Canicross Coach
Providing the best training for you and your dog based on years of experienceWe are highly qualified experts within the field of canicross
Our Story
So why have we come together to form Canicross Coach?
We both identified a need for a dog centred approach to canicross, where runners could be coached to improve their fitness, technique and understanding of the sport but where the needs of the dog are always put first.
Where leaders are experienced themselves in the sport of canicross, who can promote good practice in canine welfare, and importantly can bring a fun approach to delivering planned sessions that focus on the goals of the individual with their family dog and ensure progression that matches the owner and canine companion together.
Our aim is to build a strong network of Canicross Coaches across the UK, who share our ideals and promote our dog centred approach to the sessions.
Our Values & Beliefs
Dog welfare is paramount at all times
All of our coaches are trained to conduct their sessions focusing on the dogs who are attending first and foremost, so if you have any specific requirements for your dog, these will be taken into consideration.
The emphasis in our sessions is fun
Whilst we want you to achieve fitness and running goals with your dog, we aim to make this as fun as possible along the way. We will never expect you to compromise on your enjoyment for the sake of a Personal Best time.
We aim to be inclusive in our approach
We understand that most people will have different requirements and be looking to achieve a variety of goals so our coaches are trained to adapt the sessions to cater for this and provide an inclusive environment for anyone to join in.
Dawn Crook-Richards
Co-Founder & Canicross Coach Somerset & Mendips
Dawn Crook-Richards is well known in the Canicross community as the owner of CaniX, organising the oldest and largest National Championship in the UK alongside the CaniX Fur Nations.
She has competed in canicross for over 13 years, both in the UK and abroad, in addition to being a founder member of Canicross Somerset.
Moreover, she has 20 plus years of teaching experience, including adult education, with a special interest in Outdoor Education, where she holds NGB recognised qualifications.
She is also an approved LiRF from UK athletics, and is level 3 and 4 qualified in Sports Massage.
Emily Thomas
Co-Founder & Canicross Coach Brockworth & Birdlip
Emily Thomas runs K9 Trail Time, known as the leading canicross retail business within the UK.
Emily founded the Cotswold Canicross group, organises the only UK Dog Triathlon with her Tri Dog team and is proud to be a representative for the British Sleddog Sports Federation, the National governing body for all dog powered sports.
As a competitor herself since 2009 in canicross, bikejor and dog scootering, she brings with her an extensive knowledge of equipment and a passion for dog health and welfare.
In addition to this Emily is qualified in Canine Hydrotherapy, giving her a solid understanding of canine physiology and musculoskeletal dynamic.
Emily is also an approved UK athletics LiRF and qualified in both Sports specific and canine First Aid.
Toria Seaton
Head Tutor & Canicross Coach Lincolnshire
Toria Seaton runs Wonky Dog Therapy, a clinical canine massage clinic set up to support active dogs with canine massage.
Toria has been teaching in her day job for over 20 years and has vast experience of supporting and developing people in an instructional role.
A keen canicrosser since 2013, Toria has competed in numerous national championships and advocates for dog welfare at every stage of the process of learning to canicross.
In addition to her experience in Canine Massage, Toria is a licenced Canine Conditioning Academy therapist and brings this knowledge to everything we teach at Canicross Coach.