Flyball?
What is Nose to Nose flyball team all about?
What is flyball exactly?
Flyball is a fast paced, intense canine sport has been rapidly increasing in popularity amongst dog owners and dogs alike. This is also a team sport which is much more fun than individual sports.
Flyball is a relay race between two teams of dogs and handlers. There are four dogs per team that will race in a given heat. Each dog on the team is released by his handler, then he must go over four hurdles in a row, trigger a flyball box which ejects a tennis ball, grab the ball, and return over the four jumps carrying the ball. Then the next dog on the team can run. Sounds easy doesn't it?
The hurdles are 10 feet apart from each other. 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. The flyball box is a spring loaded box that shoots out a tennis ball when the front pedal is pushed by the dog. The dog can make an error by missing one or more jumps, forgetting or dropping the ball, or starting before the dog before him is done. If an error occurs then the dog must run the course again. The first team to run each dog without error wins. The hurdles height are dependent on the smallest dog on the team. The dogs are measured 4" below the shoulder height, 7" is the minimum height and 14" is the maximum height.
The fastest recorded time is 15.22 seconds by Spring Loaded flyball team in Michigan.
Why flyball?
'I love my team and my dog loves the game. It is prefect for my budget, distance from home, and all my teammates are my friends.'
'My dog needed an energy outlet. Since we have started flyball he has focused his energy on flyball and not destroying the house. It is the perfect activity and 'job' for my dog and I.'
'Flyball has been absolutely amazing for my dog. It has helped to socialize him with all sorts of sights, sounds, people and other dogs while having a great time. He is now a happy dog that will approach people wagging his tail.'
Can My Dog Do Flyball?
Dogs of any breed or mixture can compete. Dogs as tiny as Yorkies, Boston Terriers & Jack Russell Terriers compete amongst Great Danes, Labradors, Border Collies, and everything in between. Your dog does not need to be a purebred dog. Many rescues and dogs obtained at shelters play flyball.
What is Nose to Nose's team goals?
Our team goal is to have fun, play the game fairly and race safely. This sport is for our dogs. Winning is always fun, but not essential.
My Dog Needs a 'Job'
Flyball is ideal as a "job" for high drive dogs who need an outlet for their energy. Dogs get lots of exercise, but more importantly, the training involved works their mind as well!
The Nose to Nose Flyball Team Sept 2006:
