Flyball
Flyball is a fast and furious team activity that most people only see once a year when Crufts is televised. It's a team sport in which dogs run a relay race over jumps. Each dog goes over four jumps set out in a jumping lane. At the end of the lane there is a flyball box which dogs are trained to trigger in order to release a ball and carry it back over the jumps and once they've reached the start line the next dog can go. Two teams of four dogs run against each other at any one time and the events generate a huge amount of excitement as supporters cheer their teams on. Informality is encouraged in flyball and as you can imagine the dogs love it and can't wait to take their turn in the jumping lane. Flyball racing in the UK is promoted and organised by The British Flyball Association (BFA), and a World Flyball Association is being formed to foster international competitions. As with other activities it is also regulated by the Kennel Club and the rules and regulations are available for a small charge of £1.50 through the Kennel Club website. Dogs cannot compete until they are 12 months old and as with other dog activities there are various levels of competition. The most experienced and the most seriously competitive are very fast. For dogs just starting out others in your team are going to be on the same level as you are and there's no need to worry or be upset if your dog doesn't get it right straight away. There is a great deal of fun to be had for everyone involved in flyball and you will meet plenty of like minded people whether you simply train for fun or whether you compete. If you think your dog might be a good candidate for flyball then why not find out more about the sport?
The Kennel Club website has more information on flyball and you can buy a copy of the rules for £1.50
Websites
The British Flyball Association
This is the governing body of International Flyball Racing within the United Kingdom.
The website contains a wealth of information and utilities for flyballers around the globe.
This is the governing body of International Flyball Racing within the United Kingdom.
The website contains a wealth of information and utilities for flyballers around the globe.
Books
ABE Books has a selection of flyball books available at very good prices.
Look out for these:
Flyball Racing : The Dog Sport for Everyone by Lonnie Olson .
Flying High: The Complete Book of Flyball by Joan Payne.
Flyball Training --- Start to finish by Jacqueline Parkin
Video
Flyball, what's it all about? by Robbiebee.
If you're interested in taking up flyball watch this introductory video to find out more about the sport and to see the dogs in action.