Home | Fun Fanatics Flyball

Who Are we?

Welcome to Fun Fanatics Flyball, the premier flyball team for enthusiastic dogs and their dedicated owners across the North East of England! We're a passionate, friendly, and competitive club united by our love for this exhilarating dog sport. If you're looking for an action-packed way to bond with your canine companion, improve their fitness, and enjoy a vibrant community, you've found your pack!

North East Flyball Excellence

Based firmly in the heart of the North East, Fun Fanatics Flyball is proud to represent our region in competitions across the UK. We welcome members from Teesside, County Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and beyond. Our commitment is to foster both competitive success and a supportive, fun-filled environment for all our members, from complete beginners to seasoned pros.

Indoor Flyball Training in Billingham

Say goodbye to muddy fields and unpredictable weather! Fun Fanatics Flyball offers top-tier indoor flyball training sessions in Billingham. Our dedicated indoor venue provides a safe, comfortable, and consistent environment for year-round training, allowing your dog to master the skills of flyball regardless of the elements. With excellent facilities and experienced coaches, our Billingham training sessions are the perfect place for your dog to learn, grow, and unleash their inner speed demon.

Why Choose Fun Fanatics Flyball?

Expert Coaching: Our experienced and friendly coaches are dedicated to helping every dog and handler reach their full potential. We focus on positive reinforcement and tailor our training to suit individual needs.

All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether you're brand new to flyball or an experienced competitor, our club offers training and support for all abilities.

Strong Community: Beyond the lanes, we're a supportive and social group. Join us for team events, celebrate successes, and build lasting friendships.

Safe & Fun Environment: The well-being and enjoyment of our dogs are paramount. We prioritize safe training practices and ensure every session is a positive experience.

Competitive Opportunities: For those who love to compete, we actively participate in British Flyball Association (BFA) sanctioned events, offering the chance to test your skills and earn those coveted awards!

What is Flyball?

Flyball is a fast-paced, exciting team sport for dogs. It involves two teams of four dogs, racing against each other over a course of four hurdles to retrieve a tennis ball from a "flyball box" and then return over the hurdles to the start/finish line.

How it Works:

The Start: Each team lines up with their first dog at the starting line.
The Race: On the signal, the first dog races over four hurdles, triggers a spring-loaded box by stepping on a pad, catches a tennis ball that's ejected from the box, and then races back over the same four hurdles.
The Changeover: As the first dog crosses the finish line, the next dog on the team is released, aiming for a clean "changeover" – the second dog can only cross the start line once the first dog has crossed. This continues until all four dogs on the team have completed the course.
The Box Loader: Each team has a "box loader" who loads the tennis balls into the flyball box for each dog.
Winning: The first team to have all four dogs complete the course correctly, without faults, wins the heat!

Key Elements of Flyball:

Teamwork: It's a true team sport, requiring precise timing and coordination between dogs and handlers.
Speed & Agility: Dogs need to be quick over the hurdles and have good turning ability at the box.
Retrieval Drive: A love for retrieving toys, especially tennis balls, is a big advantage!
Motivation: Dogs are highly motivated by the fun and the reward of the ball.
Spectator Sport: Flyball is incredibly entertaining to watch, with dogs flying over hurdles and dramatic finishes.

Flyball is a fantastic way to burn energy, build confidence, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It's suitable for most breeds and sizes, provided they are fit, healthy, and enjoy playing with a ball!

Welcome to Fun Fanatics