Seattle FlyDogs
What is Flyball?
Two lanes of 4 dogs each, racing for a tennis ball! The first team to have all 4 dogs finish the course without error wins the heat.
Lessons
Learn more about our curriculum and to sign up for a Try It Class, $25. We teach lessons weekly with different levels learning together. We focus on having fun with your dog.
About us
We were founded in 2009 with a focus on inclusivity not just in lessons but also in performances and competitions! Everyone gets to play! Visit the Roster of Active FlyDogs.
Practice
We believe all dogs of all breeds and also of all speeds should get to play this fun sport. Club members come to practice every week for only $10. Learn more about Joining our Club.
Performances
FlyDogs and even some students get to perform all over the Puget Sound! We perform high energy drag races for all ages of audiences! Send us a Booking Inquiry.
What is Flyball?
Flyball races match two teams of four dogs each, racing side-by-side over a 51-foot-long course. Each dog must run in relay fashion down the jumps, trigger a flyball box, releasing the ball, retrieve the ball, and return over the jumps. The next dog is released to run the course but can’t cross the start/finish line until the previous dog has returned over all 4 jumps and reached the start/finish line. The first team to have all 4 dogs finish the course without error wins the heat.
Flyball Lessons
Weekly Lessons with Seattle FlyDogs
Lessons are purchased in Packs of 4. They do not expire, but they are not refundable. Begin by clicking on ReadyDog arrow below. Follow the flyball journey that many many dogs have enjoyed since 2009!
Earn Ribbon Award Levels: ReadyDog, MightyDog, HotDog, SuperDog, FlyDog!
Prerequisites - Start Here
Ball Drive is a fundamental for flyball.
Basic Skills required: come, sit, leave it, stay or wait – on and off leash.
Friendly Disposition around other dogs and humans is required to be successful in our program.
Recall 100%! You are responsible for controlling your dog. If your dog is running around YOU need to recall your dog. Please do not chase your dog – this will be an indication that your team still needs basic obedience training.
ReadyDog - Try It Class
ReadyDog
Try It Class $25
A Try It Class for $25 is the perfect way to try flyball basics. You and your dog will experience a one hour beginner’s class, with other students. Students meet at 4pm on most Sundays.
Award Level = ReadyDog
- Dog, No aggressive reaction to other dogs or humans
- Dog, Basic obedience demonstration
- Dog, Ability to be handled by another handler
- Dog, Ability to jump a hurdle
- Dog, Shows interest in ball
- Dog, Is not reactive to the box noise
- Human, Ability to recall dog and manage undesired behaviors
- Human, Personable and listens well
MightyDog
MightyDog
Level 1
- demonstrates consistent dead ball retrieval
- demonstrates consistent single direction recall
- demonstrates consistent short-hurdle jumping
- demonstrates consistent correct turning-form off the ramp
HotDog
HotDog
Level 2
- demonstrates consistent drag race recall returns
- demonstrates consistent dead ball retrieval with a proper turn off of box with aids
- demonstrates consistent recall over all hurdles with aids
- demonstrates consistent drag race full runs without crosses with aids
SuperDog
SuperDog
Level 3
- Dog demonstrates consistent box ignition/trigger of ball with safe turn
- Dog demonstrates ability to run Full Runs, Drag Race Style, No Passing
- Handler demonstrates ability to manage choreography of release and return in a 4-dog lineup
- Dog and Handler team demonstrate ability to be part of a 4-dog team
- Dog and Handler team demonstrate ability to play without training aids
NOW WHAT?
As a SuperDog, you will get to Practice with Seattle FlyDogs club members gaining real Flyball experience:
- practice passing other dogs off leash at the start line
- practice with no training fences or training aids
- practice in different locations
- learn more about our performances and tournaments
FlyDog Graduate
FlyDog
Graduation
Graduation day has arrived!
As a Seattle FlyDogs’ “FlyDog Graduate” you and your dog are passing our club dogs off leash safely, triggering the box safely, retrieving the ball, and running over all 8 hurdles on a successful release and recall.
As a FlyDog Graduate, you and your dog have gained skills that can be carried into Agility, Rally, Tracking and other sports!
FlyDog
Being a FlyDog is a Special Opportunity. Learning flyball is only part of the goal. Being a FlyDog means you embody the SPIRIT and MAGIC of what it means to be a FLYDOG in a CLUB.
- Consistently attend a new time slot – to practice with FlyDogs
- Successfully integrate with Club Dogs and Handlers – friendly, shows initiative, wants to be around us, your dog likes our dogs and vice versa
- Demonstrate a consistent positive approach to training your dog
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn but also to share insight and observations
- Demonstrate a consistent desire to be an ongoing club member:
- Help with Lessons
- Help with Equipment
- Have Suggestions
- Show interest in Box Loading, Aid Handling, Shagging
- Show Camaraderie
Joining the Club – All obedient and friendly flyball dogs and humans are invited to agree to our Mission and Values and to Be a FlyDog!
FlyDog Membership is Fun!
Join Seattle FlyDogs
Being a Seattle FlyDog is something very special. This club was created for inclusivity! We believe all dogs, all breeds, all speeds should get to play. We support that athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities. We grow every year adding handlers and dogs to our community roster. We foster an environment of friendship, acceptance and learning. Many of our members also compete in Dock Dogs, Disc Dogs, Nose Work, Rally, Barn Hunt and Agility.
FlyDog Graduates are invited to join the club as regular members. Flyball dogs from other clubs are welcome to practice, perform, and compete with us. Flyball dogs seeking a club are welcome to join us as well. Be a FLYDOG!
Weekly Practice $10
Practice each week with the club members and visiting flyball dogs. We practice in two locations: Cascade Kennels (mat surface) for Drill Practice and French Creek Pet Resort (dirt surface) for Full Runs and Passing practice.
Weekly Practice is for Club Members. If you are seeking Lessons, please visit Getting Started.
FlyDogs at Public Performances
The Seattle FlyDogs perform at 5-7 events every year including Auburn's Petpalooza, Museum of Flight, UW Huskies Basketball, University Playoffs (PAC12), Seattle Storm, and in some years even the Seattle Seawolves! Our club earns income at these events to help fund our tournaments, space rent, and awards.
Photo: Museum of Flight 2025. This performance includes a “Meet the Athlete” where we ask audience members of all ages to come into the ring and meet each FlyDog. If you’d like to book us, please scroll down to the next section.
NAFA Region 7 Tournaments
Our club focuses on awareness, teaching, and performing flyball, but we still make time for at least 4-5 tournaments a year. Tournaments span over a weekend and are located from BC, Canada to Southern Oregon.
Our club typically competes in Open Class, seeding 21-23 seconds. In contrast the fastest club in the region races 13-14 seconds. Seattle FlyDogs and some other clubs provide racing opportunities for dogs of many different speeds. Our uniqueness is providing an opportunity for non racers to have a home club to learn, practice and perform.
Play time is for humans too!
Our club members enjoy several social events throughout the season including mini golf, paint and sips, dinners, award ceremonies, and more!
Thank you Cascadia Pizza and Flatstick Pub for providing us great spaces and food to celebrate.
FlyDogs are for Hire!
Inquire about Booking the Seattle FlyDogs for your next event.
Meet our 2026 Racers!
Thank you for visiting Seattle FlyDogs
All Breeds, All Speeds
Teaching and Playing Flyball Weekly
Mission
The Seattle FlyDogs is a community canine sports club created with the mission to enrich the lives of dogs and their handlers by offering participation and training in the athletic sport of flyball. Its purpose is for building camaraderie among its members and students with organized participation in a skillful, athletic activity.