Flyball training

Thank you for your interest in our Flyball training. The following information you will need to know prior to joining our classes.
At DIG IT Dog Training we train Flyball using the British Flyball Association Flyball box – not the Crufts Flyball box.

Flyball is a fun sport for your dog, any dog any age any size, if your dog is fit enough it can play Flyball. There are Starter
Classes that our dog can compete in from the age of 12 months, but it has to be at least 18 months old to compete in a BFA Sanctioned Tournament, this is in the best interests of their long term health. Flyball is a team sport, from a squad of up to 6
you can select 4 dogs to run in a heat. It is a relay race, with 4 dogs and their owners in the team for the heat. The dogs race
against another team in another lane, over 4 hurdles, retrieve a ball from the Box at the end of the lane and back over the 4 hurdles, then the next dog goes. The winning team is the first to get all 4 dogs to complete without any faults. Flyball is the fastest growing dog sport in this country.

Method

The type of training that will be used in the classes is positive reinforcement. If a dog finds something rewarding, it is more likely
to repeat it. At one time, there were only conventional/compulsive types of training methods which generally worked by dominating the dog into doing what the owner wanted. As times have moved on, we have found that with positive reinforcement, we can actually give our dog a choice. Our job is to convince him that if he makes the right choice, he will be rewarded! It’s as simple as that!
This clearly gives a better relationship than before with our dogs.

Worming and vaccination.

Please make sure that your vaccination certificate is up to date and that your dog has been wormed. Please get worming medication from your vet. Although more expensive than in the shops it is more effective. It is also advisable to have an up to date kennel cough vaccination as you will be in a class situation with other dogs this will ensure you dog will remain in the peak of
health with adequate immunity to this infection.

Equipment

Choke chains, (check chains) are not allowed during the Flyball classes. The most popular and effective way to control your dog
in the exciting Flyball training is by a harness. We supply these at the Club which are fleece lined and are fitted to your dogs size exactly. Alternatively if you have not got a harness then please use a broad flat collar. “Flexi” leads are not appropriate as they
are difficult to work with in a training situation.

Tennis balls

All dogs that compete in Flyball must be tennis ball orientated! There are exercises you can work on at home that can help
increase your dogs motivation to play with a ball if you find you dog is not totally ball obsessed! Treats can be used in Flyball
training therefore bring a selection of these with you to the classes.

Feeding your dog

Bear in mind that we want your dog to work well for the treats you use in class, so if he has just had lunch/super, he’s not going
to be terribly interested in your treats. Therefore don’t feed him within 3-4 hours prior to the class. On a full stomach the dog will
not be very comfortable running round and there is also the chance that a full stomach can twist – which we definitely don’t want!

Useful hints

• When you arrive please park sensibly on the car park as other cars may need to leave before you.
• Your dog then has time to relieve himself before entering the classes but any mess must be removed.
• Allow you dog a short walk or some exercise before arriving at the class to let off some steam and release some
  excess energy!
• Please arrive on time for your classes. There is a lot of setting up to be done and a lot to get through!
• DO NOT use any equipment with out instructor supervision, this is dangerous and there is plenty of time in the classes
  for your turn.
• A calm and confident attitude will help your dog to settle into the class easier.
• Please listen to the instructors, not just to learn lots but for your own and your dogs safety.

DON’T FORGET to complete the registration form and bring with you to the first Flyball class.

And finally…… Please note this is a working farm and consideration should be given to the other people on the farm not
attending the agility classes. Therefore, dogs must be kept on a lead at ALL times and ALL dog mess must be removed immediately and put in the ‘pooh bin.’

Further information and pictures and information about the Club and other training classes can be found on our website:
www.allstarsflyballteam.co.uk