What Is Flyball?
Flyball is a team relay race for dogs. Any healthy dog can compete, provided they can safely perform the tasks required to run the course. Herding dogs and sighthounds in particular love flyball, but nearly every breed and thousands of mixed-breed dogs participate in our sport. All that's required is practice and enthusiasm!
In flyball, a team of four dogs runs a 102-foot course one at a time. Each dog runs from his or her handler, over four hurdle jumps ten feet apart, to a box holding a ball. Hurdle height is determined by the height of the smallest dog on the team. The box has a spring-loaded platform that the dog triggers to release the ball. They catch it, turn, and return back over the hurdles. Once they cross the start/finish line, the next dog is free to run. The goal is for all four dogs to complete their runs without missing a jump or dropping the ball within 24 seconds. The current record is 14.433 seconds, and races can be decided by a few thousandths!
Flyball is a great way for your active dog to burn off some of their excess energy. Dog sports training helps strengthen the dog-human bond between you and your pet, and helps keep them mentally stimulated. You also get to meet new and interesting friends!
In flyball, a team of four dogs runs a 102-foot course one at a time. Each dog runs from his or her handler, over four hurdle jumps ten feet apart, to a box holding a ball. Hurdle height is determined by the height of the smallest dog on the team. The box has a spring-loaded platform that the dog triggers to release the ball. They catch it, turn, and return back over the hurdles. Once they cross the start/finish line, the next dog is free to run. The goal is for all four dogs to complete their runs without missing a jump or dropping the ball within 24 seconds. The current record is 14.433 seconds, and races can be decided by a few thousandths!
Flyball is a great way for your active dog to burn off some of their excess energy. Dog sports training helps strengthen the dog-human bond between you and your pet, and helps keep them mentally stimulated. You also get to meet new and interesting friends!
Who Are the Scallywags?
Scallywags was registered with the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) in September of 2006. We are affiliated with the Oriole Dog Training Club in Halethorpe, MD (just outside of Baltimore). Our facility is fully climate controlled with plentiful crating space and modern, low impact, SprinTurf Ultrablade sports turf.
Our Approach
We use an integrated approach to teaching Flyball, where dogs or handlers with little or no Flyball experience learn the sport alongside seasoned dogs and team members. This approach allows new dogs and handlers to be introduced to the mechanics of Flyball and also encourages them to develop advanced skills necessary to be successful in this team sport. Training is tailored to the needs of each dog and the goals of the handler.
We train on Friday nights at Oriole Dog Training Club. If you would like to stop by and see what flyball is all about, Contact us for further information.
We train on Friday nights at Oriole Dog Training Club. If you would like to stop by and see what flyball is all about, Contact us for further information.
