It’s a game for the elite canine with an eye for agility and skill, it’s also for owners trying to get a grip on their disobedient hounds.
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Flyball is like a Ninja Warrior course for dogs and for the first time Kiama will host the Australian nationals of the competition with around 320 pooches competing.
Frank Lux and his border collie are part of the hosting club, the Wollongong Wonder Woofs, and have been competing in the team sport for more than a decade.
“He’s not really focused but he enjoys it,” Mr Lux said.
First run in America in the 1980’s, Flyball is now an international dog racing sport with associations all over the world. It came to Australia in 1996.
It’s a relay race between two teams of four dogs. Each fury athlete must jump over four hurdles, retrieve a ball by triggering a flyball box and return over the hurdles to the start line.
Any dog regardless of breed, size, shape or formal training can participate in the sport.
Mr Lux said the sport teaches dogs (and their owners) focus and discipline. He first joined after leaving his young border collie pup with his daughter after needing to head overseas.
“After we got back the dog was absolutely wild,” he said. “So we went along to a demonstration … and we joined and never looked back.”
Competitor entries have now closed but spectators (humans and canines) are welcome to watch the fierce competition for free and cheer on their favourite pooches at the Kiama Quarry Sports Complex from Friday to Sunday.
For more details visit: www.2018flyballnationals.org
The Wonder Woofs train at Albion Oval, Albion Park Rail at 7pm on a Tuesday and at 9am on a Sunday.