The sport took off first in Canada and the United States
in the 1980s. It gained popularity in the United Kingdom
in the 1990s. It is now considered a serious competitive
sport in various countries around the world.
There are club competitions and European Championships.
It is one of the popular dog sports for spectators.
It combines the thrill of a race with the skill of the
chase. In a way, Flyball is comparable to a horse steeplechase.
Flyball is a team sport. You need to be a member of
a 4 dog-human team. There are often spare dogs increasing
the total to a 6 dog-person team. The object of the
sport is to run down a straight runway, leaping over
4 hurdles 10 feet apart. At the end, the dog steps down
on a lever releasing a tennis ball. As it catapults
outwards, the dog seizes the tennis ball in the mouth.
He or she then races back to the starting line. Only
then can the next member of the team dart off to repeat
the process.
The winner is the team who has the fastest time and
the least penalties. A dog can incur penalties for dropping
a ball. A dog and the team may also receive a penalty
for starting too soon. Overeager owners and canines
need to control their desire to show off. Flyball is
not simply about speed. It is about skill and teamwork.
A person and their dog need to be a unit. The participating
dogs and owners also need to find common ground. The
better they function as a team the more fun they will
have and the better the chances they may win.
This is a sport open to all dogs who love agility,
running, jumping and balls. Dogs of all size can take
part. In fact, small dogs are welcome. The reason for
this is simple. The height of the hurdles for each team
is based on the shoulder height of the smallest team
member.
Before you can join a club and train as a team member, you
need to be at least 12 months of age. This is the Starter
Level. Dogs younger than that are not permitted. This
is to protect them from causing damage to bones and
joints.
For further information about the sport of Flyball,
contact your local club. Information is readily available
about nearby clubs and activities on the internet or
through contacting regional dog associations or pet stores.
Article provided by Joseph Reid of ohmydogsupplies.com,
where you can find a extraordinary variety of ceramic dog bowls
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