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The Molten Magnets was only set up at the end of 2003 yet is far from being a new team to flyball. As most experienced flyballers will know the old Northamptonshire team of PODS has a long
history in the sport as a force to be respected in any of the racing divisions. When the PODS leaders left for a new life in North Wales, where the team name still continues, it was only a matter of
time before the Northants members would go it alone under the experienced leadership of Jean Meeking. As we have always trained in and near the village of Moulton, Northamptonshire and attracted
members throughout the county we decided on the name Molten Magnets for our primary team name. We do though run several teams under the primary banner ie: the Molten Meteors, Metals, Marvels, Muzzles, Munsters etc.
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If your dog loves chasing balls and will come back to you, plus a good temperament with other dogs then
Flyball may prove to change your life with your dog. Feel free to contact me, Steve James or Jean
Meeking.
CLICK HERE for the Contacts Page.
Q:- WHAT IS FLYBALL?
A:- Flyball is a 4 dog relay race in which a dog has to run a 51 foot course over 4 jumps, press a "flyball box" that ejects a tennis ball, turn and run back over the jumps to the start/finish line. when this is completed the second dog takes its turn and so on until all four dogs have finished. For detailed information visit the BFA(British Flyball Association) website via our "links" page.
Q:- IF WE JOIN A TEAM, HOW MUCH COMMITMENT IS INVOLVED?
A:- Flyball does, of course, involve some commitment. Tournaments can mean travelling early in the mornings or camping out if preferred, often giving up days at weekends. During the summer tournaments are at the mercy of the weather yet cancellations are rare.
We don’t expect everyone to make every tournament however, so teams are changed slightly to accommodate those who can go.
PODS have had a "larger than most" workload in the past as one of the pioneering clubs yet thankfully now with more and more clubs having their own events and helping each other the events are more relaxed though helping out with a ring party during racing divisions you are not running in is often called for as you learn more about the sport.
Q:- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
A:- Like any hobby or sport there are always a few costs. Travelling costs are of course incurred and an entry fee in tournaments can vary though between £5.00 and £8.00 per dog is normal, dependent on how many dogs are in a team and the organisers fees. If camping is needed then a small charge is often made dependent on facilities. There is a small charge for training sessions to cover the field rental, equipment and maintenance but the first session is free. Team clothing is provided at cost.
Q:- WHAT TYPE OR SIZE OF DOG DOES FLYBALL?
A:- Any size or breed of dog can be trained to do flyball though some dogs take more patience than others. Jump heights are determined by the smallest dog in a team, so a small dog can be an advantage in a team of l arger dogs.
Q:- WHAT SORT OF PRE-TRAINING IS REQUIRED?
A:- A basic training standard is a positive bonus before flyball training starts. Mastery of the recall and wait commands can be great time savers yet most important is a good nature with other dogs. Dominant dogs are often kept apart and should not be confused with aggressive dogs that will attack anything. Puppy training and socialisation classes are the best way to stop this behaviour at an early age.
Most important of all is that your dog is mad about tennis balls. They are so much better for your dog than a dangerous stick to throw when exercising.
Q:- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "CRUFTS" AND THE "BRITISH FLYBALL ASSOCIATION" FLYBALL TYPES?
A:- Crufts Flyball is a one off annual knockout competition where the last team left standing wins. There are 8 qualifying events throughout the country in which the 2 finalists from each go through to the last 16 play-off at Crufts itself. It uses an "old fashioned style" slingshot box that throws the ball in the air when a dog presses a pedal at the front. Jumps are fixed at 12 inches and races are the best of 3. Judging is done by ‘eye’ and the start dog runs from a start line on a whistle blow. Molten Magnet members often compete in this competition in association with Northants Dog Training Club.
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BFA flyball uses a front loading box that the dogs can turn on and as such this makes it a faster sport. The running starts and changeovers are governed by electronics and the jump heights are adjusted between 8 & 14 inches depending on the smallest dog in a team. Tournaments are held on a round robin league/division system so that every team in a division gets to race every other team in that division
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