TIP: Click the Video tab to see this activity in action
Flyball is an exciting dog sport normally consisting of two teams of four dogs and handlers. The dogs race over two identical courses at the same time. The dogs race down a lane jumping a series of jumps and catching and retrieving a tennis ball.
Popularity
A very social sport for both dogs and handlers. International Flyball started in North America in the early 1980s, rapidly spreading to Europe and the UK, where it is now a major dog sport combining speed with safety.
Location
Flyball clubs are found throughout the UK. Consult HIPSCLUBFINDER for a club in your area. There are Flyball competitions are held at many dog and country shows across the country.
Age
Flyball can be competed by anyone as long as they are a competent handler of their dog, training to become competent is encouraged and given at all Flyball clubs.
Ability
Dogs of any size and any breed or age can do flyball, as long as they are fit. It is easy to train a dog for flyball, providing the dog is pet trained and keen to play with a ball, novices will be amazed at the rapid progress of their dog.
Description
Flyball is a game where two teams of dogs race over four jumps placed in two adjacent, parallel lanes. At the far end there are two boxes each containing a tennis ball. The dogs cross the start finish lines, and after jumping the four jumps the dogs push open the front of the boxes releasing the tennis balls, the dogs catch the balls and return over the four jumps. As soon as the dog has crossed the finish line the next dog in the team crosses the start line First team to complete is the winner.
Dedication
Amount of practice depends on the enthusiasm of the handler normally a weekly group club practice plus normal dog training at home. Like all animal training regular practice not only improves the dogs performance but its enthusiasm for the sport.
Potential
There is lots of potential to compete Internationally, but everyone in the UKs goal must be to represent their club at Flyball at the Crufts dog show.
Closely
Related Activities
Heal Work to Music 812, Doggy Dancing 804, Agility 206, Obedience 211.
Cost
The only costs over normal dog keeping costs are club membership fees, and travel expenses to competitions.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.