-
Step 1
Flyball is rather like a dog relay race. Four dogs are on a team and they race over jumps to a flyball box at the end. They are trained to hit the box with a paw which will release a ball. (There is a box-loader who stands with the box keeping a ball loaded for the joyfully hurdling dog.) The dog catches the ball as he or she turns at the box and leaps over the jumps back to where his/her handler is waiting to retrieve the ball. At that point the next dog takes off. Speed is what flyball is all about and the fastest team wins the most scoring points.
-
Step 2
It is a great sport for dogs who want lots of exercise, socialization and just plain fun. Owners get to bond better with their dogs as they go through the training together. It tends to get very noisy and exciting with all the barking, but good teams are so much fun to watch they are occasionally called on to perform the half-time ceremonies at football games and other human sports.
-
Step 3
The best dogs are fast. A small dog is always needed on a team to be the "height dog" because the height of the jumps is calculated by the smallest member of the team, and lower jumps mean faster times for the team as a whole.
-
Step 4
Some teams are formed to win in competitions. These teams are looking for the fastest and most reliable dogs. Some teams are formed to have a good time with their dogs. And some teams are all about just having fun and socializing. Many teams are interested in a combination of these goals.
-
Step 5
Research the teams in your area to see not only who is close by, but what their goals are. For example, if you just want to have fun and not be a serious competitor, it is important you find a like-minded team. If you want to take lessons, see who is offering classes and maybe you'll choose your team later. Remember this is a team sport so if you want to play flyball with your dog, you are also playing flyball with your other teammates and their dogs. They will be relying on you to be a part of the team, so if you don't want to commit, maybe you will enjoy sticking with lessons instead.
-
Step 6
Joining a flyball team is a great hobby that can take up a lot of time if you really get into it. Your dog will love it and you will befriend other people with a similar love of dogs and dog sports. For more information on flyball and how to join a team, please check the additional Resource links below.
Comments
writeitout said
on 2/16/2009 Wow, this sounds fun and I bet one of our dogs would love it, 5*
LEJockimo said
on 2/16/2009 OMG Flyball sounds like fun! 5*