[M&M's mummy]

I think this would be something Monty would love to do however the issue I have is that he does suffer with fear aggression with some dogs especially collies which seem a breed that do flyball

Although when playing ball he does focus on the ball and isn't fussed about other dogs.

Are flyball classes always aimed a people taking part in the sport? are their classes which are just for fun without going to events etc?

I would like to maybe try it out -but as you can see have some reservations.

Would interested to hear from those who are doing flyball for advice please

 

[MillieDog]

Interesting questions that I can't answer. But would be interested to see the responses.

Millie starts Rally training in a few weeks. Apparently she can't do Flyball or Agility until she's 2yrs, so Rally will have to suffice for now.

 

[embee]

They can start flyball at 12 months (and run as starters) but can't compete through BFA until 18 months - see http://www.flyball.org.uk/ for more info.

The best way to start is to find and visit some clubs or groups to see what a session is run like and how competitive they are.

Some clubs focus on competing while some are more relaxed and are happy to have dogs there for fun and exercise as well.

The club I go to isn't highly competitive but do go along to competitions about once a month and welcome dogs whether the owners intention is to compete or not.

Most clubs will let you have a free intro session to see how your dog gets on.

If you take a look at Flo's Diary on JoJo's blog there are entries about Flo's initial sessions http://www.mydogslife.co.uk/ along with pictures and a movie.

At the club I joined Flo was introduced to different elements on an individual basis. By week 2 and 3 she was running within a team of 4 where dogs are working in close contact. A good trainer will observe a dog who might be worried about the proximity of another dog and will gradually get you to release your dog closer to another.

Some training groups offer a more fun approach to flyball and agility for those not interested in competing at all.

 

[M&M's mummy]

Thanks Mandy for the info.

Flo is just brilliant and seems a natural at it.

She is very well behaved too

I would really like to do on a fun basis to see if Monty ( he is 4 ) would take to it and more importantly if he would get on with other dogs. He is ball mad and would play all day if you let him.

Could you PM the details of your club to me please?

 

[strof51]

I will try to answer your questions.

You can start when your dog is 10 months old, but they can't use the spring loaded box until over 12 months ( most clubs will have a adjustable box for young dogs and beginners ), and compete until they are 18 months.

A lot off the top teams are all Collies but most teams are made up of a good mix of dogs, and the hight of the jumps is determined by the smallest dog.

Clubs will normally have classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced dogs, and the people that compete will be in the intermediate and advanced class. So if you only want to do it for fun there would be no problem staying in the beginners class, but if you get hooked you will start to compete.

At competitions and classes dogs can get very excited and bark a lot, so it can be a bit much for dogs a first. to give you an example last weekend we competed at a 3 day event. Over the 3 days approx 500 dogs will have competed and the noise was at times deafening and dogs that would do well at a club night go to pieces as I can verifier.

You will find that some of the club members also work with animals and can help you with any problems you have with your dog. ( We have vet nurses and a dog behavior expert in our club, very handy ).

Flyball is great fun for you and your dog but can be very frustrating, as dogs will be dogs and from time to time just do their own thing.

Give it a try your dog will thank you for it.
But be prepared for early starts, being out in all sorts off weather, camping, and sleeping with wet dogs if you do start to compete.

 

[embee]

Col - Has Poppy run as a starter yet?

 

[JulesB]

Well you've inspired me and there is a local club so have emailed them about a taster session for Betty. I think it would be good for her as she is a but possessive over balls so hopefully this would help her learn not to be but also be goid to tire her out as she'll run after a ball for ever!!!

 

[embee]

Well you've inspired me and there is a local club so have emailed them about a taster session for Betty. I think it would be good for her as she is a but possessive over balls so hopefully this would help her learn not to be but also be goid to tire her out as she'll run after a ball for ever!!!

You'll really enjoy it - let us know how your taster session goes.

 

[JulesB]

You'll really enjoy it - let us know how your taster session goes.

I'm not sure when we will be able to do a session as i am off on hols in 10 days but hopefully can do one within the next month. Think flyball would be good exercise and stimulation, especially in the winter when her evening walks aren't so much fun! I'm quite excited about trying it with her!!

 

[strof51]

Col - Has Poppy run as a starter yet?

Yes, she has run in 2 starters competitions and 1 in division and the team came third despite my bad runs (handler error), no points yet.
Away to another competition at division on Sunday.

We are running as fifth dog in the division team and Poppy only runs if we are 2 legs up in a race, this way she is getting used to being in the ring and all the judges and timing equipment, very distracting for a new dog.

 

[JulesB]

Well I have had a reply from the local club and work and traffic allowing, we will be going for a flyball trial on Wednesday evening!!! I am really looking forward to it!!

 

[embee]

Well I have had a reply from the local club and work and traffic allowing, we will be going for a flyball trial on Wednesday evening!!! I am really looking forward to it!!

That's great. Look forward to hearing all about your first session.

Flo has her sixth session on Tuesday evening. She's doing really well apart from a tendency to want to chase the dog just finishing it's run rather than concentrating on going straight for the jumps when released. Last week the trainer started bringing the 'change overs' closer together though and we are gradually breaking the habit

 

[Cockapoodledoo]

Sadly I can't find any flyball close enough to me. I think Rufus would be fab at it bearing in mind he shoots off down an agility course the second I take his lead off! Who wants to wait?!! I'll keep an eye out for a club but we still love agility nonetheless.

Karen x

 

[embee]

Sadly I can't find any flyball close enough to me. I think Rufus would be fab at it bearing in mind he shoots off down an agility course the second I take his lead off! Who wants to wait?!! I'll keep an eye out for a club but we still love agility nonetheless.

Karen x

I've stopped doing agility with Flo and now just do flyball as it suits her better I think.

She has never had any kind of 'wait' at agility and since starting flyball - where you want them to get really excited and keen to go as soon as you release them - she got even worse and kept flying off to the nearest bit of equipment as soon as I let go of her.

Do you do fun agility or are you competing with Rufus?

 

[Cockapoodledoo]

I've done a couple of competitions within our club but haven't had the opportunity to compete out there in competition land yet. On one of the competitions I was in a run off for fourth place. Rufus was amazing. We won the run off to get fourth place but his time was 2 seconds faster than the winner! ....

I'm really restricted as my husband works most weekends as he is in the entertainments industry and it's not easy with my youngest. He often shouts out and makes funny noises in his wheelchair and can freak some dogs out! ........Hmmmm, could be my secret weapon! Lol!

I'd love to compete properly with Rufus, and one day I'm sure I will. I am competing at Loseley House on Sat 25th Sept at a big country show but it is just our club again - which is huge it has to be said. I'll let you know how we get on.

Karen x

 

[JulesB]

I've stopped doing agility with Flo and now just do flyball as it suits her better I think.

She has never had any kind of 'wait' at agility and since starting flyball - where you want them to get really excited and keen to go as soon as you release them - she got even worse and kept flying off to the nearest bit of equipment as soon as I let go of her.

Do you do fun agility or are you competing with Rufus?

This sounds like Betty flying off after a ball. The one thing i worry about is she hates sharing her ball and is very possessive so i just hope she doesn't end up being badly behaved with the other dogs!!

 

[embee]

This sounds like Betty flying off after a ball. The one thing i worry about is she hates sharing her ball and is very possessive so i just hope she doesn't end up being badly behaved with the other dogs!!

She won't need to share her ball She'll have to be motivated enough to run over 4 jumps to get a ball then come back over the jumps and give it to you for a treat!

 

[JulesB]

She won't need to share her ball She'll have to be motivated enough to run over 4 jumps to get a ball then come back over the jumps and give it to you for a treat!

Knowing Betty she'll want all the balls!!! She'll run and get a ball but giving it to me may be the tough bit as she likes to run off and lie down with it and play with it!!!

 

[embee]

Knowing Betty she'll want all the balls!!! She'll run and get a ball but giving it to me may be the tough bit as she likes to run off and lie down with it and play with it!!!

OK - maybe go armed with a bag of tasty treats (cheese, sausage, fillet steak!) that she will happily exchange her ball for. Or maybe a tug toy if tug is a higher value game then 'catch me if you can with my ball'! When they finish their run you do need to get them back to you promptly with a good recall as having dogs running around with no recall can cause general chaos. The trainers will help and only introduce elements in a way that is appropriate. Where we have had dogs that tend to come off their run then run amok in the field the owners have positioned them selves in the mouth of the netted run so they can 'collect their dog and reward them. Look forward to hearing how your first session goes .

 

[JoJo]

We will could have our own Flyball Team on here soon...

After reading how much Mandy & Flyball Flo (it has a great ring to it... ) enjoy this activity. My hubby really wants to do it with Oakley, I am hoping to find them a course to go to maybe next year, Oakley is a great runner and an active cockapoo.... I hope it will suit him, he is focused on all ball games ..

However Honey is more interested in chasing Oakley thats my girl .... cute but a little unfocused at times ... so sweet though ...

Please us all posted.. I would love to hear how your dogs take to this fun activity ..