Common Injuries in Flyball

Common Injuries in Flyball. By Dr. Debbie Gross Saunders

(Article Excerpt)

The popularity of flyball continues to grown among canine performance enthusiasts. Growth brings upon improvement training, conditions and conditioning. But the growth of flyball also lends the need for examination of common injuries sustained in flyball. Injuries are common in both human and canine sports and each sport possesses individual risks for injury. Flyball involves a series of repetitive runs and jumps with intermittent impacts on the box. While the activity itself is performed in short bursts, the dog requires a significant amount of strength, drive and speed.

As with any sport, training and practice should not be initiated until growth plate closure is obtained.  Depending upon the size and breed of the dog, grow plates may close as early as eight months or as late as thirty months.  Psychological maturity must also be considered in conjunction with physical maturity.  Some dogs need a bit longer to mature psychologically and physically before beginning flyball training.  Smart training is the first step to injury prevention. Dogs involved in flyball should possess both anaerobic and aerobic strength. So their cross training activity should involve endurance activities such as long hikes, swimming, and walking, as well as short burst activities…(PURCHASE A COPY OF THE MARCH/APRIL ISSUE  TO READ MORE) Click Here