Flyball: the first team sport for dogs

Table of contents

1. Origin of flyball for dogs

2. How is flyball played?

3. Can I play flyball with my dog?

4. How do I teach my dog to play flyball?

Origin of flyball for dogs

Do you know the origin of this original dog sport? Let's take a look at a bit of history! Flyball for dogs was invented quite unintentionally by a Californian called Herbert Wegner in the 1970s. It happened when, fed up with relentlessly throwing the ball to his dog, he decided to design a kind of catapult that worked as follows: when his dog pressed a pedal with their paw, the ball would shoot up into the air. Little by little, he taught his pet to use this launching box, which quickly became popular among his neighbours and friends. Wegner later patented his invention as a method of dog training and even presented it on a popular television programme. Today, flyball is a very popular dog sport in the USA, with more than 16,000 dogs registered with the North American Flyball Association, but also in Europe. Moreover, it is a sport with fixed rules, which may vary from country to country.

How is flyball played?

The way flyball for dogs works is apparently simple, but tremendously fun and motivating for the dogs that take part. The rules may differ slightly from country to country, but there are some basic rules. It is a relay race that is run in two teams, each consisting of 4 dogs and their 4 handlers. The team that manages to get all 4 pets to finish the course in the shortest time and without fouls wins the game.

But what do the dogs have to do in the flyball game? It all starts with a red light, which turns amber and finally green. After this signal, the first dog must run out and run the 15 metres from the starting line to the ball box. Along the way, they will encounter 4 obstacles that they must jump over without stopping. On reaching the box, which is actually shaped like a kind of skateboard ramp, the dog must jump over it to activate the mechanism that releases the ball, catch it and make their way back without slowing down to reach the finish line so that the second dog can take over and repeat the circuit.

It is considered a fault if the dog drops the ball from their mouth, goes out early, does not jump over all the obstacles or does not return the ball, for example. In the game, team members who complete the entire course (with all 4 dogs) in 24 seconds or less are awarded 25 points each. If they complete the course in 24 to 28 seconds, they get 5 points. The lowest score, of one point only, goes to the team whose dogs have completed the game in 28 to 32 seconds. The flyball team with the best score at the end of all rounds is the champion.

Can I play flyball with my dog?

One of our favourite aspects of flyball is that it is a very inclusive sport. All dogs can participate, regardless of breed or size. In fact, the height of the obstacles is adapted to the size of the smallest dog. However, although any dog is welcome in this discipline, not all dogs will enjoy this intense exercise. Some pets are calmer and don't need such vigorous activity, while others don't care much for the ball. Here's what your furry friend needs to know to play flyball:

• They are crazy about balls – both chasing and returning them!
• They have a lot of energy, enjoy running and jumping and are very active.
• They are outgoing and sociable with other dogs.
• They are trained in basic commands like ‘drop’, ‘sit’, ‘come’, ‘give me’.
• Their health is excellent and they have no bone or muscle problems. Consult your vet if you have any doubts on this point.

How do I teach my dog to play flyball?

If your dog has all the characteristics we have listed above and you really want to try flyball with them, the best thing to do is to contact an association in your area. These groups usually have their own flyball trainer who will help you and your dog familiarise yourselves with the mechanics of the game. If your dog has already practised agility in the past, they will have a lot of learning work ahead of them, as they will have no problem jumping over obstacles. If not, it's a good idea to start practising at home with them on low objects. The best way to teach your dog to jump over obstacles is to ask them to stand still and, from the other side of the object, lure them with a toy or some food. When they have jumped and is coming towards you, reward them with something even more interesting, such as a treat. Gradually, as you see your dog progressing in their learning, you can add higher obstacles.

Another trick your dog will need to learn is to turn without braking. To do this, you can practice by placing a stick on the ground or a thin tree in the street. Create a clear command, such as ‘turn’, and say it to them while encouraging them with your gestures and a treat to go around the obstacle. To stop them from slowing down, you should throw another treat in the direction they are running, i.e. towards you.

For the rest, we recommend you get advice from your flyball trainer, who will help your dog to familiarise themself with the box, the track and the other elements of this fun sport. And, remember, beyond the competition, the really important thing about playing flyball with your dog is to share a fun time together. This kind of practice will strengthen your special bond even more. Enjoy flyball!