Flyball is a team relay race for
dogs. 2 teams of 4 dogs race against each other. The race course consists
of 4 jumps spaced 10 feet apart, with a start line 6 feet in front of the
first jump and a flyball box 15 feet from the last jump. .
Starting lights similar to those used in drag racing begin the race
- no dog may cross the start line until the green light goes on! The first
dog must race over all four hurdles to the box and trigger the box with
its paws. The box then releases a tennis ball, which the dog must catch
and bring back over all four jumps.
As the first dog returns, the second dog starts running. Ideally, the dogs
pass nose-to-nose at the start line. The dog is faulted if it passes too
early and must run again at the end.
The race continues until all four dogs have finished. If a dog or handler
makes an error (such as dropping a ball, going around a jump, or passing
too early), that dog must rerun. The first team that finishes running all
dogs wins. However, both winning and losing teams gain points towards
their titles, depending on how fast they finish the race!
