How to Choose a Flyball Puppy

Flyball is by far one of the most popular dog sports. It is a combination of speed, accuracy and precision. During a flyball run, the dog must complete a series of hurdles, step on a trigger on the flyball box at the end of the course, catch a tennis ball, and carry it back over the hurdles to the finish line. It is a relay event, so flyball dogs must be friendly enough to work in close quarters with other dogs and handlers. Choosing a flyball puppy can be a complex process, but selecting the right partner is essential to a winning flyball partnership.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide what breed of dog you want for your next flyball partner. A flyball dog must be fast and maneuverable, so herding breeds tend to dominate the sport. Breeds such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs, as well as short breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier are common flyball competitors.

2. Compile a list of the traits that you wish to find in a flyball dog. A flyball dog needs to be fast, agile and focused as well as structurally sound. Short-nosed dogs such Pugs do not do well as they cannot take enough air while working.

3. Speak with current flyball competitors to see what breeders they recommend. A good breeder will be popular within the sport and handlers will be more than happy to share their choices for good breeders.

4. Contact breeders that you like to discuss your desire to get a new flyball puppy. Inform them that you are interested in acquiring a puppy from them and they will inform you if they have any puppies that fit your criteria.

5. Review health records on any dogs that you are interested in. Flyball dogs must be both mentally and physically sound, and should be free of any genetic diseases. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas and bloat are serious and should be avoided in competition dogs.

6. Ask if the parents of your chosen puppy have ever been shown in flyball. Dogs from proven flyball dogs are more likely to perform well in flyball themselves.

7. Visit puppy prospects in person to give them a thorough evaluation. A flyball puppy needs to be adventurous and not shy of new surroundings, as flyball competitions are held in a variety of loud, strange places. A shy or frightened puppy may not perform well in flyball, so it is best to avoid them if you are serious about competing.

8. Plan on paying anywhere between $400 - $1200 for a top level flyball dog. Price varies depending on breed and success of the parents, but this is a good estimate. More common breeds like the Border Collie tend to be lower in price than rarer breeds, so plan accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time deciding on a puppy. It can take a considerable amount of time to find a dog that you mesh well with, so be sure to check out all prospects before making your decision.
• Do not choose a flyball dog that is sick or otherwise unwell. Flyball is a difficult and challenging sport that can take a heavy toll on your dog, especially if he is sick.