A relay race for dogs
Hurdles, a tennis ball and a lot of cheering. Here is the short version.
The basics
Flyball is a team relay race. Two teams race side by side in their own lanes. Each team has four dogs running, one after another.
Each dog jumps four hurdles, hits a spring-loaded box that fires out a tennis ball, catches the ball and races back over the same four hurdles. As soon as one dog gets home, the next one goes.
The fastest team to get all four dogs round cleanly wins the race.
One dog's run
- GoThe handler sends the dog from the start line.
- Over the hurdlesThe dog clears all four hurdles on the way out.
- The boxThe dog triggers the box, which releases a tennis ball, and catches it.
- Home againBack over all four hurdles with the ball, and the next dog is off.
How a team works
Up to six dogs
A team can have up to 6 dogs.
Four run at a time
Any 4 of the team's dogs run at one time.
Box loader and ball collector
As a minimum, a team also needs a box loader and a ball collector.
What makes a clean run
Every hurdle, every ball
Each dog has to clear every hurdle both ways and bring the ball all the way back. Miss a hurdle or drop the ball and that dog runs again at the end of the team's turn.
Tight changeovers
The next dog can be sent as the previous one comes home, but they must not cross too early. Good handlers time the pass to the split second.
Hurdle height
Hurdles are set to suit the smallest dog in the team, so small dogs are a real asset.
Any dog can try
Flyball is not just for one breed. If your dog loves to run and loves a ball, it is worth a go.
Fancy having a go?
Get in touch about joining the club.