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Flyball

9 replies

ChickensHaveNoLips · 02/03/2012 11:25

Does anyone do this with their dog? Jasper is ball mad, and I thought it might be a good way of burning up some of his energy. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find a club nearby. I have seen flyball equipment for sale on ebay etc, and wondered how hard it would be to train/practice at home?

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minimuu · 02/03/2012 17:27

I would recommend going to a club tbh. That way you will not get any bad habits that have to be changed. You could find it addictive and start to get quite competitive

stuff here on getting started

map of clubs

There are different types of flyball boxes so if you ever did want to get into competition is it best to train on the correct one.

Some boxes can be danagerous and cause harm so do research what you buy.

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ChickensHaveNoLips · 02/03/2012 19:58

Ooh, thanks minimuu :) Just read the getting started link, and it says dogs have to be KC registered. But Jasper is a cross breed, and doesn't have papers. Bugger. I really think he'd love this.

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minimuu · 02/03/2012 20:03

KC registered does not mean he has to be a pedigree. Dogs that compete have to be on the activity register. All my guys are on the activity register even the stafficross and lab with very dodgy parentage and the wsd so no problems there for Jasper. Also while he is in "training" he does not need to be on the register - if you join a club they will help you with it.

more about the activity register here

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ChickensHaveNoLips · 02/03/2012 20:18

Ah, thanks minimuu. I didn't realise . Looks like the closest club to me is Derby, so I might drop them an email just to find out what their criteria/waiting list is :)

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minimuu · 02/03/2012 20:19

Go for it - you both will love it.

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shoutymcshoutsmum · 03/03/2012 12:03

How old does a dog need to be minimuu?
It sounds fun.

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RobinSure · 03/03/2012 13:41

Depends on the breed. You want their joints to have settled before you do something too mad. Anything collie or smaller, about a year, though some say 9-10 months. Bigger dogs, probably a year and a half.

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minimuu · 03/03/2012 15:57

They have to be 18 months to compete. Some clubs take them earlier for training that is appropriate for their age and do some foundation work.

You can do an awful lot without doing the jumps etc.

I start mine on foundation work, with balls etc very early and then they start at training at 12 months.