Flyball is a team sport for dogs that was invented in California in
the late 70's when the first tennis ball launcher was developed.
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 they are the worldwide authority for Flyball.
Flyball is a relay race that matches two teams of four dogs each,
racing side-by-side over a Flyball course. 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 dogs jump the hurdles
and step 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 returning 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 the best of 3 or
best of 5. Round robin is usually best 3 out of 5 and t he first
team to win 3 heats receives 1 point towards their standing in the
tournament.
Learn more about the Cascade Comets Flyball Team
AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.
Described by our Paws-Abilities Staff as a game of Chutes and Ladders for dogs. A sport great for kids and their dogs to dog teams who have mastered all other training. This course is designed to keep you and your dog engaged. The "board" always changes.
Course: 6-Weeks, 1-Hour Per Week
Instructors: Regina Osborne and Veda Viles
Course Cost: $120.00
for dogs of all ages. It’s a really fun way to exercise joints and muscles in a nearly weightless environment, which is easier on the body. I recently went to watch some dogs have their first “swimming lesson” at Total K-9 Health and Fitness Center. They have a 15 foot heated indoor pool inside Paws-Abilities, The Total Dog Center.
Total K-9 also has two “Doggie Treadmills” available for
workouts. Another great way for your dog to get a cardio workout to
shed unwanted pounds or excess
energy!