I think we’re a lot alike in that you’re always looking for new and exciting ways for you and your dog to have fun in the sun. Whether you’re at the beach or in a park, there’s always an opportunity for you and your dog to get some exercise and play. Try adding a Frisbee to the mix – it’s a fun and inexpensive way to get both of you moving!
The disc dog sport began in the early 1970s, around the same time that Frisbee sports became popular with humans. Alex Stein and his dog, Ashley Whippet, made the sport famous on August 4, 1974 when he and his dog ran onto the field in the middle of a baseball game between the LA Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. He began tossing the Frisbees into the air for Ashley to fetch while she ran after them at 35 mph and jumped up to 9 feet in the air!
For beginners, there are training classes you and your dog can sign up for to get used to the sport. Your pet must be over 18 months of age before attempting to catch a discus. Younger puppies can be injured if they jump too much if their growth plate* has not yet closed. Confirm with your veterinarian that your puppy’s growth plate has closed before you begin training.
Some tips for choosing the perfect drive:
Make sure the disc is the right size in proportion to your dog.
Lightweight discs are easier for your pet to carry in his mouth.
The best discs to use are made of soft but stiff materials. DO NOT USE discs made of hard, brittle material as they may splinter and injure your pet.
There are even some fabric and/or nylon varieties that contain a rubber outer ring that are perfect for water sports.
Once your dog has mastered the art of disc fetch, you may want to consider joining your local disc dog club. There are even a variety of organizations that plan event competitions to enter throughout the year, such as the Ashley Whippet Invitational (AWI) World Championship, the Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine World Championship, and the UFO World Cup Series.
And don’t think that only certain types of breeds are destined to become perfect disc dogs. Take it from Jeff Perry, the 1989 Canine Disc World Champion:
“Shelter and rescue animals make great disco dogs. Although most people think border collies, Australian shepherds, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers make the best disco dogs, nothing could be further from the truth.” beloved dog is a great disco dog and very few canines are loved more than adopted shelter and rescue canines.” -Jeff Perry, 1989 World Champion
Whether you decide to get professionally involved in Frisbee dog sports or just throwing the old Frisbee around for fun, I’m sure you and your dog will have a blast together!
*A growth plate is the soft area of immature bone near the ends of the leg bones. The growth plates close around 12 to 16 months of age when calcium and minerals harden the soft areas of the bones. (Source: familyeducation.com)
