Anyone here do Flyball with their dogs or...heard about it?

BonandDom

For those of you who don't know what it is here's a very basic description....
It's a relay race of four dogs who jump four small jumps, grab a tennis ball and the run back over the four jumps back to mum/dad. Great fun for the dogs and humans alike, brilliant for fitness and socialising as well.

Just curious as the club we are a member of, is struggling with a lack of members. We are based in a rural doggy area and although we have placed posters in local shops, stopped dogs (and their owners) out walking we just cannot seem to generate interest.

Is this because:-


1. People don't know what it is, most dog owners have heard of agility but maybe not flyball?
2. Those that have seen it think it's only border collies who can do it (not true my JRT loves it and we have a pointer in the club too)


Open to anyones views.............

Wellyboots6

I looked in to doing that with my German Shepherd as he loves agility classes! Only problem is he hates other dogs, and has no interest in balls!

Ah well, if it were possible to do it without either of those issues then I would definitely give it a go!

Kinski

I would have loved to have done agility or flyball with Arran when he was younger but I don't drive and there are no clubs close to me.

krlyr

As someone who's recently looked into agility, I have to say cost is one of the things stopping me. Not just for the training classes or the petrol to get there, but I've seen how addictive it can be and definately can't afford all the travelling to competitions, all the equipment I'd no doubt end up buying, etc.!
I also have a reactive dog, so most training places aren't happy to take him in (and, although he's good with other dogs when introduced properly, I'm not sure being surrounded by excited, high energy dogs in a confined area would be best for him either)

BonandDom

krlyr wrote: »

As someone who's recently looked into agility, I have to say cost is one of the things stopping me. Not just for the training classes or the petrol to get there, but I've seen how addictive it can be and definately can't afford all the travelling to competitions, all the equipment I'd no doubt end up buying, etc.!
I also have a reactive dog, so most training places aren't happy to take him in (and, although he's good with other dogs when introduced properly, I'm not sure being surrounded by excited, high energy dogs in a confined area would be best for him either)

I was kinda worried about both of your concerns, however our club only charges £1.00 a week and £11 yearly membership. Entry fees for comps are only about £9.00 for a full days racing.

Our little JRT was submissive aggressive with other dogs after being attacked when he was younger. You would not believe the difference in him now.

Most clubs will let you go for 3/4 taster sessions free of charge - give it a go, its great fun

Although a word of warning it is addictive

Frugalista

What area are you in?

BonandDom

:DWe live in Newton Aycliffe, but train near Barnard Castle

getcarter

Me, me, me, train and compete.

Our club is struggling to find somewhere to train at the moment that meets even some of our requirements but we're making do! Think our annual membership is £5 or so, £2.50 a session, if you want to compete you have to join the British Flyball Assoc. http://www.flyball.org.uk/#

I only go to comps about an hour away, (obviously again you have to pay a % of the entering fee) luckily quite a few nearby this year.
1 GSDx and 2 staffys.

One of my dogs is a bit reactive, as long as she is focused on the ball or me she's ok.

getcarter

OP have you contacted local dog training clubs and maybe offered to do displays at local events etc?

BonandDom

We currrently do demos at local shows, but not approached dog training classes yet - thank you for the idea. :T

getcarter

What about offering a beginners taster course of about 6 weeks, you could right from the beginning with everyone so they are all in the same boat instead of all at different stages. That might tempt some people that aren't sure.

Dog forums?
Vets notice board?
Pet shops?