Sara McCarthy took her Working Cocker Spaniel, Logan, to her local Canicross club a few years ago, to get outside a bit more.

She and Logan have gained so much more from the exhilarating sport of Canicross. Indeed, they love the sport so much that they recently joined the elite group of canine and human athletes that have completed an ultra-marathon.

Sara explains the joys of Canicross, the warmth of the Canicross community and the significant physical and mental health benefits of this burgeoning sport.

A joyful and powerful advocate for the sport, she also explains what's next for the duo... the Canicross triathlon - open water swimming, cycling and running with your dog.

Connected Episodes

• Canicross Team GB explain the origins of Canicross, and the world of international competition

The interview was recorded by Dogs with Jobs presenter, Kate Fairweather at Goodwoof 2025, the dog-centric event on the Sussex estate, Goodwood.

Do you work your dog or dogs?

Kate is always fascinated to hear about dogs with interesting jobs -including athletes! Get in touch to recommend anyone or if you are interested in coming on the show -just email Kate Fairweather at team@shineradio.uk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is canicross? Team GB athletes, Sarah Gillam and Jen Davies, explain the challenges and joys of this ultimate team sport for two athletes running together - one canine, one human.

Canicross UK describes it as "...off-road running with your dog. Your dog wears a harness specifically designed to allow them to pull, you wear a belt/harness which allows hands-free running and you are attached to your dog with a bungee line."

Canicross' origins lie in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, developed as a means of keeping "mushing" dogs fit during the summer - in peak condition for the winter season.

Sarah Gillam and Jen Davies are leading canicross athletes who compete internationally, representing the UK. They give a great overview of canicross in this episode, and explain how they look after the well-being and safety of their dogs in this exciting sport.

The interview was recorded by presenter, Kate Fairweather at Goodwoof 2025, the dog-centric event on the Sussex estate, Goodwood.

Do you work your dog or dogs?

Kate is always fascinated to hear about dogs with interesting jobs -including athletes! Get in touch to recommend anyone or if you are interested in coming on the show -just email Kate Fairweather at team@shineradio.uk.

Photo credit: Jen Davies

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran police dog expert, Bernhard Flinks, talks to Kate Fairweather during a break at the UK's National Police Dog Trials 2025.

A wide-ranging conversation with Bernhard, who spent over 40 years in the German police force.

Bernhard has been hugely successful in the uniquely German sport, "Schutzhund" (German for Protection Dog), also known as IGP. This is something of a triathlon for working dogs (tracking, obedience, protection)or working trials for protective breeds - notably German Shepherds but also the other main protection dog breeds. Schutzhund was given Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO in 2025.

Bernhard discusses cultural differences between training regimes in Germany and the UK. Also how approaches to training working dogs have evolved, particularly the balance between negative correction and positive reinforcement techniques.

More information from www.flinks.de.

Photo: photo of Bernanrd Flinks (www.Flinks.de).

You may also enjoy these connected episodes:

• The UK's National Police Dog Trials 2025
• P.D. Viper the firearms support dog
• P.D. Chase and the career arc of a general purpose police dog
• P.D. Meika, who searches for London criminals' cash, drugs and firearms
• P.D. Ted, the explosives detection dog with the West Midlands Police
• P.D. Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary

• Mika, the well being and trauma support dog in the Metropolitan Police
• Champ, the engagement dog working in child protection in the Victoria police
• Keo the well being dog in the UK police; and
• Mabel the emotional support worker in the Fire Service

Do you work your dog?

Or perhaps you know someone else who might like to come on the show? I love all and any working dogs and am always looking for dogs to interview.

Get in touch with me, Kate, via team@shineradio.uk.

Find more dogs with interesting jobs.

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2025

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.