We are a group of K-9s and their human companions who enjoy competing in the sport of flyball. We are located in Richmond, Virginia, with members from RVA, Central Virginia, and North Carolina.

What is flyball?

Flyball is an interactive sport for dogs and handlers. A team sport, it’s a relay race between two teams of four dogs and handlers each, running side by side. The dogs are released one at a time to race over four jumps to a spring-loaded box.  When the dog executes their box turn, it triggers a ball for the dog to catch. With ball in their mouth, the dog races back over the jumps carrying the ball over the finish line. The next dog is released to pass the previous dog as soon as they cross the finish line. The first team to have all four dogs complete the course wins the heat. It’s tons of fun!

Why play flyball?

Dogs and humans love this sport! It’s fast and fun. Flyball dogs develop skills that translate well to daily life. Dogs must have serious impulse control skills, focus, and a reliable recall to complete the pattern successfully against the dog in the other lane. When you watch a flyball race, you can see that the dogs are truly racing.

The team factor makes flyball unique among dog sports. Handlers get to learn the skill and strategy of the game and hone their training techniques, all while having fun with their dogs and teammates. Every race is different depending on the dogs in the lineup and the team you’re running against. A major positive feature of the sport is the flyball community. Teams from around the region are friends and support each other even in competition.

Where do competitions occur?

Founded in 1999, DogDash is based in Richmond, VA, and participates in Region 9 of The North America Flyball Association (NAFA), which includes Virginia, West Virginia, and the Carolinas. There are 400 active teams with 6,500 racing dogs registered with NAFA, and each region hosts numerous tournaments. DogDash regularly participates in 7-8 tournaments held each year in Virginia and North Carolina and annually sends a team to NAFA’s CanAm Classic—the world’s largest flyball tournament— held every October.

Find us on Facebook

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Captain

Teresa Pownall

Treasurer

Jill Seamster

Social Media

Web

Matt Bergmann

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Titles Earned in 2024

Hot Sauce Maire: FMCH

Levy: FM