How to Train Your Dog To Run a Flyball Course

Flyball is a fast paced, exciting canine competition. It is a combination of agility and high speed fetching, with teams competing to complete the course in the shortest time possible. Teams of four dogs and handlers work together to complete a course of four jumps and a flyball box. The dog must navigate the hurdles, depress the box, catch the tennis ball and carry the ball back over the hurdles to the finish line. The team that competes all four legs of the relay in the fastest time wins. Nearly any dog can compete in flyball, and training your dog to run a flyball course can be done in just a few short sessions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 flyball hurdles
• Flyball box
• Tennis balls
• Toys
• Measuring tape

1. Start your flyball training with the tennis ball. Your dog needs to be comfortable carrying a tennis call over the hurdles, so toss the ball for your dog to evaluate his reaction. A good flyball dog should eagerly chase and pick up the ball.

2. Place the flyball box on the ground and fill the hole with your dog’s favorite tennis ball. Ask the dog to step forward onto the box, which will trigger the ball to fly out. Encourage your dog to get the ball and praise him for stepping on the box. Repeat this process until the dog will run to the box and release the ball with no extra guidance. In competition, the dog will have to trigger the box with no command, so frequent training sessions with the box are essential.

3. Erect a single hurdle in your training area and teach your dog how to jump over the hurdle. Hurdle heights are judged according the shortest dog on your team, so place your jump accordingly. Sit your dog by your side and toss his tennis ball over the jump. Give the dog the command you will be using for flyball, and direct him over the jump. Add the remaining jumps to your routine until the dog will clear all four hurdles quickly and without incident.

4. Set your flyball course on an open, flat surface. Mark your starting line clearly and place your first jump six feet from the start line. Place your next three jumps 10 feet apart, and your flyball box 15 feet from your last hurdle. These are the basic measurements for a standard agility course and will prepare your dog for competition.

5. Stand at the starting line with your dog, and give her the command you will be using for flyball. Run down the course with her, making note of any mistakes that she makes. Encourage her to get the tennis ball, and direct her back over the hurdles to the finish line. You can place her on lead during these initial runs if she ventures off course.

6. Continue running down the course with your dog until she knows the entire course, including the turn at the box. Watch her carefully to make sure she is getting a firm grip on the ball, as dropping it seriously delays your run. Talk to her and keep her excited to get the most speed possible during your run.

7. Work with your teammates. A vital part of a winning agility run is a quick exchange between one dog and the next. Be sure that your dog gets along well with his fellow competitors and spends enough time around them to be comfortable.

8. Practice your flyball runs often. Dogs have a short attention span, so one or two 15-minute training sessions a day works much better than one long session. Praise and encourage your dog, and with a bit of hard work and dedication, you will have a winning flyball partner in no time.

Tips & Warnings

• Train you dog only in good weather. Any wet or cold weather can make the ground slippery that can lead to serious injury.
• Never try to force your dog to complete any obstacles. Some dogs are not natural athletes and forcing your dog to perform can cause her to be fearful of human contact.