Flyball Training
What is flyball?
A flyball race sees two teams of four dogs each, racing side-by-side over a 51 foot long course. There are different tournament formats.
Each format involves racing between two teams at a time. Within a team, each dog must run over the jumps, trigger a Flyball box releasing a ball, retrieve the ball and then return over the jumps. The next dog is released, in relay fashion, to run the course but can't cross the start line until the previous dog has returned over the finish line. The first team to have all 4 dogs finish the course without error wins.
Each race comprises up to five legs, the team that wins the most legs wins the race. Each flyball team consists of four dogs, plus up to two reserves that can be interchanged after each leg. An electronic judging system that uses lights and timing sensors is used on the start / finish line to determine accurate times, and the winner when both teams complete the course in quick succession.
Tournaments are run in divisions based on the fastest speed of the team in a previous competition or a time declared by the team captain. Arranging divisions based on speed enables the racing to always be competitive.
Can any dog play flyball?
Flyball is suitable for virtually any breed of dog, as long as he or she is fit and healthy. Different sized breeds can take part, as all dogs compete over the same course with a concession made for smaller dogs - the jump height is lowered to the appropriate height for the smallest dog in the team. Dogs must be over 14 months old to take part in this sport.
Classes
Flyball training in Cheltenham by Cotswold Dog training is held as a evening class. Each class contains a maximum of 8 dogs, you will learn as team making it enjoyable for you and your dogs. Once trained up to Cotswold Dog Training standards you will be invited to take part in competitions and displays. This is great fun for you and your dog.
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