What Is Flyball?
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Flyball is a relay race with four dogs on each team. The flyball course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a box. The first hurdle is 6 feet from the start line and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle for a 51-foot overall length. |
A dog jumps the hurdles and then steps on a spring loaded box that shoots out a tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the 4 hurdles. When the dog crosses the starting line the next dog goes. The first flyball team to have all 4 dogs run, without errors, wins the heat.
The height of the hurdles is determined by the smallest dog on the team.
Dogs of all types and sizes can be seen enjoying flyball on the teams and in flyball training classes. Rescue dogs can also participate in many of the tournaments and many have done well in the sport.
Some people spell it as fly ball, but the most recognized spelling is actually flyball.
Everyone is invited to come out and watch this exciting, high-speed sport!
Introduction To Beginning Flyball Class
This six-week class is designed to teach you and your dog about the sport of Flyball. Flyball is a fast paced, exciting, dog sport. You will also learn about lane set up, running your dog down a course, rules of Flyball, and how to motivate your dog.
Mandatory Equipment you will need to bring to every lesson:
- Harness or Flat collar for your dog (NO choke chains!)
- 6 foot, nylon leash
- Water for your dog and you
- Motivator Toy (such as Frisbees, tug toy, ball, treats, or what ever your dog goes crazy for), AKA: 'Recall Toy', 'Reward'
- Plastic bags (for poop duty)
Optional Items (although extremely useful):
- Long line or flexi-lead
- Chair
- X-pen or crate
- Tie out
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The most crucial things to learn in flyball are…
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In this class you will learn:
- Basic lane set-up of flyball
- How to motivate your dog using a recall toy
- Very basic rules of flyball
- Who regulates and governs flyball
- How to send your dog down the flyball course
PLEASE NOTE: Do not expect your dog to progress in a fast paced manner. For many beginning dogs this class is a new situation with many new dogs and new people. Many dog owners expect that since their dog loves the tennis ball at home, they will love the tennis ball anywhere. This is not necessarily true. In this class, we will work on ways to motivate your dog to pay attention to YOU amidst distraction. This can be a very difficult task for your dog, especially if you have never expected it of him/her before. I will be working with you and your dog at an individual level. I will not push your dog farther than they are capable of going. You should not either!
All dogs should have had a basic obedience class in order to attend this class. If your dog does not have a reliable recall, sit, down and stay PLEASE keep your dog on a flexi leash at all times.
Potty your dog BEFORE class. Do NOT let your dog urinate on equipment or in the lanes. Plan on showing up 5-10 minutes before class in order to take your dog potty.
Your dog's well-being is the TOP priority at all times. Do NOT let anyone (including me) tell you to do anything that makes you feel fearful, unhappy or uncomfortable regarding your dog. You are their owner and ultimately responsible for your dog's life.
Expect to wait in line during classes. Each dog is at a different level, and each dog/handler will be given individual attention. Please be patient. I will give you and your dog the same amount of attention that I give everyone in the class.
Let's have fun. This class will give you the opportunity to meet new people who, like you, love their dog and want to have fun with them. This class is also a great way to bond with your dog.
Cost: $95.00 for the 6 week class, pay as you go for the ongoing class.
Click here for the Class Schedules.
Click here for a printer friendly version of this page (PDF).
Click here for an application (PDF).
Updated: June 17, 2006