Throwing a frisbee at Fido can be a fun exercise for both of you

I think we are a lot alike in that you are always looking for new and exciting ways for you and your dog to have fun in the sun. Whether you are at the beach or in a park, there is always an opportunity for you and your dog to get some exercise and play. Try adding a Frisbee to the mix – it’s a fun, inexpensive way to get both of you moving!

The sport of puck dog began in the early 1970s, around the same time that frisbee sports became popular with humans. Alex Stein and his dog, Ashley Whippet, made the sport famous on August 4, 1974 when he and his dog ran onto the field in the middle of a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. He started throwing the flying discs into the air for Ashley to pick them up as she ran after them at 35 mph and jumped as high as 9 feet in the air!

For the beginner, there are training classes that you and your dog can sign up for to get used to the sport. Your pet must be over 18 months old before attempting to catch a discus. Younger puppies can be injured from excessive jumping if their growth plate * has not yet closed. Confirm with your veterinarian that your puppy’s growth plate has closed before starting training.

Some tips for choosing the perfect disc:

Make sure the disc is the proper size in proportion to your dog.
Lightweight discs are easier for your pet to carry in their mouth.
The best discs to use are made of soft but stiff materials. DO NOT USE discs made of hard and brittle material, as they can fragment and harm your pet.
There are even some varieties of fabric and / or nylon that contain an outer rubber ring that are perfect for water sports.

Once your dog has mastered the art of discus hunting, you may consider joining your local discus dog club. There are even a variety of organizations that plan events to participate in throughout the year, such as the Ashley Whippet Invitational (AWI) World Championship, the Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship, and the UFO World Cup Series.

And don’t think that only certain types of breeds are destined to make perfect discus dogs. Take it from Jeff Perry, the 1989 World Dog Disc Champion:

“Shelter and rescue animals make excellent discus dogs. Although most people think that Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers are the best discus dogs, nothing could be further from the truth. A beloved dog is a great discus dog and very few dogs are more loved than adopted shelter and rescue dogs. ” -Jeff Perry, 1989 World Champion

Whether you decide to get involved professionally in the sport of frisbee dog or just throw old Frisbee for fun, I’m sure you and your dog will have a blast together!

* A growth plate is the soft area of ​​immature bone near the ends of the leg bones. The growth plates close around 12-16 months of age when calcium and minerals harden the soft bone areas. (Source: familyeducation.com)

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