What is Flyball? Flyball is a team sport for dogs that was invented in California in the late 70's. Legend has it that Herbert Wagner first showed it on the Johnny Carson Show to millions of Americans. Soon afterwards dog trainers and dog clubs were making and using Flyball Boxes. In the early 80's the sport became so popular that the North American Flyball Association (NAFA) was formed and became the worldwide authority for Flyball. Flyball is a relay race with 4 dogs on a team. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart, and a box. The first hurdle is 6 feet from the start line and the box is 15 feet from the last hurdle, a 51 foot overall length. The dogs jump the hurdles and steps on a spring loaded box that shoots out a tennis ball. The dog catches the tennis ball and then runs back over the 4 hurdles. When the dog crosses the starting line the next dog goes. The first team to have all 4 dogs run without errors wins the heat. Tournaments are usually organized in either a double elimination or round robin format. Double elimination is usually best of 3 or best of 5. Round robin is usually best 3 out of 5 and the first team to win 3 heats receives 1 point towards their standing in the tournament. The hurdles' height are dependent on the height of the dogs in the team -- 4" below the shoulder height of the shortest dog.  8" is the minimum height and 16" is the maximum height.  We will be offering Flyball for the first time this June instructed by Kim Sheperd. Kim  plays flyball with FBI (Flyball Invaders) and is the training director for the organization.  Kim has been in flyball for 9 years and has been teaching flyball classes and/or private lessons for 8 years.  She has attended numerous flyball seminars to learn the latest techniques, including one this past April hosted by the fastest teams in the country.  There are 2 organizations in North America for flyball, and Kim is an active participant in both organizations.  She has traveled up and down the East Coast, Texas, Alabama and Nova Scotia to compete.  She currently lives with her husband, Marty, and their 4 dogs (ACD- Foster, Toy Poodle- Aspen, Border Collie/JRT mix- Riot and a Border Collie- Tempe) in Warrenton, VA.    To see her in action go to the following link and click on the first video!   http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Flyball%2C+FBI+&search_type     Flyball class starts on September 6th at 1:00 pm   They will need the following vaccinations: Rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella (within 6 months).  They also need to be on a flea and tick preventative.  If we find fleas on your pet, we will treat them at your expense.  A fecal is also required.  If the dog is on heartworm preventative, then a negative fecal within a year is accepted.  If the dog is not on heartworm preventative, then we require a negative fecal within 6 months.   Please call 540-439-PAWS (7297) or go to Forms page to get a registration form for your dog.  Mail the form with a check for $90.00 for Flyball and a copy of your dog’s vaccination record. Liberty Hill Pet Resort PO Box 305 Bealeton, VA  22712