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What is Flyball?
Flyball is a team sport for dogs that was invented in California in the
late 70's. Legend has it that Herbert Wagner first showed it on the
Johnny Carson Show to millions of Americans. Soon afterwards dog trainers
and dog clubs were making and using Flyball Boxes.
In the early 80's the sport became so popular that the North American Flyball Association (NAFA®) was formed and became the worldwide authority for Flyball. Flyball is a relay race with 4 dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a box. The first hurdle is 6 feet from the start line and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle for a 51 foot overall length. The dog jumps the hurdles and steps on a spring loaded box that shoots out a tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the 4 hurdles. When the dog crosses the starting line the next dog goes. The first team to have all 4 dogs run without errors wins the heat. Tournaments are usually organized in either a double elimination or round robin format. Double elimination is usually best of 3 or best of 5. Round robin is usually best 3 out of 5 and the first team to win 3 heats receives 1 point towards their standing in the tournament. The hurdles' height are dependent on the height of the dogs in the team -- 4" below the shoulder height of the shortest dog. 8" is the minimum height and 16" is the maximum height. Courtesy of: North American Flyball Association How do we get started?
We're always looking for new talent. We are seeking athletic dogs with
handlers who want to be team members. We have fun but we also like to compete.
If you have an athletic dog who likes to play and you are a team player, contact us! But, you don't need to have a big dog! We are also eager for height dogs. The smallest dog dictates the height that the dogs jump, so we need at least one height dog on each team. If you have a tennis ball crazy dog with lots of energy and can commit to a fun sport with your dog, please email our team captain. There's lots to do for your entire family! |

| Fenway Bark at
Maine Coast Runners Spring Fling, April 7, 2007. (Luna, Spree, Spec, and Sting) |
Bark Bay at Flyball and Fireworks 10, June 30, 2007. (Hype, Isa, Brinks, and Duncan) |
