In this blog, we will cover a range of topics:
1. Getting Started
Getting started in dog frisbee can be a fun and exciting progress for your dog, but especially for yourself. To begin your journey, it’s important to find a trainer and learn the throwing techniques. Dog frisbee can be a dangerous sport so make sure to train yourself under supervision of a trainer before you go training with your dog.
Before diving into the world of frisbee, we decided to explore the sport further by attending several events and competitions. This allowed us to get a glimpse of what the sport had to offer and prepared us for the exciting journey ahead. By attending these events we also got to meet our trainster who is thankfully still training us.
Attending these events not only fueled our passion for frisbee but also taught us valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship. We observed how players supported and encouraged each other, even in the face of defeat. It was clear that frisbee was not just a game but a tight-knit community.
These experiences were a taste of the sport, leaving us eager to join in on the action. Inspired by the talent and excitement we witnessed, we couldn’t wait to grab a frisbee and take our own shots at soaring throws and incredible catches. Little did we know that it would become an adventure filled with memories, growth, and a deep love for the sport.
Remember, patience and consistency are key when training your dog for dog frisbee. It’s a gradual learning process that requires practice and dedication. Always prioritize your dog’s safety and enjoyment during playtime. Playing safely is way more important than letting your dog jump the highest. So always remember to play save.
2. Choosing the Right Frisbee Set
When choosing the right dog frisbee set, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
MATERIAL:Look for a frisbee set made of a high-quality plastic. These materials are less likely to break or splinter, ensuring safety for both you and your dog.
SIZE: Consider the size of the frisbee in relation to your dog’s mouth. It should be large enough for your dog to grab and carry comfortably but not too big that the dog drags the frisbee on the ground.
WEIGHT:A frisbee that is too light might be difficult to throw accurately, while a heavy frisbee might hurt your dog’s teeth or tires them out quickly. Choose a frisbee that strikes a balance between being lightweight for easy throwing and heavy enough for stability during flight.
DESIGN: Look for a frisbee set that has bright colors or clear visibility marks, making it easier for your dog to spot in the air. This will enhance their excitement and engagement with the game. Try to avoid colors like purple, green and blue.
Reviews and recommendations: Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from friends or your trainer who have experience with frisbee sets. Their insights and experiences can help you make an informed decision. Remember, not all dogs are natural frisbee lovers, so consider your dog’s interest and physical abilities while selecting a frisbee set. Start with a softer and lightweight frisbee if your dog is new to the game, and gradually progress to more advanced options as they become skillful.
3. Training Your Dog
The most important thing to teaching your dog to play frisbee, is training yourself how to throw. It might look easy but getting the hang of different throwing techniques like, the floater or the backhand are super important before you can play with your dog. You can start with making the frisbee fun, but you’ll have to wait with big throws and jumping untill your dog is at least 18 months and fully grown. On a practice evening we spend like 40 minutes practicing different throwing techniques without your dog and maybe 15 to 20 minutes playing with your dog. Seperated in two sessions each max 10 minutes.
Now it’s time to introduce the frisbee to your dog. Make sure to make it a positive experience by showing enthusiasm and to praise your dog a lot. You can do this by letting your dog chase the frisbee and remember, let them win! When your dog is hyped about the frisbee and ready to chase it, it’s time to get your dog excited about fetching. Toss the frisbee a short distance using a roller or a close backhand and encourage your dog to chase after it. Be aware that rollers aren’t suited for every dog, another point how important it is to have a suited trainer! Use excited and encouraging sounds to make it more enticing. When your dog reaches the frisbee, reward them with praise. You can use high pitched sounds or luring them with a second frisbee for them to get back to you.
And while you’re at it, make sure to teach your dog the drop it command using treats or a second frisbee. This will help you in the future.
From there on you have a solid foundation to start teaching yourself and your dog the reel thing. Make sure to keep each session short and give your dog a good warming up and cooling down. You can find tips in the last blog: How to take care of active dogs. Or keep on reading.
4. Competitions and Events
When your trainer thinks you’re ready and if you and your dog are craving more excitement, you can explore the world of disc dog competitions. There are multiple branches in the dog frisbee sport. Here are a few examples:
DISTANCE: In this branch, dogs and their handlers compete to see who gets the most point in a set time zone. There are multiple subjects and the further the subject the more points you’ll get. Note: the dog has to catch the frisbee.
FREESTYLE: You focuse on choreographed routines where dogs perform various tricks, jumps, and catches while their handlers throw the frisbee.
LONG-DISTANCE CATCHING: It involves dogs catching frisbees thrown at long distances, displaying their incredible speed and athletic abilities.
TOSS AND FETCH IT TEAM: There are two handlers and one dog. You will both stand on each side of the field and will throw back and forth while your dog catches each throw.
TIME TRIAL: Dogs compete against the clock to complete a course, showcasing their agility and obedience while catching frisbees.
These branches offer different ways to showcase the bond, skills, and athleticism between dogs and their handlers. The branches on a competition vary from each club or platform. But Freestyle and Distance are the main branches.
5. Health and Wellness
Lets talk about health and wellness. Playing frisbee asks a lot of your dogs body. There for it’s important to have a proper warm up and cooldown before every training session to prefent your dog for getting any injuries.
There are a ton of ways to get your dog ready for the activity you will ask them to do. Doing different balance excersises, stretching or walking are all good foundations to get the body warm and ready for action. The same goes for cooling the body down.
Some exercises we like to do are:
- Walking to increase the blood stream.
- Doing different exercises like a bow, turn left tand right. Or going from a down position directly in a stand position.
- Little balance excercises like standing with all 4 legs in a platform to get awerness of their body.
Besides making sure you are doing the right warm up and cooldown we like to get our dogs checked at the osteopath every six months. The osteopath can feel things you and your vet will never see. And help to keep them nice and flexible.
Thank you for reading!
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced handler looking to take your frisbee game to the next level, this blog is for you. We hope to inspire and educate dog owners about the wonders of dog frisbee, promoting a stronger bond between humans and their canine companions.
So, get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey full of high-flying fun and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts on our Instagram @dutchaussiegirls that will take you on a disc dog adventure like no other!
