Editing Flyball (section)

== Nature of the sport ==
[[File:Flyball Dog over jumps.jpg|alt=|thumb|A dog jumps hurdles in an outdoor Flyball competition.]]
[[File:Chipflyball.jpg|thumb|A Patterdale Terrier 'height dog' turning on the box after catching the ball during a race]]

Flyball provides an entertaining and active way to interact with one's dog and other dog enthusiasts in an enjoyable environment while allowing the dogs exercise and enjoyment. It is an especially effective way to burn off dogs' energy with a high drive to [[Working dog|work]], such as [[Border Collie]]s and [[Staffordshire Bull Terrier]]s.

A large part of flyball's popularity stems from the fact that it is one of the competition activities available to [[mixed-breed dog]]s, allowing rescued mutts and non-[[pedigree (dog)|pedigree dogs]] to shine alongside their [[purebred]] canine counterparts. Though [[herding dog]]s currently dominate the courses, many champion teams have [[Mixed-breed dog|mutts]] on them. Dogs earn titles and awards based on points earned by their team in racing.

As the sport has developed, better dog training regimes have been introduced as knowledge has increased within the sport. Specific training has been developed to promote the dogs using the 'swimmers' type turns on the Flyball box when catching the ball and turning.

Flyball is not limited to the [[breed|breed's]] size, as smaller dogs such as [[Patterdale Terrier]]s, [[Jack Russell Terrier]]s, [[Whippet]]s and even miniature [[poodle]]s, often compete with great success in mixed-breed teams (teams consisting of dogs of various sizes and breeds).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/eat-drink-sleep-flyball/542|title=Eat, Drink, Sleep Flyball|website=Modern Dog magazine|date=29 October 2008 |access-date=8 February 2019}}</ref> Smaller dogs are often prized as the hurdle height is based on the height of the smallest dog in the team, commonly known as a ''height dog''. Their only limitation is whether they can trigger the release pad, and small dogs often have to fully jump on it to do so.

Flyball is one of the non-[[hunting dog]] sports in which dogs and people work as a team.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uLTsxZ0SKD0C&dq=flyball+dog&pg=PA119|title=Canine Sports & Games: Great Ways to Get Your Dog Fit and Have Fun Together!|first=Kristin|last=Mehus-Roe|date=21 January 2009|publisher=Storey Publishing|isbn=9781603426459|access-date=8 February 2019|via=Google Books}}</ref> Many casual [[pet]] owners use their flyball time more as a way to relax and socialize with other dog owners than as a competition, and many champion flyball dogs are essentially [[pet]] dogs with a hobby, rather than dedicated sporting or working dogs. On the other hand, modern flyball has become the fastest-growing team sport, a sport for dogs, handlers and coaches. First division teams have well-trained dogs and handlers and are trained and coached to perform. Some teams use dedicated specially bred sport dogs.
[[File:Dogs lining up to race.jpg|alt=Photo: Dogs & handlers lining up to race.|thumb|Dogs and handlers lining up to race]]