I personally expect the adults to tell me if my kids do something..I really think we as adults can’t turn a blind eye on something like this. I may be a little embarrassed that they did something, but, I want to know, and fix it…and then have my kids apologize or try to rectify anything that may have happened.

I tell my kids CONSTANTLY that they can not run around strange dogs for the very reason you point out…and I have to remind ALOT! I am a constant nag. I honestly tell them at each and every tourney that some dogs do not like kids, and will bite kids, especially if you run around it. (and Josh has actually been nipped but just walking! by one of these dogs thru a door..)
I can tell you, one time in Madison at Ultimutts tourney – Jacob pushed a button, that happened to be a light switch and the lights went off, and it takes 20 plus minutes for them to “warm” back up. I was mortified, and Jacob got embarrassed by my reaction and correction…so being the 4 yo – acted like a 4 yo! I felt horrible!

We’ve all seen the senario,the dogs are amped and young kids sometimes think that they have seen the dog before so they know them. That’s the way little kids think. They go over and want to see thier latest buddy from the last tournament.
Think about this: would you appreciate these same actions if it were an adult, running around the facility, zipping through your crating area, and reaching in to pet your dog?
There is an unspoken etticate that prehaps, should be spoken about. To open the eyes of all of us involved.
Like I said, this goes for adults too. Although this behavior does tend to fall on the blame of “the children” Adults could use some reminders too.

This combination of dogs, adrenaline, and humans (of any age) can potentially become a problem.

Dr. Jekle and Mr. Hyde can appear at any tournament; humans and dogs alike.

We have to have this conversation in the flyball commuity – although you can say “it’s up to the parents to instill these things, “. If something were to happen, it would be terrible for the child, the dog and all the adults around. It could be life changing.This is a serious topic and we all need to look out for each other.

Flyball isn’t a playground, it’s a sporting event. Would you have your kids running around in between football players, dodging soccer balls during a regional tournament, standing at the finish line in a race? catching javlins? (just joking)

Use your head parents- and don’t be offended if someone redirects your kids for THEIR safety.

Be grateful, someone is watching, and caring.

At one point, there were 4 very small kids leaning over the back stop behind the box, then running back & forth behind the backstops. This could really freak out a shy dog, or cause a distraction to the dog.
I also saw kids going up to strange dogs and trying to pet them while the owners were frantically trying to pull their dogs away from the kids. I usually see it as an opportunity to show kids the right way to approach or pet a dog, but it can be hard to control an already amped up dog, talk to the kid about asking for permission to pet a dog, and how best to pet a dog. It’s one thing to know how to deal with your own family’s dogs, but kids need to know not to approach strange dogs.
We also had kids running thru our crating area, in spite of our efforts to barricade it off. I’ve been at tourney’s with Jackie’s kids and they are so well behaved, they aren’t messing with dogs they don’t know, they are off playing by themselves or other kids away from the racing ring. I don’t have kids and I felt like if I asked the parents to keep their kids under control that I’d just be a big meanie. Mostly I was just really concerned that a kid would get hurt and a dog would be demonized. Is there a good way to talk to parents without hurting people’s feelings?

Kids who grow up with dogs learn compassion, and many the other traits previously listed. I would like to acknowlege the teammates who also mentor and mold kids through their actions -(both good and bad lessons can be learned through example).

Flyball is definately more that it appears on the surface,
an unexpected gift we’ve all been fortunate to have experienced with our dogs, teammates, and even our kids.

Jackie

It is all a balance, and routine. I need and rely on my routine, both at home and tournaments.

It really is not that hard, if you keep that frame of mind. My kids help me train now…which is very cute.

Next – I’d like to hear how those of you with large dog families do it. We’re at 3 and a foster now – will we ever be able to handle more?