- RULES FOR TRAINING - FOR ALL DOGS & HANDLERS-
Also see Flyball Introduction - Code of Conduct
Fly-ball is very exciting for
many dogs. It may arouse their primeval chase instincts and so if we are not too careful, it can lead to aggressive behaviour especially for natural chase motivated dogs (e.g. herding dogs such as collies and those who are bred to chase and kill, such as terriers).
Some dogs very easily get ‘wound up’ and may be inclined to chase other dogs rather than the ball. In training we all need to be aware of this to ensure that accidents, due to aggressiveness between dogs are less likely to occur.
Here are
a few basic rules of training that everybody needs to follow on the training ground:-
1) Dogs must wear a FLAT COLLAR (or HARNESS). Owners must have a flat lead with clip attached. ‘Check chain’
style collars are not permissible.
2) All dogs must be ON THE LEAD and NOT FREE to roam during the practice sessions. The exceptions are when handlers are advised to let them off for training exercises or
during team racing
3) You must ensure you can get your dog back to you without delay (to put back on the lead).
4) For all exercises ONLY ONE DOG PER LANE should be free at any time. Therefore before letting
off your own dog (or if holding someone else’s) it is everybody’s responsibility to ensure no other dog is free.
5) Owners must never show undue aggression towards their pets. It is a BFA policy that all clubs must
follow. Bullying or striking your dog is unacceptable and will be reprimanded accordingly.
6) You CAN exercise your dog on the events field before or after training but only down the hedge next
to the road.
7) Always clear up after your dog. – Doggy bags should be placed in a rubbish bin provided at the field.
FOR TEAM RACING especially if two lanes are in operation there could be
more than one dog free at a time. So there are STRICT GUIDELINES, for the safety of your own and other dogs and must be adhered to on the training field
When anyone new attends for a few weeks we will concentrate on the various
flyball elements (e.g. box-work, increasing stamina and speed over jumps etc) before dogs can be involved in any racing.
AT ALL TRAINING SESSIONS YOUR DOG SHOULD ALWAYS
BE CLOSELY UNDER YOUR CONTROL (on a lead) AND NEVER BE ALLOWED TO ROAM FREE TO DO AS THEY LIKE.
OTHER RULES AND ADVICE
PARKING: Park your vehicle in the car park to the left of the farm yard – then bring your dog on the lead to the training field.
CANCELLATION: Most sessions continue in most circumstances, but torrential rain, high winds, snow and ice, even extremely hot conditions may be too
dangerous to safely do flyball. In those situations we get a message to everyone ie Facebook or in some cases by telephone. If unsure please ring one of the numbers shown in Flyball Introduction – Our Club & Contact details.
TRAINING FEES: Payment for training should be BEFORE YOU TAKE PART! We trust you to pay every time you come. In the nearest indoor area to the training area on the
field is a small table with a money box and a list of dogs/handlers. Opposite your name, for the correct date put ticks to show the number of dogs you are training. If you at first forget, please pay before you leave.
EQUIPMENT & ORGANISATION
EVERYONE NEEDS TO HELP to either arrange or dismantle equipment - 2 to 4 runs of jumps and box or ‘shoot’.
Training is usually split into more than one group(winter months) or evening (summer months): The group training first need to get there a bit earlier to help put out all the equipment and the last group will put it all away. Your dogs must get used to
being tied up (or placed in your car if close by) whilst this is in progress.
DOGS WILL ALWAYS BE ALLOCATED TO ONE LANE OR THE OTHER,
SO UNLESS SPECIFICALLY ASKED, NEVER USE ANY OTHER LANE.
Attendees should learn how to set up a training lane, be able
to help with races—ie to box-load and alter jump heights etc.. or hold other people’s dogs. We introduce this at training so before attending competitions all members are confident and willing to help our other
teams.
GENERAL ADVICE FOR TRAINING SESSIONS
Control: To maintain good
control of your dog, basic obedience is very important particularly for times when your dog is off the lead. This is especially apparent when calling your dog back to you. Your dog must understand that they are not there just to play with the other dogs but
for learning purposes..
Stamina & Fitness: Owners need to keep their dogs well exercised and on a healthy diet. Once a day (if you can) take your
dog somewhere to let it off the lead for a good run. Throw a ball and allow it to land and be stationary then release your dog to fetch it. Dogs chasing a moving ball are not concentrating on where they are putting their feet and are more likely to trip and
cause injury to themselves. It builds up stamina and speed and keeps muscles and joints supple. Your dog is ‘toned up’ for the strenuous workouts they get at training and less likely to get muscle strain or joints injuries.
Patience: Time is not important – with some dogs it takes longer than others to be able to do all the elements of fly-ball racing.
Things can go wrong but don’t upset yourself, trainers will try and help you and your dog to get over the problem. Or we can arrange extra sessions and sometimes we loan out equipment for a few days so you can practice at home, so long as the equipment
is returned for the next scheduled session.
Illnesses and injury: For contagious diseases (ie kennel cough) your dog shouldn’t attend classes until the incubation period has finished (for kennel cough, 3 weeks from the last cough).
Neither should any dog take part if they have a muscle, ligament, joint injuries or have lesions, cuts etc until they have fully healed. If unsure contact the Team Manager for advice.