Flyball has been called "drag racing for dogs" – it is a team sport with 4 dogs per team, and 2 teams racing against one another at a time. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles and a spring loaded tennis ball-throwing box. Each dog must jump the hurdles, hit the box to eject the ball, catch the ball, and bring it back over the hurdles to the line before the next dog can go. When all 4 dogs on a team have successfully completed the course, the team is done. The first team to have all 4 dogs run without errors wins the heat.

The height of the hurdles is determined by the shortest dog on the team: the “height dog.” The hurdles are set 5 inches below the shoulder of the height dog, with a minimum of 7 inches and a maximum of 14. So a short but speedy dog can be worth its weight in gold to a team! The hurdles are spaced 10 feet apart and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle, giving a course length of 51 feet. So with all the running, jumping and excitement, flyball provides a fantastic way to have fun with your dog while burning off excess energy!

At NADA we offer a Beginners flyball class to introduce dogs and handlers to the basics of the sport. In this class dog and handler teams learn about safe use of equipment, how to jump the hurdles, turn and trigger the box, and of course, get that tennis ball! Flyball is a fun sport and we maintain a relaxed and energetic atmosphere in this class. It usually doesn’t take long to see our beginner dogs catch the flyball bug!

We also offer Intermediate and Advanced flyball classes for dogs who have successfully completed Beginners. These classes are more of a team practice, where dogs learn how to take turns, pass other dogs and do full runs. In our Advanced class we typically see dogs performing just as they would at a flyball tournament.

Our classes are open to dogs of all size, age and breed, or mixed breed. We are always looking for new members of our team, The Fog Dogs. We are hoping to expand our flyball program in the coming years and in 2010 The Fog Dogs will be travelling to Nova Scotia to compete in their first tournament. Who knows, maybe your dog could be joining them soon! For more information, contact us at inquiry@nfldathleticdog.com.

The North American Flyball Association (NAFA) is North America's biggest flyball organization. NAFA tournaments are divided into divisions so that teams compete against other teams of equal abilities For more information about the sport, check out their website: North American Flyball Association.

Why play flyball?

  • It is a great way to meet and socialize with fellow dog-lovers
  • Any size or breed of dog can play, including mixed breeds
  • It provides a means to socialize dogs and build a better dog-owner relationship
  • NAFA allows dogs age 7 and older to have fun, too, in the veteran's class
  • Once you start competing, your dog can quickly earn NAFA titles
  • Provides a rewarding way to burn up your dog’s pent up energy
  • It is competitive, fun and addictive!

* Come join the NADA’s Fog Dogs Facebook group *

* Click here to read about the Fog Dogs in The Telegram *

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