Frequently Asked Questions

Flyball is super fun and we have taught 100s of dogs how to play since 2009, but it’s not for everyone.

We support you wanting to train your dog something fun and there are many 1:1 dog sports where your dog does not need to be off leash with other dogs: Agility, Rally, Barnhunt, Nosework, Fast CAT, Dock, Disc. 

We want you and your dog to succeed in fun sports. We accept all dogs of all speeds and breeds, abilities and disabilities.

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.

For most students and handlers, it takes at least 6-12 months to gain the confidence, skill and drive to play flyball. Some take shorter and some take longer. But, we never give up if you don’t!

Flyball is a team sport requiring DOG recall obedience and drive for a ball and HUMAN self awareness, willingness to be coached, and kindness to those you disagree with. It is not always the best answer for all dogs or all humans.

But just because flyball might not be your source of fun with your dog, doesn’t mean there isn’t another sport that you will both excel in! We promise to be open and honest about potential.

We are a For-Fun-Club! We focus on dog sports awareness, teaching flyball, and flyball performances. 

We do go to competitions, but our training practices lean toward performance readiness and stable competition.

If you are seeking a competitive club, this is not the right place. Teams who train for winning teach in a different way from day 1 and you would want to start there.

No. Flyball is a team sport! The room is made up of many handler/dog teams. As a club we are all helping each other learn and grow.

Yes! Be sure to let your home club know you would like to do this. We invite all members from other clubs to practice, perform, and compete with us. This embodies our mission of being an inclusive community club.

We love having fast dogs in our club, but if that is your focus we aren’t the best fit for you. We are a for-fun club.

No, your pooch is not ready for the dynamics of flyball with Seattle FlyDogs. We recommend a different sport 1:1, if this is where your dog is right now.

If you do not have control of your dog’s behavior, then it is not ready for flyball.

Successful flyball dogs must be in handler control at all times, on and off leash.

This is a high energy sport and most dogs will be influenced by that energy.

Tammy and Bryan Foss have been playing flyball since 2006 and training handlers and dogs in flyball skills since 2009. They have taught, with help from members, over 200 dogs how to box turn, how to recall a ball, and how to pass other dogs at the line.

They created the club in 2009 so that all dogs of all speeds and breeds have somewhere to play. Other clubs have speed parameters beyond lessons and some clubs won’t even teach all dogs that show up. Their slow flyball dog needed a place to play, so Seattle FlyDogs was born.

Training Philosophy: 

  • Training focus is on ball retrieval and fun recall.
  • Training focus is on YOU having fun with your dog in a room with others also having fun with their dogs.
  • We do not endorse corrections of force that could potentially harm or stress your dog:
    • Avoid physical force to maneuver your dog through the course like dragging or pushing him.
    • Avoid scolding your dog after they’ve come back from goofing off with other dogs or humans. (This could poison your recall!)
    • Avoid assuming a “Time-out” will help your dog – your dogs don’t get it – they are not human. You might need a time-out?
    • Try to not be frustrated with your dog – emotionally or physically.
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