My neighbour does flyball with her english setter and border collie, I asked if I could come along and watch to see if I would like to do it, and I am exited to get started!! The team is so nice and everyone has alot of fun. Finley is not old enough to start it yet so Isla will get to go first!! We have started basic training and will be tagging along to another class for more tips! If anyone has helpful tips on getting started I would love to hear them.
Hoping to start flyball!!
- Thread starter starscape
- Start date
SheepOfBlue
Premium Member
Caro is FAR smarter than me but I do have one thing. For Sca the hardest thing was to get him to go get a stationary ball (he is a fetching machine) What worked for him was to put a ball in the yard with a cookie under it. Then move it further and further.
I am sure once you start you will determine the challenge for your Sheltie. Sca's were getting the ball and his HIGH urge to play with everyone
I am sure once you start you will determine the challenge for your Sheltie. Sca's were getting the ball and his HIGH urge to play with everyone
Caro
Moderator
Woohoo - another flyballer! Flyball is great fun, but it is harder than it looks because you have to teach the dog things that may not be natural - as Sca knows.
Tully actually learnt flyball from watching Deska, you will probably find that Finlay will pick it up really quickly if you take him to training so he can watch.
There are lots of things you can practice with both the dogs. If they don't already worship the tennis ball you can make the ball really high value by giving them a treat each time they pick up the ball. And as mentioned, treats for fetching a stationary ball.
You can also teach them to catch the ball on the full. Best to start this with a ball on a rope. Start with treating for them for touching the ball, then for grabbing the ball, then work your way up to using the string to 'throw' the ball in their mouth and say 'catch'. The beauty of it being on a string is you can control how softly and slowly the ball moves.
Another thing to try is put a stick in the ground and teach the dogs to go 'round' the stick to practice turning on the board. If you want to take it further you can get a piece of wood (up to 18" x 24") and lay it on the ground to practice turns (I wouldnt tilt it up for Finlay). Although you will need to work out which way your pups prefer to turn.
This is a good website for info on flyball training. http://flyballdogs.com/training.html
Tully actually learnt flyball from watching Deska, you will probably find that Finlay will pick it up really quickly if you take him to training so he can watch.
There are lots of things you can practice with both the dogs. If they don't already worship the tennis ball you can make the ball really high value by giving them a treat each time they pick up the ball. And as mentioned, treats for fetching a stationary ball.
You can also teach them to catch the ball on the full. Best to start this with a ball on a rope. Start with treating for them for touching the ball, then for grabbing the ball, then work your way up to using the string to 'throw' the ball in their mouth and say 'catch'. The beauty of it being on a string is you can control how softly and slowly the ball moves.
Another thing to try is put a stick in the ground and teach the dogs to go 'round' the stick to practice turning on the board. If you want to take it further you can get a piece of wood (up to 18" x 24") and lay it on the ground to practice turns (I wouldnt tilt it up for Finlay). Although you will need to work out which way your pups prefer to turn.
This is a good website for info on flyball training. http://flyballdogs.com/training.html
SheepOfBlue
Premium Member
Post up on progress as you go 
