About Flyball
Background
Your Trainers
Minimum Requirements
What Should I Bring to Classes?
Cost
Location
Recommended Reading

About Flyball

Flyball is a team sport for dogs that was invented in California in the late 70's. 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 became the worldwide authority for Flyball. Flyball is a relay race with 4 dogs on a team. 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 steps 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 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 best of 3 or best of 5. Round robin is usually best 3 out of 5 and the first team to win 3 heats receives 1 point towards their standing in the tournament.The hurdles' height are dependent on the height of the dogs in the team -- 4" below the shoulder height of the shortest dog. 8" is the minimum height and 16" is the maximum height.

Titles

The dogs earn points towards flyball titles based on the teams time:

less than 32 secs: Each dog earns 1 point
less than 28 secs: Each dog earns 5 points
less than 24 secs: Each dog earns 25 points

The titles the dogs can earn are:

Abbr	Title	Points	Award
FD	Flyball Dog	20	Certificate
FDX	Flyball Dog Excellent	100	Certificate
FDCh	Flyball Dog Champion	500	Certificate
FM	Flyball Master	5000	Pin/Certificate
FMX	Flyball Master Excellent	10000	Pin/Certificate
FMCh	Flyball Master Champion	15000	Pin/Certificate
ONYX	ONYX Award	20000	Pin/Plaque
FGDCh	Flyball Grand Champion	30000	Pin/Plaque

Who governs Flyball?

In North America, Flyball is governed by the North American Flyball Association(NAFA).

To obtain a copy of the official rules for Flyball or to inquire about teams in your area contact the NAFA.

Background

Founded in 1993 and based in Toronto, Ontario, the Zippity-Do-Dogs Flyball Club, directly affiliated with Muzzelvelocity.com offers lessons for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced level flyball. We teach using positive reinforcement, and utilize the latest flyball training methods (including operant conditioning techniques).

Our Staff of Instructors is comprised of individuals that are currently active in competitive flyball with NAFA registered teams. In all, the instructors have over 31 years of combined experience within the sport of Flyball.

In addition, only the best quality equipment is provided by Muzzelvelocity.com, in order to assure you and your dog(s) the highest level of safety and the best opportunity to learn on equipment that works! Muzzelvelocity.com also makes extensive use of "The Shoot" in their training curriculum.

Your Trainers

Your training staff are:

Head Trainer - Steve Diedrich (Associate member CAPPDT)

Trainer - Theresa Latocha

Trainer - Victoria Vidal-Ribas

Asst. Trainer - Peter Diedrich

Minimum Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for dogs to be considered for our classes

Your dog must:

be at least one (1) year of age -- sorry, no exceptions!;
have up-to-date vaccinations;
be dog and people-friendly;
be fit & healthy enough for strenuous exercise;
have completed basic obedience.

You (the handler/owner) must:

have completed basic obedience;
be fit & healthy enough for strenuous exercise;
be prepared to do "homework" when assigned;
be ready to have some fun !!

Not required:

Your dog does NOT have to be "ball crazy" (this is a common myth);
You don't have to spend hours upon hours doing homework. 15 to 20 minute sessions per day are sufficient.

"What Should I Bring to Classes?"

A water bowl;
Min. 6 ft. leash;
A flat, buckled collar (chokers or prong collars are NOT allowed!)
A favourite toy (of your dog's...please leave YOUR favourite toys at home!);
Treats;
Comfortable shoes;
A good attitude, and an open mind.

Cost

The cost of the classes is as follows:

Beginner	8 weeks x 45 mins. for $150.00 (Cdn)
Intermediate	8 weeks x 45 mins. for $150.00 (Cdn)
Advanced	8 weeks x 45 mins. for $150.00 (Cdn)
One-On-One's	on a per-lesson basis @ $55.00/hour (Cdn)
Workshops	For additional information please E-mail. Price will be negotiated based on an hourly rate or a flat-rate, depending upon your needs.

Fees are payable by cash or cheque only. Post-dated cheques will not be accepted unless by special arrangement. Please make cheques payable to: Zippity-Do-Dogs

Location

Our training facility year-round is located at Richmond Green Community Centre, near Elgin Mills and Hwy. 404). Please be advised that:

There is no smoking allowed -- either inside the building or in the vicinity
You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog(s)
You are responsible for your dog's behaviour in addition to any observers you bring with you

Thank you for respecting these rules!