Very briefly Flyball is a race between two teams of dogs. There are two lanes, each lane has 4 hurdles and a ‘box’ at the end of the lane containing a tennis ball.
There are up to 6 dogs in a team. Each race consists of 4 dogs from each team, they race in a relay each dog jumping all 4 hurdles collecting the ball and coming back over all the hurdles. If any dog drops the ball or misses a hurdle then it must run again. The winner is the first team to have all 4 dogs complete a full run without any mistakes.
Every team has a ‘boxloader’ who makes sure there is a ball in the ‘box’ for the next dog, they are allowed to encourage the dogs by shouting. You don’t even need a dog to be part of the team!
Session Format:
Training is split into two groups, the starters group train first 10am - 10.50am then the more experienced dogs who run in the 'open' teams train in the second group until 12.30pm. The open teams train together and while half train the other half help.
Starters courses are held periodically, dogs must be 12 months old to start and be basically obedient. Agressive dogs are not suited to Flyball as it’s a VERY exciting game with dogs passing closely and several dogs off the lead at once!
You are more than welcome to come along to training at any time to have a look or help out. If you would like to start your dog then let any trainer or Ruth Dermott know (see below) and you will be contacted when then next starters course date is set.
Things you can be doing at home to get started:
First of all get your dog interested in a tennis ball – may sound obvious but it is pretty essential! The more your dog wants the ball the faster your training will progress.
Once you have your dog interested in the ball try bowling the ball a short distance in front of you whilst holding your dog. Wait for the ball to stop and release your dog giving it the command “go get your ball.” Once the dog has the ball encourage him/her back to you quickly. The best way to do this is to turn and run away from your dog as soon as he/she picks up the ball. Don’t forget to reward your dog when it brings you the ball – perhaps carry another favourite toy and swap this for the tennis ball when the dog catches you up (remember it is imperative that the dog brings the tennis ball back to you)….
Next step is to place the ball a short distance in front of you (or even better have someone else do it!) and as above give your command and release your dog, wait for the dog to get the ball and turn and run away.
If you manage to do this at home before the first session then you get the most out of your sessions
Class Times:
Training takes place on Sunday Mornings 10am - 12.30pm, between June-Aug training is moved to Monday Evenings due to the large number of events taking place on Sundays.
Cost:
£2 each week for adult members
£1 for junior members
Additional dogs £1
All handlers are required to join the club for insurance purposes, the membership period is for 12 months from the date of joining and will cover you for all disciplines and currently costs:
£12 for Adults
£6 for Juniors and those in receipt of a state pension
Contact:
Ruth Dermott - Roo@manx.net
