| I think we're a lot alike in that you are always | | | | your pet. |
| looking for new and exciting ways for you and | | | | There are even some cloth and/or nylon varieties |
| your dog to have some fun in the sun. Whether | | | | that contain an outer rubber ring which are |
| you're on the beach or in a park, there is always | | | | perfect for water sports. |
| an opportunity for you and your dog to get in | | | | Once your dog has mastered the art of fetching |
| some exercise and play. Try adding a flying disc | | | | the disc, you may consider joining your local disc |
| into the mix - it's a fun and inexpensive way to | | | | dog club. There are even a variety of |
| get you both moving! | | | | organizations that plan event competitions to |
| The disc dog sport started in the early 1970s | | | | participate in throughout the year such as the |
| around the same time that flying disc sports | | | | Ashley Whippet Invitational (AWI) World |
| became popular with us humans. Alex Stein and | | | | Championship, the Hyperflite Skyhoundz World |
| his dog, Ashley Whippet, made the sport famous | | | | Canine Disc Championship and the UFO World Cup |
| on August 4, 1974 when he and his dog ran on to | | | | Series. |
| the field in the middle of a baseball game between | | | | And don't think that only certain types of breeds |
| the LA Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. He began | | | | are destined to become perfect disc dogs. Take it |
| tossing the flying discs into the air for Ashley to | | | | from Jeff Perry - the 1989 Canine Disc World |
| fetch as she dashed after them at 35 mph and | | | | Champion: |
| leapt as high as 9 feet in the air! | | | | "Shelter and rescue animals make great disc dogs. |
| For the beginner, there are training classes that | | | | Although most people think that Border Collies, |
| you and your pooch can sign up for to get | | | | Australian Shepherds, Labradors and Golden |
| accustomed to the sport. Your pet must be over | | | | Retrievers make the best disc dogs, nothing could |
| 18 months of age before attempt catching a disc. | | | | be further from the truth. A loved dog makes a |
| Younger pups can hurt themselves from | | | | great disc dog and very few canines are loved |
| excessive leaping if their growth plate* hasn't yet | | | | more than adopted shelter and rescue canines." |
| closed. Confirm with your veterinarian that your | | | | -Jeff Perry, 1989 World Champion |
| pup's growth plate has closed before you start | | | | Whether you decide to professionally participate in |
| training. | | | | the flying disc dog sport or just toss the old |
| Some tips on choosing the perfect disc: | | | | Frisbee around for fun, I'm sure that you and |
| Make sure the disc is the proper size in proportion | | | | your dog will have a blast together! |
| to your dog. | | | | *A growth plate is the soft area of immature |
| Lightweight discs are easier for your pet to carry | | | | bone near the ends of the leg bones. The growth |
| in his mouth. | | | | plates close around 12-16 months of age when |
| The best discs to use are made from soft but | | | | the calcium and minerals harden the soft bone |
| rigid materials. DO NOT USE discs made from | | | | areas. (Source: familyeducation. |
| hard, brittle material as they can shard and injure | | | | |