What is Flyball?
Flyball is essentially a relay race between 2 teams of 4 dogs, racing against each other in separate lanes. Each dog on the team must jump 4 hurdles, retrieve a tennis ball from a spring-loaded device called a "box", and return back over the hurdles again with the ball. As soon as the first dog returns, the second dog is released. The dogs should pass each other as close as possible on the start line, this is referred to as a "changeover", "cross" or "pass". The winning team is the first one to get all four dogs over the course and back again with no faults or early changeovers.
For the long-term health of the dogs, they must be 18 months old before they can compete in Open Flyball tournaments, and 12 months before they can compete in Starters. Many are still racing aged 10 and over. Dogs are trained to turn in a certain way on the box (known as a swimmer's turn) to minimise impact on the joints.
Our team will allow dogs to start training from about 8 months (dependent on breed) but younger dogs may attend for socialisation and to soak up the atmosphere. It is beneficial to both the other dogs and the handlers if dogs coming to try Flyball are well-socialised and/or have attended training classes in the past.
Dogs can enter 'Starters' competitions from 12months. These competitions are completely netted to stop dogs avoiding jumps (known as 'running out'), and dogs do not have to trigger the box or even retrieve a ball - any object will do at this level.
Although Collies are very popular in the sport, any breed of dog can compete in Flyball as long as they are fit enough. Jump heights are set based on the smallest dog in the team. Full height jumps are 14 inches, and the lowest height jumps are 7 inches. Dogs under 18inches at the withers are known as 'height dogs', as they lower the jumps for the team they are racing with.
Speed isn't necessarily everything, as teams are grouped into different divisions depending on times they have set together in the past, or a time which the team have submitted to the show organiser.
A Flyball course measures 51ft from box to finish line. The first jump is 6ft from the start/finish line, and the other three jumps are 10ft apart, with a 15ft space between the last hurdle and the front of the box.
For the long-term health of the dogs, they must be 18 months old before they can compete in Open Flyball tournaments, and 12 months before they can compete in Starters. Many are still racing aged 10 and over. Dogs are trained to turn in a certain way on the box (known as a swimmer's turn) to minimise impact on the joints.
Our team will allow dogs to start training from about 8 months (dependent on breed) but younger dogs may attend for socialisation and to soak up the atmosphere. It is beneficial to both the other dogs and the handlers if dogs coming to try Flyball are well-socialised and/or have attended training classes in the past.
Dogs can enter 'Starters' competitions from 12months. These competitions are completely netted to stop dogs avoiding jumps (known as 'running out'), and dogs do not have to trigger the box or even retrieve a ball - any object will do at this level.
Although Collies are very popular in the sport, any breed of dog can compete in Flyball as long as they are fit enough. Jump heights are set based on the smallest dog in the team. Full height jumps are 14 inches, and the lowest height jumps are 7 inches. Dogs under 18inches at the withers are known as 'height dogs', as they lower the jumps for the team they are racing with.
Speed isn't necessarily everything, as teams are grouped into different divisions depending on times they have set together in the past, or a time which the team have submitted to the show organiser.
A Flyball course measures 51ft from box to finish line. The first jump is 6ft from the start/finish line, and the other three jumps are 10ft apart, with a 15ft space between the last hurdle and the front of the box.
Who can participate?
Any breed of dog over 12 months of age can do Flyball as long as it is fit enough to jump 4 small hurdles.
Flyball is an all-inclusive sport for dogs and handlers. All breeds of dog, from the smallest Jack Russell to one of the largest, the Leonberger, compete on a regular basis. Disabled handlers compete on crutches and in wheelchairs if needed!
Children are encouraged to participate as long as they have adult supervision, and it is not uncommon to see young people judging at Open competitions. The BFA hold a junior training camp each summer for members aged 5 to 18.
As a handler, you just need an open mind, a sense of humour and a love of dogs!
Flyball is an all-inclusive sport for dogs and handlers. All breeds of dog, from the smallest Jack Russell to one of the largest, the Leonberger, compete on a regular basis. Disabled handlers compete on crutches and in wheelchairs if needed!
Children are encouraged to participate as long as they have adult supervision, and it is not uncommon to see young people judging at Open competitions. The BFA hold a junior training camp each summer for members aged 5 to 18.
As a handler, you just need an open mind, a sense of humour and a love of dogs!