Flyball is a high-energy, fast-paced team sport that showcases the agility, speed, and teamwork of dogs and their handlers. This thrilling canine activity has grown significantly in popularity, thanks to enthusiasts like Lorraine, the co-founder of Canine New England. With a career spanning decades in canine sports and training, Lorraine is dedicated to improving the sport and ensuring the health and safety of the dogs who participate. At Canine New England, located in Walpole, Massachusetts, she combines her passion for dog sports with a focus on fitness and rehabilitation, offering a comprehensive approach to training and care.
What is Flyball?
Flyball is a team sport that requires diligence with training, promoting a strong team dynamic with the canine team. Teams of four dogs race against each other, leaping over hurdles, triggering a spring-loaded box to release a ball, and racing back to their handlers with the ball in their mouths. Lorraine describes it as a sport that requires immense dedication, patience, and teamwork—not just among the handlers but also among the canine athletes. At Canine New England, Lorraine emphasizes the importance of proper training, safety, and exercise, which are crucial to the success and well-being of the dogs involved.
Lorraine’s Journey to Flyball Excellence
Lorraine’s journey with flyball began in the mid-1990s when she first joined a team as a participant. Over time, she transitioned into a training role on the team and after years of dedication to the sport, Lorraine made a pivotal career shift. After leaving a 30-year career in corporate America, she founded Canine New England in 2018, combining her love for dogs with her expertise in fitness. This facility became a hub for canine sports and rehabilitation, offering programs tailored to dogs of all levels and abilities. Lorraine’s background in fitness training has allowed her to create innovative programs that ensure dogs remain healthy, strong, and prepared for the physical demands of flyball and other sports.
Training for Flyball Success
Training for flyball requires more than just practice runs; it demands a comprehensive fitness and conditioning routine. Lorraine emphasizes the importance of warm-up exercises to prevent injuries and prepare the dogs for competition. Her routines often include activities like cavalettis, ladder drills, and tugging, which help dogs stretch and activate their muscles. Pivot work, lateral stepping, and doggy pushups are incorporated to build hind-end strength and overall coordination. Lorraine also prioritizes stretching exercises to keep dogs limber, focusing on areas like the spine, forearms, and core. These targeted exercises ensure that dogs develop the muscle memory necessary for the sport’s intense movements, such as the “swimmer’s turn” at the flyball box.
How MYOS Supports Canine Athletes
The health and fitness of flyball dogs are paramount, and Lorraine has found MYOS Canine Muscle Formula to be an invaluable part of her program. MYOS supplements support muscle health, strength, and recovery, which are crucial for dogs engaged in high-impact sports. Many of Lorraine's team members also use MYOS for their dogs to help keep them ready for action.
Beyond the Finish Line
Flyball is more than just a sport—it’s a celebration of the bond between dogs and their handlers. Through her work at Canine New England, Lorraine has made a lasting impact on the sport, advancing training methods and promoting the importance of fitness and safety. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to canine sports, Lorraine’s story and dedication are an inspiration.
For those interested in learning more about flyball or other canine performance sports, check out Canine New England's website— they offer a range of programs and resources to help you and your dog thrive!
