Getting Started...
Assuming you already have a canine buddy that you want to play disc with. And want to know,  “Can my dog do that?” Certain breeds are more well suited than others. Large dogs to small dogs can play disc. Jack Russels have been know to play well and can use a smaller disc. Labs retrieve naturally but are a little large for some of the tricks, they do great in the distance trials. Most breeds you’ll see out there are the herding breeds. Aussies, Cattle Dogs and Border Collies. And lots of mixed breeds.

Before you start any new training you should have your dog checked by your vet. Let your vet know what you are going to be training for. They will examine your dog and give you an “ok”, that your dog is in good health and ready to go. Be aware that young puppies and older dogs should have their training tailored for their physical needs. Puppies should not be encouraged to jump until the bones in the legs/hips have stopped growing. Somewhere around 18 months. Your vet can examine your dog and tell you when it is ok to start jumping.

Basic obedience is a must before you start training for frisbee. Your dog should have a solid off leash recall before you ever let him/her off leash. With the basic obedience  you have a good foundation to start adding more commands/tricks. Patience and Practice is the key to training. Again, Patience and Practice.
Your Training Goals...
Watch some video of competitions, see what it's all about.  ( YouTube )
Then decide WHAT your goals are for Disc Training.

Are you aiming for a freestyle routine, are you gonna compete, are you comfortable staying with only Toss-n-Fetch, is this only for weekend fun and exercise....you decide what's best for you and your dog!!



"Frisbee" is Trademarked by Whamo, so we use the word "disc" instead!

Disc is a TEAM sport, never let your dog have a disc as a chew toy!
Your pup should only get to play with you!

Practice in shorts sessions, always have fun and end on a good note!
And remember that if your dog misses a catch....
IT"S THE HANDLER'S FAULT!!      NOT THE DOG'S!!!!    Be Safe!
First Ya Gotta "Fetch"!

Fetch consists of Four  parts.
~Chase
~Catch/Get it
~Retrieve/Bring
~Drop It/Out
Start training the “Fetch” with something other than a Frisbee/Disc. Like a ball or toy, and transfer to a disc later. It is easier for a dog to learn one skill at a time. And right now we are just teaching fetch. You can start teaching this at any age. Remember all training should be upbeat and fun.

The chase is the first part of your retrieve/fetch. Tie a toy to a string and entice your dog to chase it. Wiggle it around on the floor in front of the dog, make happy noises, act excited. Give lots of praise when your dog chases the toy. Let him get it. Praise. Gently remove from pups mouth, no command yet. Next to can try rolling a ball, not to far for a young pup. And then short tosses. Get your dog excited about the chase. This will be easier for some dogs than others. Don’t discourage if your dog doesn't pick it up right away. Keep trying. Now that your dog is interested in the chase add the “get it” command. And praise when he/she gets it. Let them have a high ratio of getting it. Let him/her win. Note you may need to start real small for some dogs and just touching the toy, not picking it up, may need praise and encouragement to actually pick it up. Remember we are teaching a new skill, they aren't borning knowing how to fetch strange objects, well at least not most dogs! Keep it fun. If your dog already has a good chase and get it, move on to bringing it back......
Retrieve
Retrieve is the taking of an object,  carrying it and giving it up.   Your dog is now getting the toy and picking it up, now let’s get him/her to bring it back.

Give the toy a toss and  “Go.., Get it!” Once your dog has the toy/disc in his/her mouth call him/her and move in the opposite direction. Some dogs will follow you, and when they get to you praise the daylights out of them! Lots of praise! Add the “Bring it” command as your dog is returning to you reliably.

If your dog runs from you after retrieving the frisbee/toy DO NOT chase him/her and start a game of “keep away”.  (This is where a solid recall is handy.) You may want to attach a 20-30Ft lead to your dog. Toss the toy, let the lead drag on the ground, as soon as your dog gets the toy/disc, take the lead and call him/her back. Moving backwards calling your dog. Use a very excited voice. If he/she doesn’t budge, give a small tug on the lead, a suggestion to move this way. Continue calling and a small tug until the dog is to you, PRAISE! If you want your dog to repeat a behavior you gotta praise the daylights out of them!

Let them hold onto the toy at this stage, while you praise. Gently remove from mouth with no command and toss again. It is important to go step by step. First we built up the chase drive, then we taught “get it” and now we did “bring it” Next we’ll discuss the “drop” command. Then put it all together!

Drop
A reliable “Drop!” command is very important to any canines well being. “Drop” can be for toys, your shoes, trash and harmful items.

DO NOT chase your dog when he/she has something you want dropped. It will only turn into a game of keep away. Try turning your back and walking the other direction. This will often make the dog realize that play time is over if he/she will not drop the toy/frisbee back to you. Or sit down and wait him/her out. Playing is much more fun than sitting. He’ll most likely come over to see you are doing, drop the toy so he can sniff or lick you. At that point, PRAISE!

Or try having two toys of the same, or two discs. When your dog returns with the first toy, pull out the other one, ready to toss but not until he drops the first one, act like the second one is way more exciting than the first. Praise!

Or use treats. When your dog returns to you, have a treat ready, give the “Drop” command, show him/her the treat. Most dogs will drop anything they have to eat a treat! Praise continue your game of fetch.

Add the “Drop” command when
he’s doing it consistently.

Now you have it! The basic fetch and
release. Now let’s add a disc!
Adding The Disc
Before starting to throw a Disc for your dog, learn the proper way to handle the disc with a human friend. This is a tremendous help when your dog is learning to catch it.

Never give the frisbee to your dog to play with on his own. He can chew it up and swallow harmful pieces. It is expensive to replace discs every day. And Disc Doggin is a team sport. Your dog should only get to play with the disc with you.


Introducing a frisbee/disc
Please see the section on the different types of discs.
To get your dog interested in the frisbee some feed thier dogs out of it. Which if your dog has never seen a frisbee before may be a good idea. When playing with you dog move it back and forth on the floor in front of him/her. Encouage the chase and the get it. If you’ve got a good fetch down you can start rollers.

Rollers are where you roll the disc on its side, on the ground. This will entise your dog to chase it and get a feel for grabing the disc while in motion. Or slide it arcoss the floor. Don’t expect the pup to catch the disc in the air, just teach him to retrieve it from a slide or roller. Once your pup is returning the disc, the next step is to get them to catch it in the air.
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