CRUFTS FLYBALL
(From the Flyball
section)
Here are the main differences between Crufts Flyball and International Flyball -
Although the four jumps are similar in design and spacing to the International ones, they always stay at one height (12" or 30.9cm) irrespective of the height of the dogs in the team.
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The design of the flyball box is very primitive compared to that in International competitions. The dog runs up to the box and is supposed to stop and press the pedal on the front with a paw. This pedal triggers the catapult at the back of the box, sending the tennis ball into the air so that the dog can catch it as it flies to the front of the box. Sadly, this is often not what actually occurs. Through the dog's sheer enthusiasm to get the ball, plus the speed generated from running 51ft to the box over the four hurdles, the dog often leaps into the air trying to catch the ball, rather than waiting for the ball to come to the dog. This often results in the dog not catching the ball and then losing confidence in its abilities to do the game correctly. Unfortunately, over the years many dogs have sustained injuries from either running so fast that they hit the front of the box, twisting in the air in an effort to get the ball faster, or from subsequently landing awkwardly on the box and injuring itself. Many of the dogs injuries are caused by the dogs being taught incorrectly how to use the box, and then learning bad habits which are difficult to eradicate later on. Ideally, the dog should be taught to trigger the box at a standstill, or with little or no run up, for many months before the jumps, and then speed, are added to the training.
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Unlike the International type of Flyball, who have "round robin" competitions (ie each team races the other teams of similar times in their Division) throughout the year both indoors and outside, Crufts flyball only takes place at eight qualifying shows in the UK. The shows are knockout competitions with the top two teams qualifying to compete at Crufts the following Spring. It is possible for teams to turn up at a show and only get two or three runs in a heat, be knocked out in the first round of the competition and do nothing for the rest of the show! Very frustrating and incomprehensible for the losing dogs, who wonder why all the fun has stopped so suddenly.
Other differences between the two types of flyball are that no toys or motivators are allowed in Crufts flyball competitions, nor are harnesses allowed to be worn - only collars. There is no electronic timing used and all judging decisions are done by use of stopwatches and the naked eye.
For further information about Crufts flyball we recommend the link - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/alakat/Home/Home(crufts)target.htm
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