Teams from all over Australia met up at the Hawkesbury Showground for the ultimate Flyball showdown over the October long weekend.
The National Flyball Championship was hosted by Norwest Flyball Club and saw over 200 dogs and their runners, from 48 teams.
Norwest Flyball Club Chairperson and Australian Flyball Association (AFA) Committee member, Amanda Pennicuik has been a part of the flyball community for 22 years and said a lot of effort goes into organising the competition.
“The sport has grown in size and skill,” Ms Pennicuik said.
“This was the 26th National Championships… our club hosted Nationals this year, which involved ten months of training and elaborate planning.
“Logistics, merch, sponsorship and stakeholders. Trophies/medallions, camping, catering, media. [There was] so much planning!”
Flyball is a fast-paced sport that allows both humans and dogs to train and bond with other people and dogs.
A team of four dogs will race over hurdles, catch their ball, complete a box turn and return to their handler without making any errors. All the while, trying to be faster than the team they’re racing against.
South Coast Flyball Club member Alyssa Loveday joined the flyball community in 2023 and has seen changes in herself due to the inclusive and welcoming nature of those around her.
“I do suffer from anxiety… and if I got back to about two and a half years ago, big crowds like this were a no go… unless I basically had someone from my family with me the whole time,” Ms Loveday said.
“It definitely has helped build that confidence and yeah, [it’s] definitely worth it.”
There are no restrictions on what breeds or sizes of dogs can join or try out flyball.
The only thing to be cautious of is for puppies under 18 months as they have not fully grown and therefore are not allowed to race in order to preserve their joints and ensure their growth plates are fully closed.
However, puppies can still attend training sessions or open days to do flat recalls and get used to all the distractions before they come of age.
Video: Described as “drag racing for dogs”, flyball is a way to keep your dog happy, healthy and teach them invaluable skills, and potentially some tricks along the way.Flyball Veteran Heather Addie explains the connections and friendships forged from this sport and the importance of bonding and exercising with your dog, regardless of the dog’s degree of competitive spirit. UOWTV Paige Jenkins has the details.