FLYBALL!
Do
you have a high-energy dog?
Is your dog crazy about a tennis ball, toys or the
game of tug?
Then
you and your dog will have fun learning the sport of Flyball!
Please see our home page for current class calendar.
Flyball is a great way to give your dog a fun job. Flyball is open to all dogs, large and small and including mixed breeds. It is a sport that is fast-paced and noisy, and the dogs love it! Toy motivated dogs are especially good candidates for this sport, but any well socialized dog with a high energy level and good off-leash control can be a successful competitor.
Flyball is a relay race between with four dog/handler teams. Each dog on the team must jump four hurdles, trigger a spring-loaded box with his paws, catch the tennis ball that flies out and return over the hurdles to his handler with the ball.
Check out this video to see flyball in action and learn about the sport!
Course Prerequisites:
-
Completion of Family Dog Manners Level I, a basic obedience course or equivalent with a solid Come when called in the presence of other dogs.
-
Your dog be at least a year old so that his growth plates are fully developed.
-
Dog must not be aggressive around people or other dogs.
-
An understanding of positive clicker training is helpful.
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Handlers under the age of fourteen need to be approved by the instructor.
-
Class size is limited, please register early to reserve your spot.
Our
beginner flyball class is 8 weeks long and the first session is FREE.
This gives you a chance to try it out and make sure it's a good fit
for you and your dog. At the end of that class, if you would like to
continue, you will need to provide your dog's immunization records and
the registration fee.
In our Flyball Class you and your dog will learn:
-
Building tug drive.
-
Focusing a dog's drive on playing tug with the handler (instead of other dogs)
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Foundation jumping work
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Jumping low hurdles accurately and in the presence of distractions
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"Going out" to retrieve a ball and return over the hurdles
-
Running the lane and passing other dogs
-
Triggering the flyball box
-
Turning safely off the box with a "swimmers turn"
-
Standing for measurement
Developing
drive for the tennis ball and for a game of tug with the handler - Simulating tournament conditions - teaching dogs to be crated while not working, introducing the equipment, sounds & distractions of tournament conditions.
After graduating from the beginner class, you and your dog can then join our 6-week intermediate class. The intermediate class introduces you and your dog to the tennis ball with the box turn. You also learn the basics of passing and of performing a race. You may continue in our classes as long as you like.
QUESTIONS ABOUT FLYBALL
What
will I learn from flyball class?
Our class covers jumping using a back-chaining learning technique. Dogs
also learn to trigger the flyball box and execute a swimmers turn for
a quicker return. Handlers will learn the basic rules of flyball. Dogs
and handlers are divided into groups for more individualized attention.
How
do I register for flyball class (or the flyball waiting list)?
You can sign up online or you can call us at 831/476-9065
What
is the class duration?
The flyball class is eight weeks long, one hour per week.
What
are the fees?
Please contact us for information on pricing, required health documents,
and scheduling.
Where
is the flyball class held?
The flyball class is held at the Field of Dreams Canine Training Center, Veterinary Science Building, Soquel High School, 401 Old San Jose Rd, Soquel. Map & Directions
What
should I bring to flyball class?
You will need to bring a leash, tug toy, treats, and a copy of
your dog's shot records.
What
breeds can play flyball?
Flyball is not an AKC sport, so any breed or mixed breed can play. Most
any breed can be trained to play flyball with persistence and patience on the part of the trainer.
What
types of dogs do NOT do well at flyball?
Dogs which are either people or dog aggressive (the type that lunge
aggressively at other dogs as they pass by) will NOT do well at flyball
and will not be able to successfully compete at flyball.
I
have heard that Border Collies are the best dogs to play flyball. Is
that true?
No, The best dog to play flyball is the dog you have. Dogs are pets
first and foremost. Flyball is a great outlet for any dog with energy
and drive. Don't go out and try to find the "best" flyball
dog. Have fun playing flyball with your dog.
Many flyball team members take part in weekend agility and flyball competitions, especially during the summer. This means there will be weekends when we are not available for classes - so check first!