Flyball has been called "drag racing for dogs". It is a relay race with four dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, four hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a box. The first hurdle is 6 feet from the start line and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle for a 51 foot overall length.

The dog jumps the hurdles and steps on a spring loaded box, which releases a tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the hurdles. The next dog starts and crosses the starting line, just as the returning dog crosses the starting line coming home to its handler. The first team to have all four dogs run without errors wins the heat.

The height of the hurdles is determined by the shortest dog on the team. This dog is called the height dog and the jumps are set 4 inches below his shoulder height with a minimum of 7 inches and a maximum of 14 inches. A short but speedy dog can be worth his/her weight or more in gold to a team.

To compete in flyball, you need a dog that likes to run, catch a ball, and just have fun. It is a great way to build a relationship with your dog and to give your dog some exercise. Any breed or mixed breed can play flyball.

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.

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

NAFA allows dogs age 7 and older to have fun, too, in the veteran's class

It is competitive and fun no matter in what division you are

It is fun and addictive!

For more information on the sport of flyball, check out the following website.
North American Flyball Association: www.flyball.org