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 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!
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 started tossing the frisbees into the air for Ashley to search for as she ran after them at 35mph and jumped up to 9 feet in the air!
For beginners, there are training classes that 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 injure themselves by jumping too much if their growth plate* has not yet closed. Confirm with your vet that your pup’s growth plate has closed before beginning training.
Some tips for choosing the perfect drive:
Make sure the disc is the proper size in proportion to your dog.
Lightweight discs are easier for your pet to take in the mouth.
The best discs to use are made of soft but rigid materials. DO NOT USE discs made of hard, brittle material, as they may chip and injure your pet.
There are even some cloth and/or nylon varieties that contain a rubber outer ring that are perfect for water sports.
Once your dog has mastered the art of fetching the disc, 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 Championships, the Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Championships, 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 World Canine Disc Champion:
“Shelter and rescue animals make great disco dogs. Although most people think that border collies, Australian shepherds, Labradors, and golden retrievers make the best disco dogs, nothing could be further from the truth. A beloved dog is a great disco dog and very few canines are more loved than adopted shelter and rescue canines.” -Jeff Perry, 1989 World Champion
Whether you decide to get into the Frisbee dog sport professionally or just throw 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. Growth plates close around 12 to 16 months of age when calcium and minerals harden the soft areas of the bones. (Source: familyeducation.com)
