BubbleGirl Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 Hi Guys Or can you do both? I've been doing a bit of research and had mixed responses, can you do both or should you really pick one out of the two? Thanks Riles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrsdog Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 I do both - no problems so far. I'm told that if you have a dog that is hard to control around the course (e.g. kelpie with spins between jumps) then the flyball hypes him up too much and he is inclined to take the jumps too fast, perhaps knocking the bar. I am only repeating what one person told me, so wait for more feedback. If problems develop then I will reassess. In the meantime we are having an absolute ball and enjoying both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haven Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 I can't see why with proper training you can't do both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJack Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 Riley I know lots of people who do both. They are complementary. I'm told that if you have a dog that is hard to control around the course (e.g. kelpie with spins between jumps) then the flyball hypes him up too much I think this is just a dog moving ahead too quickly. With either flyball or agility you have to get control first or its all just mayhem and learning bad habits. Jo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 I don't do flyball, but train agility with a lot of dogs who do both. One of the problems I see is that flyball is almost the opposite of foundation gridwork that should be done to teach the dogs to jump properly for agility. Gridwork is basically changing the heights, distances between jumps & angles of jumps, so that the dog learns to jump a correct trajectory which is not only better for joints, but it is more efficient, quicker and also prevents them from knocking bars. Flyball jumps are always the same height, same distance apart & in a straight line. I don't see any reason not to do both, but would not train flyball for a year & then start agility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippi Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 Vickie: I also think that it depends how serious you are about one or the other. If it just a fun thing for the dog and more a social thing for you, then no problem doing both. If you want to excel at a sport my feeling is concentrate on one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJack Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Flyball jumps are always the same height, same distance apart & in a straight line. Flyball jumps are not all the same height, it depends on the height of the shortest dog on the team. They vary from 8 inches to 16 inches innheight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sayreovi Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 ^True but they are they are always the same height as each other, and if you always train at the smallest height you are allowed to with the smallest dog so they never change like in agility. I train in both and dont have a problem, the dogs know what the difference is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BubbleGirl Posted November 14, 2005 Author Share Posted November 14, 2005 Not sure what I want to do, in all reality I'm just not a competitive person, I just want Rosie to have fun. The Club I was going to join, does Flyball and Agility on the same night (I checked them out at Pet Expo @ Rosehill). Don't get me wrong, if Rosie really excels at one and can compete then great, but if not I'm not going to be disappointed. Vickie re the waiting to Flyball and do after agility: the problem is that I can't start agility for another 4 months (2nd April whe will be 12 months) as Rosie is only 7 months old. I'll be starting back at Obedience in the New Year and want us to be able to do something fun together. I did try looking for you at th Expo on the Saturday Tiger Jack but to no avail Just at a bit of a loss guys. Love Riles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 (edited) Riley, I'll ask you the same question I ask all young dog owners keen to start agility.... what's the rush? Your dog can have a long sports career if you manage it carefully. Not starting too young is a good management practice. [climbs onto soap box] Don't under estimate the stresses agility (or flyball for that matter) place on a dog's joints and muscles. For larger late maturing dogs, the best gift you can give them is to wait until they are fully physically mature before you start agility training in earnest. Yes, you can probably do jumping and weaving from 12 months but at our club, whilst you can start flyball at 12 months, you have to wait for another 2 months for agility. For a larger breed of dog, I'd be waiting until 18 months (possibly longer) before doing any serious jumping training. Whilst many people do compete successfully in agility and flyball, it takes a talented dog and handler to do well at both (I think the challenge is more on the handler as dogs adapt quite well). I'd advise doing one or the other for a couple of years. I couldn't tell you which one to try first. There are some differences between the sports. If I was to describe flyball in one word I'd say it was 'speed'. Agility is about 'control'. Agility dogs must focus on the handler and react to changes in body language to achieve directional changes. Flyball dogs don't have to do this. Agility does involve much higher jumps than flyball. Flyballers (at our club at least) rev their dogs up into barking frenzies. All the dogs on the sidelines bark too. You can hear when its flyball training from some distance away. If your dog does that at an agility comp or at training at our club, you will be politely asked to remove your dog so that people can hear each other. I ask that such dogs be removed from the training ring while I explain sets etc. I would strongly recommend you find a good sports vet and have your dog assessed structurally before commencing training. Knowing your dog's weaknesses (and they all have them) may help to guide your decision about what sport you do and how much of it you do. Both sports are not without their risks either. Flyball dogs seem to do cruciates with some regularity - my old vet reckoned flyball dogs bought his BMW. BTW a spinning dog on an agility course is usually a sure sign that the handler is cueing it too late - spinning tends to be a sign of frustration. Bar knocking tells me that the dog doesn't have a correct jumping style, has been mishandled or is sore. Dogs's don't generally knock bars for pleasure. Edited to add - I think its wise to bear in mind that doing both agility and flyball is twice the training and probably twice the stress on the dog physcially. Add competitions thats a big load on a dog. Edited November 14, 2005 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BubbleGirl Posted November 14, 2005 Author Share Posted November 14, 2005 Not a rush to start a sport, just wanted something we could do together that is fun, Rosie gets socialised and I get to meet knew people (we live on our own). Thanks for all that info PF, definately food for thought and I'll be looking into all you advised, I really do appreciate everyone's replies Riley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Riles have you thought about a bit of competitive obedience? Helps both you and your dog get used to the sights, sounds and nerves of trialling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MolassesLass Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Riles have you thought about a bit of competitive obedience? Boring! PF's right though, it's a very good start, especially with the new CCD entry level coming in next year (all on-lead). Hope you both find something you love! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 ML I agree that is not as fun as the other sports but still a damn good way to get used to competition. I equate it as the equivalent of doing dressage before going onto show jumping. My 8 year old and I are back in training for his CD.. he'll probably be the only greying dog in the ring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BubbleGirl Posted November 14, 2005 Author Share Posted November 14, 2005 (edited) Riles have you thought about a bit of competitive obedience? Boring! My sentiments too I equate it as the equivalent of doing dressage before going onto show jumping. This old chook is a McCleods Daughter, never did dressage or showing jumping, just line up that old tree laying down and weeeeeeeee off ya go. But being serious, I guess that is all there is really left for us at the mo so Obedience it is, I understand it builds a great foundation for everything else but why for so boring Rosie sits, walks on the heel, does most things because I taught her at home from a pup. I know, I know, patience is the key, I guess two years at home with nothing but pups I am chomping a little to do something fun. Rosie hits 1 April 2nd, first time in two years I won't have a pup around the house (meaning that in 2 years I've never had a single adult in the house ). All my rescues were 10 mths and under. Riles Edited November 14, 2005 by Riley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 I'm no huge fan of obedience but if you concentrate on precision and on making it fun for the dog then she'll enjoy it and become accustomed to a range of experiences that will prepare her well for other sports. I still reckon that a dog with a range of titles says alot about the handler/dog relationship. Of course, your dog's breeder will love you too. Just make sure you find a good positive club... I'm sure the Sydneysiders can point you in the right direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrsdog Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 WHY CAN'T OBEDIENCE BE FUN? If I (and my dog) am not having a good time then I don't want to be there! Find the right place to train and then make sure you enjoy yourself. Girls just wanta have fuuuun. Oh Poodlefan you are the most sensible of us all with the best advice and I do take notice of it. However......life is short and who knows what is happening next so don't waste a minute. Try everything, never say no, and always be ready to laugh. And that's enough of me being serious. I'm outta here. Love, Noels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Mrs Dog, obedience CAN be fun. It needs the right trainer, and a person who does'n't value winning over enjoyment for the dog. Unfortunately, a visit to any major obedience trial will show you more dogs doing it because they feel compelled to rather than because they enjoy it. Gee when you see a happy dog responding nicely to its handler, its joy to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrsdog Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Poodlefan, wish I could train with you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 (edited) Mrs Dog there are way more talented trainers out there than me. ;) FHR runs rings around me - she just doesn't post as much. Some of the Sydney clubs have great people. ;) Edited November 14, 2005 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now