Anybody know how to make a Flyball setup?

Question

Ok so we dont have flyball at our local club.
My cousin is the proud owner of a flyball champion and thinks its a great sport to get my dog into- he is very active and a very fast runner!
He is two years old and is in obedience at present.
She told me to make up my own hurdles, but I would like to get them as close to the real deal as possible.
I know the basic idea of how to make a hurdle, but I would like to know how the pegs are spaced to alter the height of the hurdle, how many I need, how far apart they have to be, and what height they should be at for different sized dogs. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

? · Accepted Answer

Here are some instructions on building the equipment:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/2119/flyballeq.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/2119/boxplan.htm
http://www.staffordmall.com/flyballequipment.htm

Here are some regulations:
NAFA:  http://flyball.org/rules/rulebook.pdf (see chapter 8)
KC:  http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/6310/flyball_regs_09.pdf


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"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 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."

http://flyballdogs.com/FAQ.html

? · Answer

Flyball Equipment

Anonymous · Answer

I have several friends who compete in flyball. Take the dog to the Vet first for a complete checkup to be sure it will be sound enough to compete. Then find a flyball club and start training.

? · Answer

Having a trained dog isn’t the same as having a balanced dog, but if your dog knows a few basic commands, it can be helpful when tackling problem behaviors — existing ones or those that may develop in the future.  Learn here https://tr.im/gPKax

So where do you start with dog obedience training? You could take a class, but it’s not necessary; you can do it yourself. In fact, with the right attitude, it can be fun for both you and your dog! 
Step 1 : Sit 
This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with. 
•	Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose. 
•	Move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower. 
•	Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection. 
Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog has it mastered. Then ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like him calm and seated. 
Step 2 : Come 
This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open. 
•	Put a leash and collar on your dog. 
•	Go down to his level and say, “Come,” while gently pulling on the leash. 
•	When he gets to you, reward him with affection and a treat. 
Once he’s mastered it with the leash, remove it — and practice the command in a safe, enclosed area. 
Step 3 : Down 
This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs. 
•	Find a particularly good smelling treat, and hold it in your closed fist. 
•	Hold your hand up to your dog’s snout. When he sniffs it, move your hand to the floor, so he follows. 
•	Then slide your hand along the ground in front of him to encourage his body to follow his head. 
•	Once he’s in the down position, say “Down,” give him the treat, and share affection. 
Repeat it every day. If your dog tries to sit up or lunges toward your hand, say “No” and take your hand away. Don’t push him into a down position, and encourage every step your dog takes toward the right position. After all, he’s working hard to figure it out!

Anybody know how to make a Flyball setup?

4 Answers