When did Notts Supadogs begin and how did it get started?
Notts Supadogs was formed in August 2008 by Joanna and Martyn Bonner. After running for many years with other teams, they decided to start their own club to give people in North Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas the chance to take part in flyball.
What exactly is Flyball?
Flyball is pretty much a relay race for dogs. There are 4 dogs in a team (and up to 2 reserves) who each race down a 51ft lane, jumping 4 jumps on the way to the spring-loaded box, which releases a tennis ball on impact. Having grabbed the ball, the dog then returns down the lane and over the jumps. Dog number 2 then goes followed by dog 3 and 4.
The winners of the legs and ultimately the race (best of 5 legs) is the team who completes the course with no faults and in the fastest time.
What type of dogs do you have on your team?
Most breeds can compete in flyball; however, it is important your dog is sociable with other dogs, has a good recall and is relatively fit. Strangely, being ball orientated is not necessarily vital!
As a club, Notts have a variety of breeds, predominantly border collies but also cross breeds (a quick Staffie/Whippet!), Jack Russell, Cockapoo, Manchester Terrier and an English Springer Spaniel. So, a variety to say the least…
What qualities make a dog good at flyball?
Anyone wanting to start flyball will ideally have a dog or dogs with the qualities mentioned previously. A fair level of commitment is required, as training and racing in competitions takes up a lot of time. However, the more time and effort you are willing to put in, the more you will get back.
It is a great way of meeting like-minded people who enjoy the excitement and fun associated with the sport as much as you do. Remember, patience is key for you and your dog to become a success!
What are your top tips for anyone who is thinking of getting into flyball?
Anyone wishing to enquire more about the club should simply email nottssupadogs@hotmail.co.uk or leave a message on the Notts Supadogs Facebook page.
If you are not local, have a search around for other flyball pages that may be nearer to your location.
How has Alpha Feed’s sponsorship helped you?
Martyn Bonner says:
“Being sponsored by Alpha has benefited the club in many ways, including purchasing equipment, which has helped augment training levels. Alpha have also been able to provide goods for prizes to winners and runners up of divisions at Notts’ own hosted tournaments, and also given informative advice on feeding and nutrition.
This sponsorship has been extremely valuable to the club, as without it, we would have had source our own equipment and prizes which can be costly and difficult to acquire. This way, we are able to concentrate more on the progression of the sport itself and the club.”
