There’s More to Flyball Than Just Racing

We love racing at tournaments but we also enjoy many other events we do with our team. One of our biggest demonstrations we participate in is the Escondido Humane Society’s “Paws in the Park“. Demos are a great way to educate the public about flyball but are also a great way for new dogs to get accustomed to a tournament-like environment.

Sometimes a few weeks before an event we are asked to make an appearance on TV. This helps to promote the occasion and generates enthusiasm among our team mates. Tuesday March 11th was one of these special days. We were asked by Katie Woolsey of the Escondido Humane Society to join her at Channel 6 on the “San Diego Living” show. At the station we ran an abbreviated one jump course with three different breeds of dogs being represented, giving the public just a taste of the fun of flyball.

We had such a great time as you can see from the pictures and video working with Laura Cavanaugh (Channel 6), Tiffany Frowiss (Channel 6) and Katie Woolsey (Escondido Humane Society), and of course our dogs.

Brian and Joanne Matsumoto
Ballistic Racers Flyball Team

 

2013 In Slides

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Meet the Speed: Max

Max is a southern boy for sure. His sire is from Alabama, his mother from Georgia and spent his first year and a half with us in Mississippi. His litter was bred for show competition, but he’s showing them all that he’s more than just a pretty face. He’s a true southern gentleman when he takes his treats during training, but watch your fingers if you offer him liver! This and his increase in running speed has earned him the nickname ‘Liver Man’.

Max takes the hurdles of Flyball like a boss, but refuses to jump onto the couch or the bed. He prefers to sleep on the floor at your feet, or in his den (kennel). He’s definitely not a cuddler.

His favorite toy to bring his Daddy and Mommy at home is his raccoon that he’s had since he was five months old. Unless his Kong is within reach. Then he’ll bring it to the first human he sees and demand peanut butter. You’ll know the demand because he will stare at you as if he’s willing you to do his bidding.

By Melanie Gloede-Moore

 

Meet The Team: Otay & Ramona Spring Tournaments

Spring 2013

 

“Cross Training” – Dual Duty for the Determined Dog

by Brian Matsumoto

Some flyball dogs are well suited for two or more sports, not just one. On our team alone, we have several dogs who do agility, lure coursing, and dock diving as well as flyball. The key issue here is to know the capability of your dog since every dog is different. Some canines adapt well to flyball, while others are great at agility. Still others have no problem doing both. Determine what sport your dog is good at, and then concentrate on that particular sport. Once your dog has some sports experience, you can move on to other sports. Your pet is smarter than you think. They will know the difference between the various sports and adjust to each venue. If your dog looks like he is not having fun, then he needs to try something else. Usually you can find a sport which suits your dog and you will like as well.
Our dog Zippy loves to play flyball and do agility. He is an excellent swimmer, and could probably do other dog sports if we had time. When doing multiple dog sports, it’s usually the handler’s availability which limits the number of sports the dog can do. Zippy lives for flyball and enjoys giving the opposing start dog a “run for his money”. In agility he anticipates the course and runs at full speed. You can see his enjoyment in the following Petco Commercial, as he leaps over the hurdles and whips through the weave poles. In agility he combines the speed and jumping ability he has learned in flyball with his natural ability to make sharp turns and quick decisions. Zippy loves the challenge and speed of both flyball and agility.

Whatever sport or sports you choose, get out there with your dog and enjoy your time together. High energy dogs will find their own fun and it might be your sofa, cabinet door, or favorite recliner. Dog sports are some of the most rewarding fun you can have with your pooch so get started today!

 

Have a Safe and Happy New Year

…and remember not to party too hard!!

 

Ballistic Racers Christmas Party

by Brian and Joanne Matsumoto

Thanks to a lot of hard work, preparation, and Miyabi Japanese Steak House, the Ballistic Racers Christmas Party was once again a big success. Over thirty people attended and a Grand prize of a two night stay in Catalina was given away.

The chefs put on a great show while everyone dined on succulent steak, chicken, or seafood. We celebrated five birthdays of Alice, Phyllis, Shay, Su, and Karen. The evening slipped away as we all traded gifts, received gifts, and was topped off with a spectacular slide show from Kelly.

As we enjoyed the birthday cake we congratulated the grand prize winners, Shay and Kevin, who won the two night stay in Avalon. Since they are moving across country, have a new baby, and have not ever been to Catalina, this was the perfect gift.

It’s great to reminisce about how our team started just three years ago with five people and how it now numbers over twenty. We did not imagine that in three years we would have such a large team, so many dogs, and such a huge Christmas Dinner. Flyball is a big part of our lives, and we intend to make it as enjoyable as possible. All of our team members live for our dogs, enjoy the comradary, and try to do our best as we have fun in Flyball Racing.

Have a Merry Christmas, and a
Happy New Year,

Brian, Joanne, Minnie, Vegas, and Zippy

 

Ballistic Breed Ambassador

Ballistic Racers has another record setting dog! This time it’s “Dennis the Vizsla”, who went Ballistic and is now recognized as the “Breed Ambassador”. For 2009 Dennis had a U-fli record setting run time of 5.446 seconds. Owner Kelly Viscosi received his Breed Ambassador Certificate in the mail today, April 9th 2010, the day of the Woofstock Celebration. This means that Dennis the Vizsla was the fastest Vizsla in U-fli for 2009. What a way to end a day of Woofstock, a festival for dogs and people!

Our other record setting dog was Meika, our team’s little Yorkshire Terrier owned by Jennifer Styers. Meika broke the U-fli Yorkshire Terrier record her first time out! She was racing singles at Ramona in November.

Congratulations to Jen and Meika and Kelly and Dennis!
Team Captains,
Brian and Joanne Matsumoto

 

Rescue Pups Become Flyball Stars

Flyball is a dog sport known for its many success stories. Makaso and Rex are shining examples of diamonds in the rough in the rescue world. Dedicated family members, Wendell, Laura, and Kiyomi helped these career change dogs into flyball stars and wonderful family members.

Here is their story written by Wendell, Laura, & Kiyomi.