Does your dog look spectacular catching a Frisbee in mid-air? Is he amazingly accurate and can snag it just about every time the disk is thrown at him?
If so then your family companion could actually compete as a flying-disc dog. You may have seen these flying wonders on television making those incredible twisting, back-flipping grabs as they leap off their owner's backs or legs in freestyle competitions.
The International Disc Dog handler's Association (IDDHA) oversees many canine-disc events worldwide. The IDDHA organizes events, awards titles, and unites handlers and clubs nationwide. Events vary from competitive (earning titles) to professional, and many have corporate sponsors, but the main idea in this sport is to have fun.
Flying-disc competitions welcome purebreds and mixed breeds alike. The most commonly seen competitive classes in flying-disc events include catch and retrieve, freestyle, accuracy and long distance.
Catch & Retrieve: Each dog-and-handler team has a set amount of time to catch as many discs as possible. Only one disc is used so the dog must return the disc to the handler before the next throw. Longer throws are awarded more points.
Accuracy: The dog must catch discs in one of the designated areas, usually a series of circles marked on the ground. More distant catches receive higher point scores.
Freestyle: Time routines, often set to music, feature an astounding array of tricks, throws and catches. Creativity is rewarded and you'll see flips and twists from the dog.
Long Distance: Several organizations sponsor long-distance events in which the longest successful catch wins it all.
To be successful at this sport your dog must master the basic obedience commands and have a solid recall. Most flying-disc experts recommend increasing your dog's interest in discs by making it a special toy, used only for flying-disc training.
Placing your dog's meals in a flying disc is one way to pique interest. You can also use a disc throw, called a roller, in which you spin the disc on its edge so it rolls a short distance, to encourage your dog to chase and grab it.
An ideal flying disc is light, thin and soft, but rigid. The softer discs are good for beginners and the dentally challenged dogs. Most competitors choose a light-weight plastic disc, and keep the discs clean and smooth (using sandpaper) to avoid cutting the dog's mouth.
Your dog may be a larger breed, therefore a bit heavy and stocky to make ideal disc dogs, but the leaner ones can really put on a good show. Their prey drive, high energy and willingness to please all add to success.
Caution: Any tendency toward hip dysplasia will be aggravated by the jumping and leaping required for this sport, so have your dog thoroughly checked out by your veterinarian before starting this event
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