Past And Present

The Santa Barbara Flyers began in the 1980’s when some adventurous, local dog owners went in search of fun and challenging activities for their canine athlete companions. They found the super-drive sport of Flyball, which was quickly gaining popularity in North America.

The “Santa Barbara Flyers” Flyball Team began competing in 1985, and the club soon hosted its first Flyball tournament here in Santa Barbara and continued to do so for another twenty four years.

During that period of time, club members also discovered another fun and fast growing dog sport: Agility.  Agility is a sport where a dog, guided by his handler, competes an obstacle course designed to challenge the human-canine team’s competitive speed and skills.  Our current club members compete in Agility Trials sponsored by the American Kennel Club, the United States DogAgility Association, and the  North American Dog Agility Club. They have titled their dogs on all levels from Beginners to Master’s.

Agility classes are taught by instructor Karen Van Hoy.

Because Obedience is the foundation of all other dog sports, the Santa Barbara Flyers offer beginning and advanced classes in traditional Obedience. We also offer lessons in the new AKC sport of Rally Obedience, a fun challenge for our well-trained dogs.  Our pure-bred and mixed-breed dogs alike somehow become more cooperative and eager to please after learning Obedience and Rally skills.  During the last couple of years, our “competitive” members have achieved advanced AKC titiles in both sports.  We encourage our participants to continue to compete and excel in AKC events. which are held locally and throughout the United States.

Our Obedience and Rally classes are taught by Janet Bourque.

Over the years, the Santa Barbara Flyers have remained true to a single goal: to have FUN with their dogs while promoting responsible dog ownership.

So whatever you do, listen to your dog . . .and just COME OUT and PLAY!

Karen Van Hoy, Captain