Flyball Gear 101: What You Actually Need (And What You Don't)

Flyball Gear 101: What You Actually Need (And What You Don't)

One of the best things about flyball is that you don't need much to get started. Unlike some dog sports that require expensive equipment, flyball keeps things simple. Your dog, something to hold onto them, and ideally a tug toy - that's the basics.

But once you get into the sport, you'll notice people using all sorts of gear. Some of it's genuinely useful. Some of it's a waste of money. Here's what actually matters and why.

The absolute essentials

If you're turning up to your first flyball session, you need exactly three things:

1. Your dog (obviously)
2. A collar or harness - something to hold onto them
3. A tug toy - technically optional, but strongly recommended

That's it. You don't need special boots, fancy leads, or expensive equipment. Most clubs provide the flyball-specific gear (box, jumps, balls) for training.

Tug toys: your most important piece of kit

A good tug toy isn't just a reward - it's a training tool. In flyball, the tug is what gets your dog excited to come back after grabbing the ball. The better the tug, the faster they want to return to you.

What makes a good flyball tug

Bungee handle, not rigid. This is the most important feature. When your dog grabs the tug at speed (and they will), a bungee handle absorbs the impact instead of jarring their neck. Rigid tugs can cause injuries over time.

Long enough to reach the ground. You want to be able to drag it along the floor to trigger your dog's chase instinct. If you have to bend down to make it interesting, it's too short.

Furry or fluffy texture. Dogs go mad for texture. A boring rope tug won't excite them the way a furry sheepskin or faux fur tug will. The more it looks like prey, the better.

Easy to grip for you. You'll be holding this thing while an excited dog yanks on it. Make sure the handle is comfortable and secure.

Where to buy flyball tugs (UK)

• Tug-E-Nuff - Popular with flyball teams, good range of bungee tugs
• CIK9 - Quality handmade tugs
• Agicore - Good selection for dog sports
• Paws Trading - Budget-friendly options
• Amazon - Hit and miss, but some decent bungee tugs available

Tug toy mistakes to avoid

Buying cheap rigid tugs. They might look similar, but without the bungee element you're risking neck strain on your dog.

Getting one that's too small. A tug that's easy for your dog to swallow or get tangled in isn't safe. Go bigger than you think.

Only having one. Tugs get wet, dirty, and worn out. Have a backup, especially for competitions.

Harnesses and collars: Y-front or nothing

This is where people often get it wrong. Not all harnesses are suitable for flyball - in fact, most pet shop harnesses will restrict your dog's movement.

Why Y-front harnesses matter

Look at your dog's harness from the front. Does it form a Y shape or a T shape?

Y-front (good): The straps go around the shoulders and meet at the chest, leaving the shoulder blades free to move. Your dog can run with their natural gait.

T-front (bad): A strap goes straight across the chest, restricting shoulder movement. This affects their stride and can cause long-term problems.

In flyball, dogs are sprinting flat out and need full range of motion. A restrictive harness is like asking a sprinter to run in tight jeans.

Recommended harness brands

• Perfect Fit Harness - Modular design, three separate pieces that can be sized independently. Great for dogs with unusual proportions.
• Mekuti Balance Harness - Popular in the flyball community, designed for active dogs.
• Snuggle Pets - Y-front design, reasonably priced.

Always measure your dog properly using the brand's size guide. A harness that's technically the right style but badly fitted is still a problem.

When collars are fine

Some dogs run perfectly well in just a collar. If your dog doesn't pull and you have good control, a flat collar is the simplest option. Benefits:

• Complete freedom of movement
• Nothing to adjust or check
• Less to go wrong

However - if your dog is a strong puller, a collar puts all that pressure on their trachea. That's not safe. Use a harness instead.

What about slip leads?

Some handlers use slip leads for the walk from car to ring, but they're not suitable for actually running your dog. They tighten under pressure, which isn't what you want when your dog is excited and pulling toward the start line.

Running "naked" - no collar at all

In an ideal world, flyball dogs would run completely naked - no collar, no harness, nothing to interfere with their movement. Some experienced dogs do run this way, especially at competitions.

But most dogs (and handlers) aren't ready for this. It requires:

• Excellent recall
• A dog that won't try to run off
• Confidence that you can control them at the start line

If you're new to flyball, stick with a collar or harness. You can work toward running naked as your dog's training progresses.

Safety gear worth considering

Paw protection

Flyball venues vary. Some have perfect surfaces, others have rough mats or outdoor grass that can wear on paw pads. Options include:

Dog boots - Full protection but many dogs hate them. Takes time to acclimatise.

Paw wax - Creates a protective barrier without the weirdness of boots. Musher's Secret is popular.

Pad toughening sprays - Help build up calluses over time.

Most dogs don't need paw protection for regular training, but it's worth having something available for longer competition days.

Cooling gear

Flyball is intense exercise. On warm days, keeping your dog cool between runs matters. Useful items:

• Cooling mat for their crate
• Cooling coat (wet it before use)
• Portable fan for airflow
• Plenty of water (obvious but often forgotten)

First aid basics

Not essential, but smart to have in your kit bag:

• Saline solution for eye rinses (dust and debris happen)
• Vet wrap for minor paw injuries
• Antiseptic wipes
• Your vet's emergency number saved in your phone

What you don't need

Let's be honest about the stuff that's marketed to dog sports people but isn't necessary:

Expensive "performance" leads - A normal lead is fine for getting from A to B.

Breed-specific harnesses - Ignore marketing. What matters is fit and Y-front design, not whether it says "for collies" on the label.

Supplements and "performance" foods - Unless your vet recommends something specific, a good quality regular dog food is enough.

Matching team gear for you - Save your money for your dog's kit. Nobody cares if your t-shirt matches your club colours (okay, it's a bit nice, but it's not essential).

Starter kit summary

If you're just getting into flyball, here's what to buy:

Essential:

• Y-front harness or flat collar (depending on your dog)
• Bungee tug toy with furry texture
• Water bowl and water

Nice to have:

• Backup tug toy
• Crate or pen for rest periods
• Cooling mat for warm days
• Small first aid kit

Don't bother yet:

• Paw boots (try paw wax first if needed)
• Multiple types of harness
• Anything marketed as "professional grade"

Start simple. You can always add gear later once you know what your dog actually needs.

Final thought

The best flyball gear is the stuff that works for your dog. Some dogs love fluffy tugs, others prefer rubber. Some run best in a harness, others in just a collar. Pay attention to what makes your dog happy and fast - that's more valuable than any piece of equipment.