Dog Sports: Exercise And Fun
Miss Daisy, Canine Reporter
I Know Dogs
This article appeared in Star Tribune newspaper regarding dog team sports… Flyball.
“Flyball races consist of teams of four dogs and their handlers. One by one, the dogs race over a 51 foot course that requires each dog to jump a series of four hurdles, step on a box that triggers a tennis ball to pop out, catch the ball and return back over the course with the ball in it’s mouth and cross the line to start he next dog’s leg of the relay.
The first team to finish without any errors wins the race. Many teams complete the course in 20 seconds, with the world record nearing the 15-second mark.
In 2007,The North American Flyball Association reported a total of 342 tourneys entered 8,360 teams for 358 Clubs. The events attracted 5,697 different dogs representing 146 breeds.
While any breed or mix can participate, the small to mid-sized dogs have an advantage due to the hurdle height and raceway dimensions. Five of NAFA’s top 10 dogs last year were border collies. ”
I love those border collies. (What about solo sports for dogs?)
My reaction to Flyball is what can the ordinary dog owner do to for his Fido? A dog you don’t have to especially train for teamwork and still have fun and exercise.
I suppose you could organize a special race for dachshunds (which would have to be a very short one with low hurdles), a special race for Bischons and Poodles with mirrors for grooming glances, and a long course for Greyhounds using a track meet stopwatch.
St. Bernards could carry a rescue doll instead of a ball, and a rat terrier could carry a dead mouse. (Just kidding.)
There are many sports that feature agility, fetching, speed, and conformation. Local clubs would be the most help here. Call one.
All dogs are above average in their own way.
By the way if you love dogs, Click here, Five Great Reasons To Adopt A Dog.
