities, and pace.

The key is simple: the right equipment, a gentle progression, and rest days to keep the fun alive. With these basic rules, all routes can benefit from this discipline, whether it's a leisurely stroll or a more challenging outing.