Flyball

[Unluckycat1]

Do any of your dogs do flyball?

I need to give my 17 month old an outlet where she can run fast — it's her favourite thing to do, and just feels unsuitable in so many places.

Have I left it too late to get her started?

It looks like you have to contact teams and see if they have space rather than just join a group. If you're part of one, did you find it difficult to get involved?

TIA

I started Flyball in September with my 2 year old terrier. I searched for any clubs near me (there weren't many so I drive 45 mins to get to mine) and contacted them via Facebook. I decided to do it because I wanted an activity to do with my dog to build our bond and have fun together.

We went for a taster session first. Then we signed up for a beginner course £30 for 6 weeks). After that we joined the club proper and now pay £25 per month subs. Training happens once or twice a week. We train outdoors so this is weather dependent.

We participated in our first competition a couple of weeks ago and my dog got a second place in his beginner level! 🥈

My club is not super competitive and are happy to take any dog who wants to train - we have a very diverse group of dogs - but I'm not sure whether all clubs would accept my slow, little terrier.

It's definitely not too late to start Flyball. It is helpful if your dog has good recall before you start, but it's not essential at our club - doing Flyball training helps to build the recall as well.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Here's my boy at his first competition:

www.instagram.com/reel/C5wRQmdA6Lp/?igsh=cmcwYXJyY2Uwcm93

Thank you @QueenOfToast so informative! Love the video, what a gorgeous bounce he has <3

As for recall... well, when playing with a ball she comes back to me, drops it at my feet and lies down. Ball play results in her very best engagement. She's also good when I'm in full on training mode. But she's definitely not the best if she's unengaged and then spots something of value. One of the things making flyball appealing is I think it might tap into her strengths. Hopefully (I'm now imagining all the ways she might be a disaster, over-excited and running all over the place 😬).