Flyball...

[Cob-Web]

.....has anyone done this with their doggies? 

What level of obedience/skills do the dogs need? What handing skills are required ? 

[leisl]

Oh I would love to see a cocker doing flyball.  It looks such good fun, the dogs are so dedicated.  If someone does do it let me know, we will come along with pompoms on the side line to cheer you on!

[silke]

I do flyball - our first cocker used to take part, and I'm hoping our puppy will take to it, when he is older. At the moment my Border Collie does it, but the cocker puppy comes to the training classes to watch and cheer her on. It's great fun! 

[Cob-Web]

I do flyball - our first cocker used to take part, and I'm hoping our puppy will take to it, when he is older. At the moment my Border Collie does it, but the cocker puppy comes to the training classes to watch and cheer her on. It's great fun! 

Excellent, an expert 

I currently do agility with Molo (with some success, but focus is still a problem), and have the chance to do flyball later in the year.....but wonder if I will end up embarrassed in front of all the collie owners? What can I begin to teach Molo at home so I don't feel a complete numpty ? 

[helen1]

sorry but whats fly ball?

[lolajays]

sorry but whats fly ball?

http://www.flyball.org.uk/official/firstcon.pdf

Have a look here!

[michelle123]

Flyball is BRILLIANT    

I would dearly love Blue to be able to do flyball, he has the speed but cant catch a ball for toffee 

[Cob-Web]

Flyball is BRILLIANT    

I would dearly love Blue to be able to do flyball, he has the speed but cant catch a ball for toffee 

So ball catching is the first thing to practice, then? 

[Annette]

There is a flyball group near us in Reading, but they don't have to be able to catch. They use a box with a step, lever type of thing. I am assured that Buddy butterfingers wouldn't be at a disadvantage!

[sportsmonki]

Storm doesnt do flyball, but has had a go...my collie was meant to be having a go at flyball...but the people taking the training session were more interested in the cocker having a go 

So, in my experience the collie people wont mind.  Also I believe if they include a 'small' dog in their team they are able to lower the jumps, so their collies can go even faster 

For BFA flyball it's not so important that the dog is able to catch?  It's only for the KC flyball that it's fundamental?

I'd suggest you need a dog that is ball mad, and it helps to have a strong send away and recall...then the rest all fits into place easily?

edited for typos

[silke]

It's a good idea to find a nice training club - the one we are in is lovely, really friendly and relaxed, with lots of different breeds. There are different elements to flyball, I suppose, like going away from you, getting the ball, and returning quickly (with the ball!). Good luck with your training!

[ClareB]

Lucky you, Rachel.  I really want to do Flyball with Milo as he's tennis ball obsessed and catches them really well.  He's also super-fast when he wants to be and I have no hope of keeping up with him at agility.     Can't find a club round here that does it though.  Borrowed a Flyball machine from one of my dog trainer friends as she considered starting to teach it, but I haven't been able to convince her to yet.  Must look harder for a local club that does it....

[PennyB]

Lucky you, Rachel.  I really want to do Flyball with Milo as he's tennis ball obsessed and catches them really well.  He's also super-fast when he wants to be

Sounds like Ruby --- everyone comments when she's after a ball how they never thought she could run that fast

[crazyspaniels]

I have had a go at flyball, my lots thought it was great fun, we just don't have enough hours in the day to train for flyball with the local team, here are a few pics of cockers doing flyball
Dobbie

Bilbo