The flyball social network and major media sources are about to undergo a major change next month.

i-Flyball The Flyball Blog is going away in 2 more days.  Another informative blog called Flyball Prop-a-ganda was just revived a few days ago and appears to be changing flyball venues after a year's hiatus.  Flyball Today appears to be getting more involved and influential based on the number and variety of topics being posted.  

Why the changes?  

I think it boils down to having fun with flyball.  And, at the same time balancing the tough social and political issues.  Sometimes this is not an easy thing to do.  Fun ebbs and flows, rises and falls, comes and goes.  I think when the fun goes (away) for too long, that's when trouble starts.  The balancing act takes extra work in order to get the fun back.  

So, what's fun in flyball?

Keep in mind not everyone thinks the same things are fun and remember the adage 'to each his own'.  Here's a starting list.

Training my dog(s) and trying new ideas.  Camping at the tourney site.  Eating.  Racing.  Helping my team win sometimes.  Helping my dog(s) earn points sometimes.  Watching the other dogs race.  Helping my teammates and other teams.  Hosting.  Visiting with other flyballers.  Getting dog toys.    

Some other fun stuff might include keeping up with political goings-on and the latest flyball news, the championships, reading about others' flyball adventures and their puppies.

Something I read today inspired me to write this particular post.  I'm not quite sure of the tie-in to flyball yet, but I know it'll come to me. I hope it comes to you, too, and that it will make you smile and keep the fun alive for you!

Take your time today, and linger wherever and whenever you want to linger. There is no race to win -- there is only a journey to enjoy.         

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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

If you're new to flyball running your dog for points and flyball titles may be considered meaningless.  In fact, you may be prevented from earning points right in the middle of a race.  It sounds way-out-there and on the brink of being unbelievable, but I just read an article that said this has happened and it is legit.

The article mentions what is called a meaningless heat.  It is something accounted for in the Rules, and it is something that a judge may use to prevent a heat from being run.  

I imagine if you were at your first tournament hoping to earn a few points for your new flyball dog, you might have to catch your breath for a few minutes before you go ask someone "Pardon me?  Umm, what did you just say?  Or, did I hear that right?"

What would you be thinking at that moment.  After all your hard work and effort training your new flyball dog, paying your registration fee to the flyball governing body, joining a club or perhaps helping a club who was short on dogs to make up a team and then paying your tourney entry fee.

I'm pretty sure I would be very disheartened and disappointed at having the opportunity to earn points taken away from my dog.  Isn't that part of the fun of flyball...seeing your dog do it for the first time, earning a few flyball dog titles to show your dog's successes.  

How did the flyball governing body ever come to the conclusion that earning points in some heats doesn't mean anything to you?  Or, to your team?

The following in no way answers the question; however, for what it's worth, here is the definition from the NAFA rulebook as currently published on their website:

"Heats that are meaningless to the outcome of a sanctioned tournament are not to be run just for the sake of allowing teams to accumulate more points toward flyball titles."

If I were new to flyball, I might think my goals or my team's goals didn't matter.  I might quickly decide to go play somewhere else.

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball



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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

  

     




 

Figuratively speaking the atmosphere in flyball reminds me of feathers or the hair on a dog's back.  The nap is either smooth and peaceful looking or brushed backward and all ruffled up.  At this moment in time, I think it is mostly smooth and peaceful looking.  I suspect somehow and somewhere soon it will find itself ruffled up again.

It's nice to have some peace and quiet in flyball!  Of course, I don't mean that in the literal sense because that's impossible.  Excitement and noise are part of the game and are very much loved by flyballers everywhere.

By peace and quiet, I'm referring to the made-up hype that some use to grow flyball; the shoe-salesman-approach.  I've noticed there is a lull in this type of promotion.

Then, there is the spin-zone used by others.  Some call it drama.  I call it the result of hiding the truth, lying and karma going full circle.  Some things are just destined to come back and bite a few folks right in the buttocks.

I think the effect of all this quietness will prove to be eye opening and transformational to the flyball world.  One thing for sure is the things that cause ruffles in flyball are sure to reappear; but for now, I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Happily,
I Like Flyball          




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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

     

Although they claim purebred dogs are at a disadvantage performance-wise in flyball, NAFA thinks their titles are worth AKC recognition.  As best as I can tell, it was two years in the making.    
 
First indication:
http://www.flyballpropaganda.com/2010/04/nafa-and-akc.html

First prediction:
http://www.flyballblog.com/2012-headline-purebreds-take-top-stage-in-nafa-flyball/

First official mention:
http://www.flyball.org/minutes/20120120-Abridged-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

First official publication:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/NAFANews/?yguid=518970373


I'm trying to find something 'fun' to discuss regarding this topic.  All that comes to mind is good for them, bad for flyball, and I hope the flyball world is ready for what lies ahead.

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball

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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

I'm curious why a draw in the Open class of racing is being used at a flyball tournament I recently read about.  The tournament was sanctioned with a 'limit' placed on Open entries.  All other classes of racing are shown as unlimited.    

In my flyball experiences, I have never used a draw and I've never heard of it being used for the Open class.  I read up on the use of limited entries but I did not find anything that explains why or when to use them.

I would think a limit in Regular or Multibreed might be due to strategies regarding Regional Championship points.  Maybe a host club anticipates they would receive too many entries.  Wouldn't that be a good thing in flyball if lots of teams want to enter your tourney.  Your club makes money, the flyball governing body makes money.  There's more people and dogs having fun.  Word spreads and flyball grows. 

Perhaps there are space constraints for the tourney's location or man-power constraints within the host club(s).  If that's the case, why offer Open at all.  Or, why not limit the other classes equally.

Can it be that Open is too popular.  I'm sure I'm missing the point somehow.

Help, anyone?  

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball

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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)   

   

Flyball ghost club(s) are something new.  The word 'ghost' conjers up fun images and goofy costumes at parties, the MIB movie series, and even dusty old ghost towns everyone loves out West or in old western-themed movies.  But, in flyball?  Really!

There seems to be a problem with these clubs in some flyball areas according to an article I just read.  According to the article flyballers are purchasing these clubs, i.e., paying a fee to a flyball governing body, and then entering tournaments...and, paying more money, part of which goes to the same flyball governing body.  Ummm, I'm not sure I see a problem for the flyball governing body.  They are making money, right?

The article also said the folks (i.e., giving money to the flyball governing body) are behaving in an 'unsportsmanlike' manner.  Some believe the ghost clubs are not following the rules of the game.

The Rules have been known to cause a few problems in the game of flyball.  I can't help but wonder why this is happening in some areas and not in others.  It could be no one has heard of this newly developed type of club status.  It will be interesting to see if anything changes going forward.

Oh, I almost forgot to ask the bigger question.  Who ya gonna call?

All in fun,
I Like Flyball 







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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)     

  

     

If you're new to flyball and you're looking to join in the fun, I hope this might help simplify some things.

Tidbit:

First, decide if you want to be a leader or a follower.  This is probably the most influential piece of the pie; and, either way, you'll eventually want to find a flyball club in order to fully appreciate your new hobby.

Did-you-know:

Without a club, in U-FLI you and your dog can run Singles but you'll still need one other person to be your box loader.  Once you get into the game a little more you'll most likely want to compete on a team and for that you can either play as a 'free agent' by trying to find a pickup team to run with each tournament, or you can try to find an existing club to join or form your own club.  

Without a club, in NAFA you cannot officially play at a flyball tournament with your dog.  There is the Open class, however, your dog must first be registered to a club.

The social-network of flyball:

Once you find a club or form your own club, it can still be a rough-go trying to find the help you may want or need.  Since flyball is a hugely social network it will help if you have an 'in' with someone who has the answers or at least knows how to find answers to your questions.

Finding information:

While both U-FLI and NAFA have contact sections on their websites to assist you in finding information, there are also books and dvds on training, group seminars offered, blogs, flyball lists, yahoo groups, even Facebook has jumped on the band wagon.

OMG:

Whew, flyball can be complicated!

I'm continuing my search to simplify it.  So far, no real luck on this topic, but I'll keep at it.



Sincerely,
I Like Flyball  

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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

      

    

The flyball economy has changed.  The economic reality in flyball and in our personal lives begs the question "do you know John Galt".  OK, that's just meant to be a teaser...are you in?       

Going to a flyball tournament can be expensive.  I'm not talking entry fees because overall I think they are pretty good value for the money.  I'm referring to lodging costs, gas and food.  Hotel costs have pretty much doubled in the past 10 years and we all know the cost of gas right now!

Over the years lots of flyballers have incorporated some type of RV or camper into their flyball budget.  It's a lot more convenient at both local and away tournaments and bringing your own food is cheaper than eating out.  But still, that RV or travel trailer has a cost attached to it; sometimes akin to a home mortgage.

I think if we want to continue to bring flyball into communities around the country, the different flyball organizations would do well to find ways to overcome the economic challenges everyone is experiencing.  Question is, who has the answer?

         


Thanks JNAK for the inspiration!

Truly,
I Like Flyball


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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

Dual-region flyball tourneys are becoming a trend in NAFA flyball in 2012.   

At this time, there are several across the country.  I recently read about one in Region 9 and 15.  This particular tourney, the article said, was also conducting a 'draw' in the Open class of racing and mentioned unsportsmanlike conduct by clubs trying to gain an unfair advantage by going around the spirit and intent of the Rules.  

This dual-region tourney in regions 9 and 15 is hosted by the same club.  There is another such tourney co-hosted by two separate clubs in Region 1 and Region 2.  I imagine this specific tourney will affect Region 1 clubs' abilities to earn regional points towards the Regional Champion and it will require Region 1 clubs to cross the border into Region 2 territory.    

To me, the co-hosted double-region tourney in Region 1 and 2 does not go by the spirit and intent of the Rules and may also be a way to gain an unfair advantage.

[I discovered quite a few regions where some of the top teams are bosting or co-hosting dual-region tournaments.  In these regions it appears some of the top teams are either neck-n-neck competing for their regional lead or they are way ahead of all the other teams in their regions with Regional Champion points yet they are hosting tournaments 100's of miles away from their own region and garnering even more points.  According to the published information found in leadership chats and board meeting minutes, the intent of dual region tournaments is to increase flyball participation in areas where this isn't any.  However, in the examples I found, there is already plenty of flyball in the areas where dual-region hosting is taking place.  Plus in one of the examples above there were limits placed on tournament entries.  Why limit entries if you are trying to grow flyball in an area where there isn't any?  All of this leads me to believe dual region hosting is being used inappropriately and confirms my original perception that it is unsportsmanlike in some instances by some teams.  If this is the case, shame on the teams in NAFA who are taking advantage.]
This paragraph updated 8/9/12       

But, I'm just a nobody-blogger who likes flyball.  What say you out there in flyball land?

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball 

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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

     

The way to grow and have more fun in flyball is a complex formula that requires years of accumulated knowledge and continuous effort and work.

Naw, not really!  The secret to having fun in flyball is the same way to be happy playing flyball.  It is also the easiest way to gather more fun and more people.  

Be a good team player.  Simple as that.  

The key is to keep your focus on the team and how you can contribute.  When one of your contributions is to purposefully help create happiness for others you inadvertently make yourself happy.  The fallout is your dog picks up on it and happiness abounds!   

For some, it just comes naturally. You might say they have a knack for flexibility, they have great attitudes and they do the right things.    

For others, they really need to work on it.  Perhaps they haven't yet learned the secret.  Here's a saying that sums it up perfectly:

"Every time you 'feel' like doing the wrong thing but you 'choose' to do the right thing, you grow."

Now, go be happy growing.

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball
 
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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

      

Flyball should come with a warning label.   

This game comes with a fence, attack dogs and shoe-salesmen ('uh, sir or madam, I have a bridge you can buy!').  You will encounter bands of like-mindeders who patrol and guard the fence; and you will find peace-keepers who remain perched on top of the fence because they cannot decide whether they want in or out of the yard.      

Truth is, flyball has its flaws just like everything else.  When you first begin your flyball hobby, you won't find this in any reference material or training class and most people will not offer it up voluntarily.  Pretty much you are left to your own devices in this part of the game of flyball.

You will find at times it will be hard to determine which side of the fence you are on, which side of the fence you want to be on and whether or not you are going to buy that bridge.

My advice:  go with your gut!

If you see something that looks wrong or has a funny smell to it, it's probably not healthy.  If someone tells you something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  If you want to speak your mind or help make flyball better, go for it and be sure to think twice, consider the warning label.

Speak the truth and keep a good attitude. Keep it simple, refrain from becoming an attack dog yourself. Most of all, have faith, there is a silent majority out there who will share their armor and have your back.

Remember, if it doesn't kill you, it will only make you stronger!

With respect,
I Like Flyball

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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

Getting to the heart of flyball is easy if you know where it is.  It resides inside each individual and in each of their canine companions. 


The first time you see a live flyball tournament you will probably conclude everyone there has completely gone crazy.  But, take a step back and observe.  Listen.  What is it that is so contagiously appealing?  When asked, everyone has the same answer but expressed in a different light.


Some refer to flyball as the 'keger' of dog sports.  I agree, that's one way!  On a deeper level, I see a myriad of uniquely different people and dogs each bringing to the sport wonderful gifts, talents, abilities and contributions.  Each is a bright light and each is great in their own way.  The best part is they all fit together despite their differences.  I am always amazed and in awe when I look around at a tournament and I witness what is being accomplished in the hearts of participants.  It is part of what keeps me coming back for more!

In my mind I started to create this post with a reference to the heart of flyball being like a big cracked pot with beams of light streaming through it.  Or, like a kaleidoscope full of color and shape.   I like the analogies, I just can't get the words right.


Looking forward to seeing you and your dog's light shine at the next tournament!



Sincerely,
I Like Flyball


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Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)