Sunday, May 28, 2006

FLYBALL

This is Flyball. It is a dog relay team. Four dogs, each takes a turn running over four hurdles, jumping on a springboard which releases a ball into the air. They catch the ball and turn and run back over the hurdles. Then the next dog goes. The team with the fastest time wins. We practice every week, and there are several meets each year for competition. But the rewards are not in ribbons or trophies, but in the pleasure of seeing your dog have such a good time.This is our English Springer Spaniel, BINZEN. He loves flyball. He has only been doing it for a few months, but has really caught on. When we say "time for Flyball" He gets all excited. Those big floppy ears of his almost turn into wings when he leaps the hurdles.


New Members, like this lovely Boarder Collie, need to take the jumps one at a time, with lots of love and encouragement from their families. Usually the handlers get as much of a work out as the dogs, as they have to run along side thier dog until it is trained, like this fellow with his Manchester Terrier. One of our trainers sits on the flyball springboard box and gets the dogs reved up to practice the jumps. She teaches them to perk up as she loudly growls "RRRRRRREEAADDDDDDDYYYYYYYYY". Then she nudges the dog off and away he runs over the jumps.

This old boy, is the lead dog. Does he look as though he is smiling? I think so.
It is a wonderful activity and social time for the dogs and handlers alike. It puts a smile on my face to see these pups have such fun every week. As long as Binzen continues to get so much enjoyment from it, we will keep going.

12 comments:

gal artist said...

Binzen looks like he is having a blast. He looks a lot like our Wizard.

Springers are great, aren't they?

Anonymous said...

What fun for Binzen! That's a cute picture of him with his ears flying.
It was great meeting Carol at Sally's sale. She's so nice, as is your dad.
Take care and have a good day. They say sunshine is on it's way.

Fred said...

My dog would LOVE this game. And, the first picture you posted is great.

poet said...

Binzen, what a beautiful name. thanks for coming by and i would love to read about what you do for fun...looks like i already know some, fly ball. i've only seen it on TV is must be fantastic to watch in person. and what a great time Binzen appears to be having. have a good tuesday!

BarbaraMG said...

Look at those eara! Weeeeeeee!

David said...

How neat is that - I so miss my dog being able to play like that. We spent hours playing ball and taking hikes. She still wants to but just can't do it. I know how she feels.

Dick said...

That is a great photo of Binzen! Your timing was perfect. I am not familiar with that activity but it looks like fun for all involved.

ellen said...

Looks like a healthy pursuit for everyone, especially a Springer.

mrhaney said...

i sure would like to go to a show like that. i love dogs and i like to watch them every chance i get. when i see a movie and the star of the movie owns a dog i always feel good about that person.

Jona said...

The dogs (and handlers) look like they're having a graet time :o)

Andrew said...

Those are some great pictures. I've toyed with the idea of trying to get my dog, Sasha, into flyball but I don't trust her to come back with the darn thing. :-)

Anonymous said...

Nice! Where you get this guestbook? I want the same script.. Awesome content. thankyou.
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