|  Processing ....
|
Flyball is an all-action dog sport, where our furry friends have great fun by running and fetching a flying ball triggered by jumping onto a box. It is a team sport for people who have fun working with dogs together. With the sport being very popular, teams can be found in many cities in Canada and the U.S.A. Dogs of all sizes and breeds participate. Purebred dogs, or mixed breeds, all can join in on the racing, and training. Since it is a team sport, the team of dogs can be made up from a variety of sizes and speed of dogs. Running relay style, one dog races down over a series of jumps, triggers a tennis ball and catches it as it flies out of the box. It races back to the start where the next dog runs it's turn. This is repeated until all four dogs on a team complete their turn. This all happens twice, since two teams of dogs race at the same time. The winning team is determined by the team who runs the course the fastest. This means jumping all four hurdles in both directions, and bringing back the ball they triggered. It is made fair in competition because the teams are matched together in divisions for similar times with all four dogs running. And the height of the jumps are determined by the height of the smallest dog on the team. So large and small dogs are mixed on the teams.
What this means is that flyball is one very exciting sport for dogs and for the people that train them for fun and competitions. To the dog, it does not matter how fast they run, they just have fun running, and getting that ball. Some dogs see they are racing a dog in the next lane, and really pick up the speed. It is very exciting to see how everyone is enjoying the fun of flyball.
Dauphin Veterinary Clinic has been the Spring and Summer home for the Parkland Pups. We have been running within the fenced compound for 2008 and 2009. Parkland Pups is a Dauphin area based dog club where the goal is to have fun training, and being together with other people of like levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, and those who come out for the fun and/or compete at tournaments. Working at the compound at Dauphin Veterinary Clinic has been very rewarding for dogs and owners alike. The training classes work within a positive reinforcement proinciple. We focus on a positive reward system. Petting , praise, play time, and possibly treats. The dogs want to please, and the methods used are fun for the dogs. And while it is fun, it also works some practical skills, such as having your dog come to you when called, fetching, and jumping on command.
Competition is another aspect of flyball that most people can enjoy, and is relatively inexpensive as a sport. Competitions are held throughout the year, and travel can be close, such as cities like Winnipeg, Regina, and Brandon. But there are competitions in cities all over North America, and you could travel anywhere you like as a team, and find racing. Races are normally held during weekends, and this allows many people a chance for weekend getaways. The only costs involved are travel costs such as gas for your vehicle, or a hotel room. The cost of the competition itself is only approximately $25.00 a day (per dog) and that usuallly is for a full day of racing. Since the racing will be spaced out to rotate teams, the dogs have a chance to get a rest between races. You and your dog could expect between 15-30 racing heats in a full day of racing. It is very well organized at competitions, with numbered races, start lights, and laser guided timing to keep track of the dogs as they race. It lets you know who won, and what time they ran right up to the thousandths of a second.
While the sport is well organized and competitive, it is matched by the amount of fun and camaraderie. Teams will come from all over, typically Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and everyone works to keep it friendly. After races, even though everyone is trying to race well, and win, both teams still shake hands, and congratulate each other for a good race. Everyone knows what it is like to win and lose, and it's all part of the game. With so many people who like spending time having fun with their four legged friends, it's a good outlet, exercise for your pet, and a chance for both of you to make friends.
Regardless of your outlook on competition, (fun, exercise, or competition), flyball is for all levels of play. Some may choose to train just for the exercise, and socialization for their dogs, and others may want the challenge of racing at a competition. All levels of interest can be met at flyball, and it is a great part of being a part of the sport. If you did not want to compete, it reduces the costs involved. No travel costs, and no entry fees for tournaments. The only cost would be training classes.
So for those who are interested in more information about Flyball and Parkland Pups, please contact Doug or Lisa at 204-638-1241.
|
|
|
|
