Try a new discipline! How to start with dogfrisbee?
Dogfrisbee is a dog sport with a system of league competitions, World and European Championships. It's divided into Freestyle and Distance categories (the latter has 4 sub-disciplines - TimeTrial, DogDartbee, the Quadruped,Super MiniDistance). But you can start easy, just learn to throw and have your dog catch the disc, and you can choose a specific discipline later.
It is fun for many dogs because they can simply chase after the thrown disc, show off, follow commands, but mostly because they do it with their two-legged partner.
People usually enjoy dogfrisbee because it's fun for the dog and you can be creative. And it's also great for dogs that you want to exercise with, be really active, and play sports with, but maybe they don't like being pulled and doing things like canicross.
The disc is not the main subject
Dogfrisbee is not just about the disc. Like most canine disciplines, it's primarily about working with your dog. So your performance will definitely be influenced by the relationship you have with your furry friend. We also can't forget that it's a sport. So you need to build up your dog's physical condition, for example by running free, pay attention to regeneration and stretching (joints are being really strained from jumping), and supplements or proper nutrition. And all this, even if you only do it recreationally once a week. It's just good to keep it in mind.
Another important point is your throwing. In dogfrisbee, it's mainly about accuracy, not about catching the dog wherever you throw the disc, that could easily injure it. So a big part will also be on you and your throwing training.
When to start?
The ideal time to start intensive training for any dog activity is 12 months. But don't take our word for it, one year is just a guideline. Large dogs may develop even longer, so feel free to wait. It's also important to try everything gradually. So you can start even with a puppy, introduce the dog to the disc (maybe in the form of a toy), teach it to grip, send the disc along the ground, play tug-of-war, and so on, and gradually try throwing short and low throws. And around that one year, you can slowly start trying more difficult figures, like low overs (jumps). But the most important thing is to follow your dog's current physical condition.
How to start? A brief guide
Ideally, go to a training session, but you can easily try these first things at home and get acquainted with the disc.
1) Choosing a disc
- For starters, it's ideal to have at least two identical discs. The same so that the dog doesn't prefer one over the other and is willing to let go of the first one and run for the second.
- Whether you are an experienced thrower or you are holding a disc for the first time, you can't go wrong with the Loype Xtra 235 Distance. It's suitable for everyone!
- If you have a heavy biter with a strong grip or want a disc that can withstand tug-of-war, go for a durable disc - for example, Jawz.
- HyperFlex is an ultra-flexible disc suitable even for the most cautious dog catchers. It is also perfect for beginners who need extra motivation, because the disc can be used for tug between you and your dog.
- For puppies or really small dog, we would recommend Pup 120 distance. It is a smaller version of Xtra 235 distance with same qualities, so even the smallest dogs can enjoy this sport.
2) How to teach your dog about the disc
- The basis is that the dog has an interest in toys. If it has an interest in toys and playing with you, you can show it the frisbee. In the beginning, the most important thing is that the discs are "something extra" for the dog and won't become commonplace, so each game should only last a short while. We should always end when the dog has the greatest interest in the disc, then hide the discs and not leave them freely available.
- And how does such a game actually work? It depends on the specific dog. We can play tug-of-war with it, pull them along the ground and encourage it to catch them, send (roll) them along the ground and then run away from it, which also trains fetching, or we can train releasing by taking the second (same) disc when the dog holds one and then moving it around in different ways so that the dog has interest in the disc it currently holds.
- In dogfrisbee, treats are not necessary - the disc itself should always serve as a reward.
- It's also good to teach your dog to circle you on command, which is useful later when throwing, because when the dog circles you and immediately runs for the disc, it has a much better view and can follow the disc throughout its flight.
- When the dog can handle these basics, you can gradually start handing the discs to them while running at the level of their mouth and then start throwing short throws (only a few centimeters long at first) away from the dog and gradually lengthen them.
3) How to throw correctly
- Throwing is extremely important in frisbee, not just when you want to compete. If you want your dog to start catching discs from the air, it's especially important in the beginning to throw really nice and straight throws that it can catch up to and doesn't have to jump awkwardly for.
- It's ideal to go to a training session or seminar where they show you basic throws that you can then practice with someone in pairs, even at home in the garden or park.
- There are a huge number of different throws you can use in freestyle, but the absolute basics are the classic backhand. This is used in all distance disciplines and is also the first throw that most players learn.
Practice all this a few times a week, gradually and positively. In a few weeks or months, you'll catch the basics. But don't be afraid to repeat it, even if your dog already knows something.
A special joint nutrition might be useful for your doggo as well:
