"Playing Flyball
In the Orlando area!"

Our team practices are moving to Saturdays at Best Paw Forward.  Practice is open to graduates of Basic Manners or the Puppy Love / Puppy Plus combo.  In addition:  

* Dogs must be well socialized with both people and dogs, especially in highly arousing situations
* Handlers must have completed or be currently enrolled in a course at Best Paw Forward, unless otherwise approved by Rob Bitler or PJ Lacette
* Handlers must be able to have their dog sit or down on cue
* Dogs must have a solid off-leash recall

Flyball classes will be forming soon to teach the game to new dogs.  Standard Best Paw Forward class rates apply, with classes starting at $125, Discounts are available for continuing students, vet staff, and some rescue groups. Work study is also available in exchange for tuition. To register, contact Best Paw Forward at 407-328-0550 or bestpaw@iag.net. Space is limited and the next class will not be until the summer. Feel free to contact Rob Bitler at rob@bitler.com or 386-956-8805 with any questions.

(back) Juli & Tucker, Rob & Dino, Shawn & Haley (front) Krissi & Molly at the Tropic Flyball Tournament.

Rob helped to set up a news article which ran in the Orlando Sentinel recently.  You can see it here.

Q: But what is flyball?

A: Flyball is an exciting team sport for dogs! It is a really race. Four dogs race for each team. The dogs must leave their owners and run the course alone. The course is made up of four hurdles and a flyball box. The first hurdle is six feet from the start line and each one after that is set ten feet apart. The box is 15 feet beyond the last hurdle. The dog hits the box, which ejects a ball for the dog to catch. Then the dogs return over the same four jumps. The next dog on the team can not go until the previous dog crosses the start line again. The team that has all 4 of their dogs run with no errors in the fastest time wins the race. You can check out a video of our first race to see what flyball looks like.

Q: What kinds of dogs can play flyball?

A: Flyball is open to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Any dog which is physically capable of running the course and triggering the box can play. Dogs do not have to be AKC registered. Mix breeds are welcome too!

Q: How can a new person and their dog start?

A: Come and observe a practice (leave your dog at home please) at Best Paw Forward.  We practice on Saturday beginning at 3 pm.  Practice may go as long as two hours.  Meet the team and decide if this is a sport you are interested in learning.  We offer 6-week flyball courses four times per year at Best Paw Forward but please note that Basic Manners is a prerequisite for Flyball class.  Contact Rob Bitler by e-mail Rob@bitler.com, or by phone (386) 956-8805 with any questions about upcoming classes.

Dogs which have successfully graduated from Basic Manners and Flyball class may be eligible to practice with the flyball team on Sundays.

Q: How can I find out more?

A: Click on the e-mail button to send a message to Rob Bitler and arrange to visit us at Best Paw Forward, in Sanford. 

Visitors

Get your EXPRESS DELIVERY TEAM GEAR here!  10% of all sales go directly back to our flyball club.