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!
January 18, 2013
We Broke Our Record Again, This Time in Utah!
Posted by Brian and Joanne under Ballistic Racers, Captains' Comments, Tournament Highlights, videos | Tags: Ballistic Racers, bullet dogs, captain's comments, cyclones, Flyball, hurricane, utah |Leave a Comment
In Hurricane Utah on October 27th and 28th we had our best days ever. We came in 1st and 2nd place on that Saturday. Bullet Dogs came in first place with Zippy, Dylan, Herbie, Cody, Slash and Archer. Cyclones placed second with Vegas, Ryker, Chloe, Kirin, Molly and Pooky.
All the dogs got dressed up for the Halloween Costume Contest too. We had fun but didn’t win the contest this time. The winning dogs had some very elaborate and intricate costumes but our costumes weren’t bad for a last minute effort.
On Sunday, Bullet Dogs placed third. They were extremely close to second place, but were barely edged out. The most exciting fact though, was they broke our record again. Our previous 19.2 second record was broken with an 18.99 second run. It was the first time ever our team broke into the 18′s. Not only did we set a new record but we also had two perfect starts with Joanne and Mimi. Joanne had a perfect with Vegas and Mimi had a perfect start with Ryker.
We all had a great time, and realized the long drive was worth all our winning moments!