Training
Training>>Disc Training>>Basic Training
Can My Dog Do That?
It is true that certain sized dogs are better suited for this sport. Very large dogs and super small dogs are usually not found playing Frisbee. The dogs normally seen are medium sized mixes, herding breeds and retrievers. Of course that doesn't mean other dogs or smaller and larger ones can't play, plenty do.
Have your dog checked by your vet before starting rigorous athletic training. You want to ensure that your dog is sound and able to play. Young puppies and older dogs need to have training specifically tailored for their physical needs.
Dogs under 18 months of age should not be encouraged to leap. Excessive leaping prior to growth plate closure can create problems in later years. Growth plate closure usually occurs somewhere between 14 to 18 months of age. Before attempting airborne maneuvers with a young dog always consult with your vet to be sure growth plates have closed. During these early months, lay down your obedience, socialization and disc groundwork.
Good
basic obedience training gives you the foundation for
adding more commands and tricks to your dogs
repertoire. Since disc dogging is an off leash sport a
solid off leash recall is very important. Make training
a life long activity with your dog and reap its
rewards.
Okay, with all that said and done you're ready to begin. Now here's the big secret.... a great disc dog is made, not born! All the disc dogs you see have gotten there through practice and positive training. You too can train your dog to be a great disc dog.
A disc dog is required to fetch, catch, retrieve and relinquish the disc to its handler. If your dog already does one or more of these elements with a ball or toy you are well on your way and can switch the behavior to Frisbee. If not, see our basic training page.
Before starting to work with your dog, learn the proper way to throw the disc with a human friend. This is a tremendous help when your dog is learning to catch and will become essential later on. Never allow your dog to play with a disc on his own as a toy. Your dog may chew it up and swallow harmful pieces. Since this is a team sport your dog should only play with the disc with you. At all other times, put them away.
On to disc training.