Flyball is a relay race between two teams with four dogs on each team.

The flyball course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart and a specially designed flyball 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 height of the hurdles is determined by the smallest dog on the team.

A dog jumps the hurdles and then steps on the spring-loaded box that, when activated, releases a tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the 4 hurdles. When the dog crosses the starting line the next dog runs. The first flyball team to have all 4 dogs run, without errors, wins the heat. Errors include dropping the ball, missing a jump, or passing too early. In tournaments today starting lights similar to those found in drag racing are used to start the race and electronic sensors time the runs and keep track of any mis-starts.

North American Flyball Association Titles

Points	Title	Abbreviation
20	Flyball Dog	FD
100	Flyball Dog Excellent	FDX
500	Flyball Dog Champion	FDCh
1000	Flyball Dog Champion-Silver	FDCh-S
2500	Flyball Dog Champion-Gold	FDCh-G
5000	Flyball Master	FM
10,000	Flyball Master Excellent	FMX
15,000	Flyball Master Champion	FMCh
20,000	ONYX Award	ONYX
30,000	Flyball Grand Champion	FGDCh-30
100,000	HOBBES Award	HOBBES

Flyball is a race, with the fastest team being the winner. But by competing in NAFA sanctioned tournaments all dogs earn points. Points are awarded based on the team's total time. Dogs on teams finishing under 32 seconds each receive 1 point. If the team finishes under 28 seconds each dog receives 5 points. And each dog receives 25 points if the team finishes under 24 seconds. By accumulating these points dogs can earn flyball titles, such as Flyball Dog and Flyball Master.

Flyball is open to all dogs, from rescue dogs to pure breds, from large dogs to tiny ones. Dogs of all types and sizes can be seen enjoying flyball on teams and in flyball training classes. Everyone has a great time. Many rescue dogs have a lot of energy and flyball may be the perfect way to channel it!

Everyone is invited to come out and watch this exciting, high-speed sport! We offer free classes on Sundays at Happy Tails Park.