What is flyball?
Flyball is a fast paced and exciting relay race for dogs. The course is comprised of 4
jumps, a spring loaded box, and is 51 feet in length. Each dog must run down the
racing lane clearing all 4 jumps, trigger the box, catch the ball, and return
back up the lane over all the jumps to its handler. As each dog crosses the
start/finish line, the next dog is released. The race is complete when all 4
dogs have successfully and cleanly completed the course. Teams compete against
each other in tournaments for tournament placement as well as points which lead
to titles.
Flyball got its start in the late 1960's and early 1970's, when a group of dog trainers
in Southern California created scent discrimination hurdle racing, then put a
guy at the end to throw tennis balls to the dogs when they finished the jump
line. It didn't take long for the group to decide to build some sort of tennis
ball-launching apparatus, and the first flyball box was born. Herbert Wagner is
credited with developing the first flyball box, and apparently he did a flyball
demo on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson that got a lot of people’s attention. Subsequently, the new
dog sport for dog enthusiasts was introduced in the Toronto-Detroit area by
several dog training clubs. After a few small tournaments were held in
conjunction with dog shows, the first ever flyball tournament was held in
1983.
Can my dog learn flyball?
Almost any dog can learn to do flyball, though some dogs are naturally more suited to
it than others. High energy, athletic dogs of any breed or mix seem to take to
it quicker than other dogs. It also helps if your dog is ball motivated, though
they can be taught to get the ball even if they’re not. Since flyball is an off
leash activity right from the start of the training process your dog must have
some basic obedience skills. The most important skill is a good recall or “come”
command. Potential flyball dogs must also be well socialized and be able to
co-exist off leash with other dogs. Aggressive dogs are not candidates for
flyball.
What about competition?
NAFA sanctioned tournaments are held almost monthly. Hot Rod Hounds makes every
effort to attend as many tournaments as possible. If a tournament is held out of
town, over night travel is required. In addition to travel expenses, team
members must also pay tournament entry fees.
What is the History of Hot Rod Hounds?
Hot Rod Hounds was formed in May 2002. In May of 2008 Don and Michele Watson took
over the team as owners. As of December 2012 Hot Rod Hounds relocated to Carson
City, NV. We look forward to having lots of fun and success in our new
region.
Flyball is a fast paced and exciting relay race for dogs. The course is comprised of 4
jumps, a spring loaded box, and is 51 feet in length. Each dog must run down the
racing lane clearing all 4 jumps, trigger the box, catch the ball, and return
back up the lane over all the jumps to its handler. As each dog crosses the
start/finish line, the next dog is released. The race is complete when all 4
dogs have successfully and cleanly completed the course. Teams compete against
each other in tournaments for tournament placement as well as points which lead
to titles.
Flyball got its start in the late 1960's and early 1970's, when a group of dog trainers
in Southern California created scent discrimination hurdle racing, then put a
guy at the end to throw tennis balls to the dogs when they finished the jump
line. It didn't take long for the group to decide to build some sort of tennis
ball-launching apparatus, and the first flyball box was born. Herbert Wagner is
credited with developing the first flyball box, and apparently he did a flyball
demo on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson that got a lot of people’s attention. Subsequently, the new
dog sport for dog enthusiasts was introduced in the Toronto-Detroit area by
several dog training clubs. After a few small tournaments were held in
conjunction with dog shows, the first ever flyball tournament was held in
1983.
Can my dog learn flyball?
Almost any dog can learn to do flyball, though some dogs are naturally more suited to
it than others. High energy, athletic dogs of any breed or mix seem to take to
it quicker than other dogs. It also helps if your dog is ball motivated, though
they can be taught to get the ball even if they’re not. Since flyball is an off
leash activity right from the start of the training process your dog must have
some basic obedience skills. The most important skill is a good recall or “come”
command. Potential flyball dogs must also be well socialized and be able to
co-exist off leash with other dogs. Aggressive dogs are not candidates for
flyball.
What about competition?
NAFA sanctioned tournaments are held almost monthly. Hot Rod Hounds makes every
effort to attend as many tournaments as possible. If a tournament is held out of
town, over night travel is required. In addition to travel expenses, team
members must also pay tournament entry fees.
What is the History of Hot Rod Hounds?
Hot Rod Hounds was formed in May 2002. In May of 2008 Don and Michele Watson took
over the team as owners. As of December 2012 Hot Rod Hounds relocated to Carson
City, NV. We look forward to having lots of fun and success in our new
region.