Flyball Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for flyball?
Dogs should be at least 12 months old before starting any training in a high-impact dog sport like flyball or agility, as their long bones and joints are still developing in their puppy years. Younger dogs can begin training some skills like sends, recalls, and retrievals but jumps and turns will be held until they are a year old. NAFA sets a minimum age of 15 months before a dog can be listed for warmup or racing in the tournament ring. As far as maximum age - as long as your dog is healthy, happy, and is able to enjoy the sport, there is none.
What kind of training should my dog have?
We'd recommend that your dog have at least some basic obedience training, and respond to a recall ("come"). It's also helpful if your dog is crate-trained. Our home club, Oriole Dog Training, offers classes in dog sport foundations as well as Survey of Dog Sports which lets you try out some activities before committing.
What do I need to participate?
Your dog, some treats, water, a favorite toy, a good attitude, and a willingness to let silly things happen.
My dog is nervous around other dogs. Is this a good activity for them?
Flyball is a high-stimulation team sport where you are in close proximity to other dogs and their handlers. Any dog is welcome to try the sport, but this may be something you might have to address as training progresses.
Are mixed breeds allowed to compete in flyball?
Absolutely. Unlike some breed-specific competition (earthdog, tracking/coursing, etc.) NAFA flyball is open to all dogs, all breeds, purebred or mixed breed. Indeed, NAFA's highest title (the Hobbes Award, given at 100,000 earned points) is named after a mixed-breed competitor.
Dogs should be at least 12 months old before starting any training in a high-impact dog sport like flyball or agility, as their long bones and joints are still developing in their puppy years. Younger dogs can begin training some skills like sends, recalls, and retrievals but jumps and turns will be held until they are a year old. NAFA sets a minimum age of 15 months before a dog can be listed for warmup or racing in the tournament ring. As far as maximum age - as long as your dog is healthy, happy, and is able to enjoy the sport, there is none.
What kind of training should my dog have?
We'd recommend that your dog have at least some basic obedience training, and respond to a recall ("come"). It's also helpful if your dog is crate-trained. Our home club, Oriole Dog Training, offers classes in dog sport foundations as well as Survey of Dog Sports which lets you try out some activities before committing.
What do I need to participate?
Your dog, some treats, water, a favorite toy, a good attitude, and a willingness to let silly things happen.
My dog is nervous around other dogs. Is this a good activity for them?
Flyball is a high-stimulation team sport where you are in close proximity to other dogs and their handlers. Any dog is welcome to try the sport, but this may be something you might have to address as training progresses.
Are mixed breeds allowed to compete in flyball?
Absolutely. Unlike some breed-specific competition (earthdog, tracking/coursing, etc.) NAFA flyball is open to all dogs, all breeds, purebred or mixed breed. Indeed, NAFA's highest title (the Hobbes Award, given at 100,000 earned points) is named after a mixed-breed competitor.
