Flyball

Flyball is the sport of running, jumping, and catching a ball.

Dog fun at its best!


Flyball consists of two four-dog teams that race along two 51-foot lanes. The first dog from each team runs down the lane, clearing four jumps along the way, then pounces on an angled wooden box to release a ball. The dog catches the ball and runs back over the jumps with it. The dog's teammate takes off, repeating the course.......like a relay race.....until all four dogs have gone. The team finishing first wins the heat, and several heats make up one race.

If you think agility is too complicated or requires too much running on your part, flyball may be the perfect sport for you and your dog. The Canine team members' handlers stand at one end of the course; they do not make the run from the starting line to the box that releases the tennis ball.

Your dog does not need to be an athlete to participate. The North American Flyball Association maintains a team locator that can connect you with any of its 375 registered clubs. At the website, click on the left column, "Find a team in my area," then click on "Flyball Locator".

Most teams let anybody join if they want to, but there are some extremely competitive teams that do not accept new members.

A Dog Toy That Talks Back

Are you still looking for that entertaining dog toy?

This one is entertaining for both you and your dog. Especially if you have a "ball loving dog", it could prove to keep him busy for a long time.

My dog, Ebony, had one of these when she was a puppy. I must admit that I got tired of the noise long before she got tired of playing with it.

Here is a funny video of a Border Collie and the Babble Ball.

Ball Game

Is your dog ball crazy?

Loves to retrieve a ball?

Or is happiest with a ball or two in his mouth?



Try a different ball game; "roll a ball"

First use a ball too big to fit in your dog's mouth.

Tell your dog to stay while he watches you place a small treat on the floor by the ball. Then roll the ball forward to almost cover it.

Stand close behind the ball so it rolls toward you and release your dog to get the treat.

As he takes it, the ball will roll. Say, "Yes!" and reward by tossing a treat behind him. He will turn away from the ball to get that treat. Place another treat under the ball.

Repeat this several times, encouraging him to push the ball toward you to get the treat, rewarding with a tossed treat. He will expect a treat under the ball and will quickly return to push it again after collecting the tossed treat.

At this point, quit putting the treat under the ball and just encourage him to push it. Dog s are optimistic - he will look for the treat and the ball will roll. You might use, "Yes, roll the ball," and reward with a tossed reward treat. Soon your dog will understand that pushing the ball earns treats. Gradually stand farther back from the ball, and he will learn to roll it a longer distance.

Pool Ball

I might be bias to black labs, but I believe they are very smart.

This black lab teases his golden lab buddy in a game of pool ball.

You must see this game for yourself!