Flyball is a high-energy, team-based dog sport that combines speed, agility, and teamwork. It’s essentially a canine relay race where teams of four dogs compete head-to-head to complete a course as quickly as possible.
How Flyball Works
- The Course: Each dog runs down a lane consisting of four hurdles spaced 10 feet apart, retrieves a tennis ball released from a spring-loaded box, and races back over the hurdles to their handler.
- The Relay: Once one dog completes the course and crosses the start/finish line, the next dog in the team takes off. Precision in timing the hand-offs is crucial to avoid penalties.
- Competition: Two teams run side by side in separate lanes, with the fastest and cleanest run determining the winner.
Why It’s Popular
Flyball is beloved for its inclusivity, welcoming dogs of all breeds, sizes, and skill levels. It promotes teamwork—not only between handlers and their dogs but also among the team members themselves. The sport channels a dog’s natural instincts to run and retrieve into a structured and thrilling activity.
Flyball is as much about community as competition, with vibrant camaraderie among clubs, making it a fantastic activity for both dogs and their humans!
Want to learn more about Flyball?
Check out our parent organization, the North American Flyball Association, for detailed information about the sport, local clubs, and upcoming events.