1. Types of Frisbee Dog Events
1.1 Catch and Retrieve ( Known as "Mini-Distance"
in ALPO events and TossFetch™ in National Capital Air
Canines™ events)
The catch and retrieve event is the backbone of most Frisbee
dog events. It consists of a timed round where teams, which
consist of one dog and one thrower, attempt to make as many
successful throws/catches as possible before time runs out.
Generally, the field is a rectangle laid out with lines
representing distances from the throwing line, much like a
football field with the throwing line being the end zone. Teams
score more points for longer throw/catch combinations. Usually
only one Frisbee disc may be used. Rounds usually last one minute.
1.2 Freestyle ( Known as "Freeflight"
in ALPO events )
While catch and retrieve is the most common event, and the
easiest for beginners, the most spectacular and fun to watch
canine Frisbee event is freestyle. This event consists of a timed
routine, usually performed to music. The routine is a
choreographed presentation of tricks that involve, many different
types of throws and catches. Some of the more spectacular tricks
involve the dog leaping off the leg or back of the thrower and
catching a flying disc that is tossed high in the air for the dog.
Other tricks have the dog doing a half backflip combined with a
half twist while catching a disc tossed over their head from the
front (don't worry if you can't picture it, just go to an event
with freestyle and see for yourself! ). The tricks one sees in
freestyle are only limited by the creativity of the performers.
1.3 Accuracy
This event is currently available only at National Capital Air
Canines™ sponsored competitions. While similar to catch and
fetch, the targets are not yard markers on a field, but four
circles of various sizes placed at various distances on a field.
The further away a circle is, the more points awarded for a catch
within that circle.
1.4 Long Distance
Jeff Hoot directs a long distance competition in the Florida
area called the Quadraped(TM). The Quadraped consists of three
rounds of long distance throwing/catching. Four teams each get 3
throws, and the top teams advance to the next round, leaving the
team with the shortest throw to wait for the next tournament. You
can find Jeff by looking in the contests section
of this FAQ
The National Capital Air Canines™ often sponsor a long
distance competition. This event is just what it sounds like.
Thrower and dog must be behind the start line when the disc is
released, and the point at which the canine catches the disc is
marked. Throwers usually are given two throws. The longest throw/catch
wins. This is a fun event and hopefully other clubs and groups
will begin to add it to their event categories.
2. Frisbee Dog Basic Training Guide
( Also, refer to the Resources section for more detailed
training guides )
2.1 Starting Out
Important. Consult your veterinarian before starting your dog
on any form of athletic training program. You should verify that
your pup has good hips, especially before attempting canine
Frisbee, or else a potential problem of canine Hip Dysplasia
could be aggravated.
Also Important. ALWAYS have water available for your dog while
you are training them. Since dogs do not sweat, but expell heat
primarily through their mouth and tongues, drinking water helps
them cool down. Failure to provide water to a working dog can
result in hyperthermia, which can be fatal.
The most important step in starting out is choosing the right
dog! If this step is done right, then everything else is easy.
One way to go about it is to acquire a pure-bred puppy of a breed
that is known to do well at canine disc. The drawbacks to this
method are that it costs money, you cannot really know how the
pup will turn out, and you have to wait a year or more before the
dog is able to train rigorously.
The second method of finding a good frisbee dog is to go to a
shelter or rescue group and adopt an adult dog. This allows you
to get to know the dog and test it for Frisbee dog aptitude. If
the dog shows some interest in chasing the disc, then there is a
good chance they will be a faithful, enthusiastic partner. The
other up side to this method is that it is cheaper, and often the
bond of a rescued dog is stronger than that of a dog raised from
puppyhood.
Ideally, you want a dog with the following characteristics:
-Adult weight between 30 - 50 pounds.
-Lean build.
-Strong retrieval and tracking/chasing instincts
-Even temperament ( They will be off-lead with other dogs )
-Sound hips
Another important step toward good Frisbee dog training is
basic obedience. The main point of this class should be to teach
the owner, not the dog. Once an owner gets a feel for teaching
basic obedience, then teaching disc dogs comes naturally.
Once you have a dog, here are a few things to do ( and not do!
) when beginning training:
DO
1. Throw the disc on the ground, rolling it like a wheel. This
will allow the dog to get used to chasing it without a bad
experience of possibly getting hit by a flying disc.
2. Allow the dog to have fun, and don't worry too much if they
lose interest and/or don't bring the disc back.
3. Use a happy voice and try to convince your dog this is the
best thing since Doggy Biscuits. Always make training an extra
special time.
4. Dogs who are not interested in the disc may be enticed to play
with it by sliding the disc on the ground in circles in front of
the dog. They will pounce on the disc, and when they do, throw a
roller and the dog should follow it. Some trainers will actually
rub the disc lightly along the dogs torso to entice them to bite
at it, but care should be taken not to cause the dog to associate
fear with the disc, so make sure you talk to your dog with a
happy, reassuring voice while doing this step.
5. Put the discs away when you are not there. You dog should
realize the disc is a special toy that is only available when you
are there.
DO NOT
1. DO NOT throw the disc directly at the dog. You want to avoid
hitting the dog with the disc, especially in the face. Doing so
could result in the dog developing a fear of the disc.
2. DO NOT push the dog to hard, to the point it is no longer
having fun. If your pooch loses interest, then quit for now and
start when you are both fresh.
3. DO NOT encourage a dog under 14 months to leap. The stress of
landing can damage a dog that is not fully developed. If a young
dog is a reckless leaper, then keep your throws low. Concerned
owners can request that their veterinarian take x-rays to
determine if their dog's growth plates have closed and they can
begin jumping.
( Remember, if both you and your pup are not having fun, then
you are trying too hard! )
2.2 Basic Fetch and Retrieve
Once your dog is going for the disc, it is time to encourage
them to bring it back to you. For this, the long training lead is
the best tool. Purchase or make your own 30'+ lead and put it on
your dog. Then play as usual, only when the dog grabs the disc,
call the dog and reel them in, all the while praising them. Make
sure the lead is not attached to anything and that you are not
holding onto it when the dog chases the disc. Only grab the lead
when the disc is picked up and the retrieve should begin.
What if my dog drops the disc when I start pulling it in?
-Stop reeling right away, go and get the disc and start playing
with the dog and disc. Eventually they should get the idea that
you want the disc brought to you.
What if my dog resists the retrieval?
-If this is happening, then you need to work on recalls with your
dog without the disc being present. If your dog does not come
when called, then you cannot expect them to do so when they are
distracted by a toy! A good obedience class does more for the
owner than for the dog. In it you will learn basic training
techniques that you can apply to canine disc.
Once your pup is returning the disc, the next step is to get
them to catch it in the air. Unless your dog is already trying to
catch the disc, care should be taken when throwing it for them.
Keep the disc from flying in the direction of the dog, as it may
hit them and cause them to be mistrustful of the disc. Do not be
discouraged if your dog does not immediately take to the airborne
catch. Some dogs take many months to establish the coordination
needed to catch the Frisbee in mid-flight. Use low, flat
trajectories to give your dog the best chance.
2.3 Dropping the disc
One commonly asked question is "How to I get my dog to
drop the disc?" Well, a reliable "Drop!" command
is very important to any canines well being, so try teaching your
pup to drop anything they have. You can do this several ways.
Perhaps the best is to tell your dog "drop", point to
the ground, and have something else in your hand the dog wants,
such as another disc, a toy, or perhaps occasionally a treat.
When the dog drops what they are holding, praise them and then
give them the other item. After the dog gets the idea, begin to
"forget" to give them the other item, but keep praising
them. Soon, the drop command will be automatic. For dogs that are
not too stubborn, it is possible to teach the drop by squeezing
the jaw joint gently and saying drop until the item is dropped.
Then praise and maybe even give the item back to show that you
want them to drop it, but don't plan to take away their toy
forever.
2.4 Jumping
Care should be taken when training your dog to jump. When a
dog leaps, it should land flat, so that all four legs absorb part
of the impact. Many Frisbee dogs jump and land vertically, and
this can stress the rear legs and spine. The canine knee is not
designed to absorb vertical force, and a tear of one of the knee
ligament is more likely in a vertical landing, especially if a
dog is twisting at the same time. Try training your dog to jump
by teaching them to jump through a hula hoop, or some other
device that will not hurt them if they crash into it. This will
force the dog the get their butts up in the air during a leap and
land flat. Remember that young dogs, under 14 months, should not
be encouraged to jump.
3. Frisbee Dog Equipment
3.1 Discs
Characteristics
Here are several key characteristics of flying discs:
1. Shape
2. Weight
3. Material
The ideal canine disc is light, thin, and made of soft but rigid
material Types Flexible/Floppy Flexible/Floppy discs are great
for starting out, for dogs that have dental problems, or show
dogs that cannot afford the slightest risk of a broken tooth.
While tennis balls and bones pose more risk of tooth damage than
Fastback Frisbee discs, some folks may still want to use these
flexible types:
1. Floppy Disc
A cloth/nylon disc with a rubber outer ring. Nice because they
float! These discs are very flexible, and some tricks that
require a rigid disc are difficult to perfrom with them
2. Nylabone
These are closer to 'regulation' than Floppy Discs, and are
probably just as safe. Be aware that there are some version of
the Nylabone disc that are harder than others. Make sure you get
the flexible, rubbery type. Note that there is a Gumabone model
with a bone shape extending out of the top of the disc. While
safe and easy for dogs to pick up, these discs fly like bricks.
3 Frisbee Fastback
This is the disc of choice for most Frisbee dog enthusiasts. The
Fastback Frisbee disc is a 107 gram disc made out of a soft PVC
type plastic that a person can actually mar with a fingernail
quite easily. They don't last as long as the harder types you can
find in pet stores, but that means they are less damaging to the
dog's teeth. The lightness of the Fastback allows it to remain
aloft longer than most discs, and therefore give its canine
pursuer more time to catch it.
4 Aerobie
Aerobie discs come in three flavors: The Aerobie Superdisc, which
is made from a transparent plastic with a soft rubber rim. This
disc will fly a long ways, and is light enough and soft enough to
be considered a good doggie disc; The Aerobie Sprint flying ring,
made from a hard plastic coated with a softer rubber. While this
ring can be used with dogs also, its low profile makes it easy to
put a lot of velocity behind it, so use it for short tosses or
long distance throws, being careful to not throw it directly at
your dog; Finally, the Aerobie Jelly disc is a flexible disc that
is great for puppies or folks concerned about tooth wear and
damage. This disc is a little more rigid than the Floppy Disc, so
tricks like butterflys are a bit easier to perform.
4 Other discs
Any other discs used should be soft, have no protrusions, and
should not be much heavier than 110 grams. In other words, the
hard, generic 'doggie discs' one can sometimes find in pet stores
or be given as promotional items should be avoided, as should 185
gram freestyle discs and especially golf discs.
3.2 Sandpaper
If you are using plastic discs, you need to maintain them.
Keep them clean, since dirt on a spinning disc acts just like
sandpaper on your dog's teeth. The dishwasher is a great place to
clean discs! Also, the disc should be kept smooth. As a disc is
used, it develops cuts and sharp dings that can cut your dog's
mouth. Rather than simply throw them out, try sanding them:
Flexible Sanding Block
This tool can be found at any hardware store. It is a foam
block that is covered with sandpaper, and easily conforms to the
shape of a disc. It is better than regular sandpaper since it is
not affected as much by water ( or dog slobber! )
Plumber's "Cloth"
This is 'sandpaper' for copper and pvc pipe. It comes in a
roll of 1 inch wide "cloth" and can be easily torn into
small pieces and used as needed. Since it is designed for plumber's,
it is nearly impervious to water and slobber.
3.3 Cones
If you plan on competing with your dog, even if you you do not
plan to be a serious competitor, you may want to purchase some
some orange cones to mark off the scoring distances when you
practice. This will give you a better idea of where the distances
are that will give you a higher score. Cones can be found at toy
or sporting goods stores.
3.4 Measuring Tape
You can buy a crank type, 30 yard plastic measuring tape at
most hardware stores. These are far easier to use than the
retractable metal measuring tapes most folks are familiar with.
3.5 Protection
Once a dog and owner get serious about dog Frisbee, they begin
to train for freestyle routines, where dogs may leap off the
bodies of the thrower. If you try this without thinking, you will
find out just how much damage a 50 pound canine can do leaping
off a human's back, even if the dogs nail's have been trimmed,
and the thrower is wearing a sweatshirt!
Neoprene
Fortunately, there is neoprene!
Vest
The best protection you can get is a neoprene diving vest. It
protects the entire upper torso, and is easy to get on and off.
They can be pricey, but they have been found at Wall-Mart for
under $30. Remember, you don't need a very thick one (2mm is
usually sufficient). Often Dive Shops sell their used rental
vests cheap. Also, Diver's Outlet http://www.diversoutlet.com/
has a GREAT vest for $30 plus shipping
Thigh wraps
Normally used for thigh support, these thigh wraps are great
protection for when your dog jumps off your thigh. They can be
found at most sporting goods stores.
Waist Pad
The neoprene waist wrap is usually sold with the idea that it
will help the wearer lose weight via sweating. While water loss
is not true weight loss, these wraps are nevertheless great extra
protection for when your dog missed a vault and lands a little
lower than the diver's vest. These can be found right next to the
thigh pads in most sporting good stores.
Safety Goggles
Don't forget to wear some form of eye protection if your dog
does serious vaults. If a dog misses or thinks it may fall, it
will try to grab/stand on anything they can get their paws on,
including your face. Also, a vaulting dog is usually moving very
quickly, and they can flail their legs as they fly by.
4. Frisbee Dog Clubs
Washington D.C.
National Capital Air Canines™
William Linne', Director
2830 Meadow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042
703-532-0709(Hot Line) -or- 703-K93-DISC (Cellular)
email: ncac@discdog.com
WWW : http://www.discdog.com
Info: NCAC is a Washington D.C. Area Frisbee Dog club that
sponsors 8 or more competitions and several instructional clinics
per year in the D.C. area, publishes a monthly newsletter, and
organizes many social events for club members throughout the year,
including a canoe trip, campout, and holiday party. NCAC
competitions feature 2 skill levels with three different events
in each division. Ribbons and prizes are awarded for the top
three finishers in each event, and at the end of the season, the
top scorer is awarded the Capital Cup.
California
California Canine Disc Masters
Andrew Mouser
15002 Larch Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90260
(310) 644-4344
andrewm@k9discmasters.com
Northern California Disc Dogs Extreme
Chris Perondi
P.O. Box 77965
Stockton, CA 95267
(209) 943-5016
chrisp@gotnet.net
Southern California K9 Air Corps
Mike Miller
1529 Golden Rose
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
(626) 912-8146
K9town@flash.net
Colorado
Northern Colorado Disc Dogs
Chris Sexton
801 Aztec Dr. #A
Ft. Collins, CO 80521
(970) 495-0141
eyebum@verinet.com
The Front Range Flyers K9 Disc Club
Rick Brydum
777 E, Kenyon Ave.
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 789-3663
FRFlyers@aol.com
Florida
Central Florida Dog & Disc Club
Chuck Hensley
2937Jennifer Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33810-5109
(941) 859-4770
Dogzilla@gate.net
Dan Munson
6511 N. Five Acre Rd.
Plant City, FL 33565
(813) 968-2206
Greater Jacksonville Disc and Dog Club
Lawrence Fredrick
2741 Dahlonega Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 223-4676
frisbee@leading.net
Georgia
The Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club
Steven & Melissa Heeter
63 Red Top Circle SE
Cartersville, GA 30120
woofsportsusa@mindspring.com
Illinois
The Windy City K-9 Disc Club
Tom Wehrli
(630) 355-2777
quazius@xnet.com
Missouri
St. Louis Disc Dog Club
Bob Niemeier
366 Flora Place
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 771-1763
bob@justcallbob.com
North Carolina
Triad Dog Sports & Training (Flipside Flyers)
Kristie Urbine
7607 Penns Grove
Summerfield, NC 27358
K9kruzr@nr.infi.net
New York
The Northeastern Disc Dog Network
Ed Jakubowski
22 Louis Place
Nesconset, NY 11767
(860) 859-0103
Texas
Dallas Dog & Disc Club
Chuck Middleton
16501 Dundrennan Ln.
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 851-5706
midlton1@airmail.net
Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club
Ken Bain
10603 Chevy Chase
Houston, TX 77042
(713) 789-2370
John Tobin
10603 Chevy Chase
Houston, TX 77042
(713) 789-2370
John.R.Tobin@digital.com
Washington State
Northwest Dog & Disc Club
Ken Cooper
13913-137th St. KPN
Gig Harbor, WA 98329
(360) 653-8133
Nyle "Swanee" Swainston
13913-137th St. KPN
Gig Harbor, WA 98329
(253) 884-9697
mrrivers@juno.com
The Cascade Dog & Disc Club
Steve Perdue
18616 109th Street
Renton, WA 98055
(206) 277-7418
Anne Martin
7644 147th St.
Surrey, B.C. Canada
V3S3B1
(604) 590-4529
Australia
Disc Dogs Down Under
Matt Clarke
6/65 King Rd
Hornsby, NSW 02077
Australia
61 2 9482 5057
mclarke@one.net.au
Germany
Rock 'n' Doggin' Disc Dog Squad
Jochen Schleicher
Fruehlingsstrasse 2
76161 Karlsruhe
Germany
0721/376412
oz666@t-online.de
5. Frisbee Dog Organizations and National
Competitions
5.1 ALPO Canine Frisbee disc Championships
ALPO Canine Frisbee disc Championships
4060-D Peachtree Road, Suite 326 Altanta, GA 30319
1-800-786-9240
email: prb@skyhoundz.com
ALPO sponsors over a hundred community contests throughout the
country each year. There are also seven regional qualifying
tournaments culminating in the invitational World Finals on the
mall in Washington D.C. You can call the number above for free
schedules and training guides.
5.2 The Quadruped
This is the premiere long distance disc dog competition. The
Quadruped, run by Jeff Hoot.
www: http://www.thequadruped.com/
5.3 Flying Disc Dog Open
This is easily the most interesting and diverse national
competition in the country. Try your hand at a disc dog obstacle
course, or the popular toss and fetch and freestyle.
www: http://www.airmajorsdoghouse.com/
5.4 IDDHA
International Disc Dog Handlers Association.
E-mail: IDDHA@aol.com
web http://www.iddha.com/
IDDHA is a new organization whose purpose is sanctioning disc
dog contests, and titling disc dogs.
6. Frisbee Dog Resources
6.1 Books
"How to Teach Your Dog to Play Frisbee" by Karen
Pryor, published in '85.
"Frisbee Dogs, How to Raise, Train and Compete" by
Peter Bloeme. 1991, 1994. ISBN 0-9629346-2-3
Peter and Whirlin' Wizard are the 1984 Ashley Whippet
Invitational World Champions, and Peter is the 1976 Men's World
Frisbee disc Champion. This book is considered the definitive
work on the subject of Frisbee Dogs.
"Jumping from A to Z: Teaching Your Dog to Soar" M.
Christine Zink, DVM. 1996
6.2 Videos
Peter Bloeme's Frisbee Dog: Training Video
Peter Bloeme's Frisbee Dogs:Throwing Video
Alpo Canine Frisbee Disc Championships 1996 World Finals Tape
( the above products can be ordered by calling 1-800-786-9240 )
( We have also seen the video sold in pet stores with a free disc
)
6.3 Training and Freestyle Routine Creation
CD-ROM
Glen Speckert has created a CD-ROM with a lot of great
features. Visit his WWW site to find out the details. http://www.DogDisc.com/ email:
speckert@DogDisc.com
6.4 Training Material
Free Pamphlet from the Friskies/ALPO Canine Frisbee disc
Championships. Contact the Friskies/ALPO Canine Frisbee Disc
Championships ( listed elsewhere in this FAQ )
for this free training guide
6.5 Discs
The regulation canine disc used in most competitions is the
Fastback Frisbee disc. The Fastback can be bought through many of
the Frisbee dog clubs and organizations listed in this FAQ, and
through many mail order flying disc catalogues.
6.6 WWW Resources
Many of the clubs listed in the clubs sections of this FAQ
have links pages and training material. Two of the more diverse
are:
National Capital Air Canines™ http://www.discdog.com/ (Complete
with and online video training guide)
The Dallas Dog and Disc Club http://www.dallasdogndisc.com/
(with tips from some of the top competing teams in the country)
6.7 Newletters
There is a national unaffiliated newsletter called The Disc
Dog Quarterly. As of the time of this FAQ update, the first
edition is not yet out, but it looks promising. http://www.ddqjournal.com/
Frisbee Dog FAQ
National Capital Air Canines™, ncac@discdog.com
