What is Flyball?
Flyball was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1990′s after originating in the United States in the early 1970′s.
Flyball is a relay race for dogs consisting of a course of four hurdles and a spring loaded box containing a tennis ball. The aim is to get four dogs in turn over the four jumps, retrieve the ball and return back over the jumps in sequence, in a faster time than the opposing team. All without either team making an error.
It’s a fast and furious sport that requires precision timing. On the start lines of each of the two racing lanes there are electronic timing devices which “watch” the crossovers of the dogs to ensure the incoming dog does not enter the racing lane before the outbound dog has crossed the line. If it does it is marked as a fault on the light board and the inward dog must run again at the end. Other faults include dropping the ball, running out of the lane, not “triggering” the box and not completing the course in the correct sequence, all requiring the faulting dog to run again, resulting in a much slower time.
Most breed of dog can participate in Flyball, providing it is in good health. The size of the dog can dictate the size of the jumps that the team will use. For dogs smaller than 18″ at the shoulder the jump height is set at 5″ lower than the shoulder height. With a maximum jump height of 14″ and a minimum of 7″. For small types of dogs a miniature tennis ball can be used too!
There are Starter (beginner) classes for inexperienced or young dogs. Your dog must be at least 12 months old to compete in these fun activities. When they are old enough (18 months) and experienced enough they progress to open division to compete, gaining points towards British Flyball Association (BFA) certificates and awards.
Flyball is a relay race for dogs consisting of a course of four hurdles and a spring loaded box containing a tennis ball. The aim is to get four dogs in turn over the four jumps, retrieve the ball and return back over the jumps in sequence, in a faster time than the opposing team. All without either team making an error.
It’s a fast and furious sport that requires precision timing. On the start lines of each of the two racing lanes there are electronic timing devices which “watch” the crossovers of the dogs to ensure the incoming dog does not enter the racing lane before the outbound dog has crossed the line. If it does it is marked as a fault on the light board and the inward dog must run again at the end. Other faults include dropping the ball, running out of the lane, not “triggering” the box and not completing the course in the correct sequence, all requiring the faulting dog to run again, resulting in a much slower time.
Most breed of dog can participate in Flyball, providing it is in good health. The size of the dog can dictate the size of the jumps that the team will use. For dogs smaller than 18″ at the shoulder the jump height is set at 5″ lower than the shoulder height. With a maximum jump height of 14″ and a minimum of 7″. For small types of dogs a miniature tennis ball can be used too!
There are Starter (beginner) classes for inexperienced or young dogs. Your dog must be at least 12 months old to compete in these fun activities. When they are old enough (18 months) and experienced enough they progress to open division to compete, gaining points towards British Flyball Association (BFA) certificates and awards.