Frteckles first Fly Ball practice

I finally located a fly ball group near enough to me to try it out. Yesterday I took Freckles for his first training session. This is a very informal group that has one team that competes and several dogs in training to start another team.
Freckles did very well jumping two hurdles and coming straight to me. His only concern was the trainer holding him so I could call him. He kept his ears pinned back trying to see who was holding him. I told the trainer I could have him sit/stay while I went to the front but she said he has to learn to be restrained and ready to go on release. He will adapt to that OK I am sure.
After the hurdle training we sat to watch the team dogs practice. Freckles intently watched every move, especially when the tennis balls came out. Everytime a dog went racing over the hurdles Freckles would lunge forward wanting to get into that action.
Then we had Freckle try to grab the tennis ball off a training ramp, not the official fly ball box. Here we met our first problem. When Freckles brings me a ball to throw he drops it at my feet then stands back staring at it until I throw it. He is not use to picking up a stationary ball. We tried and tried to get him to grab the ball off the back of the training ramp but he would just back up and stomp his feet wanting me to throw it. Finally I just threw a ball and he took off like a lightening bolt impressing the entire group with his speed and quick start.
The trainer told me to work with Freckles by first rolling the ball away while restraining him. Once the ball stops I am to let him go fetch. Hopefully that will condition him to go after a ball that is not moving.
I think I have finally found Freckles true calling. As many of you know I have tried agility and herding, both not quite to his liking, but I believe he will be a first team fly baller.
More as he progresses.

 

That's great!

I was expecting video footage though