|
|
Picking A Team |
You don't pick a club (unless you are starting a new club), the club picks you.
Flyball is a very social activity, it is a club/team activity more than a dog activity.
You often only have 4 or 5 races (up to 5 heats in each race) in a day, yet you spend the whole week-end with your teammates. Often you are at the site before 8 am and stay till 6 pm - a long time for twenty 24 second races with people you don't like.
It is a team activity - everyone (even if you are not running in a particular race) takes part (see "Non-handler Jobs") and every person has an important job. If you can't get along with someone (either in a race or a non-race situation), then that particular club is not for you.
Your dog must love the sport and both of you must enjoy it - it is an expensive hobby (entry fees, car expenses, motel bills, club fees).
Finding a Team
Check the web page http://www.flyballdogs.com
and find a team that is in your area and/or go to a tournament and talk to
various teams.
Some teams offer flyball lessons and the instructors will give you specific
advice on finding a team and will often help you find a club.
If you notice a club practising in a local park or building, ask them about
their club.
Starting a New Team
Make sure that all of you get along and that at least one of you have some
experience. Spend a lot of time discussing racing philosophy (winning - points
- participating) and financing.
Attend a couple of tournaments together as non-participants to see what is
happening and ask a lot of questions.