Disc dog training

Learning to throw a flying disc is not difficult – but throwing well requires lots of practice. No matter how good your dog is, if you continually make wild or unpredictable throws, it will be difficult for your four-legged friend to make consistent, safe catches. Therefore, when training, make learning to throw well your highest priority.

Getting start

·         Disc Selection

Starting with the right flying disc will greatly shorten the learning curve and speed you on your way to an enjoyable and fun activity for you and your pet.

Hyperflite discs were designed to have predictable and consistent flying characteristics and to fit the hand of the thrower. Hyperflite's patent-pending “grip strips” fall readily to hand and make gripping the disc a breeze.

The Hyperflite Jawz disc is an ultra-tough, puncture-resistant model designed to withstand the gnashing of canine teeth. The SoFlite, on the other hand, is extremely soft and flexible for canines with sensitive mouths.

§   Introducing your dog to the disc

o    Make it fun and non threatening.One way to accomplish this is to use the disc as a food or water dish. Because all Hyperflite discs are made with food-safe polymers and inks, it is safe to use your Hyperflite K-10 as your dog's food or water bowl.

o    Once acquainted with the disc, your canine will now be ready to discover that his food dish is also a great toy. Begin by getting down to your dog's level. With excitement in your voice, move the disc rapidly back and forth and let your dog try and grab the disc. Once you have your dog's attention, slide or roll the disc across the ground to develop its tracking skills. If your dog chases the disc, even if only for a few feet, remember to be liberal with praise for the effort.

o    Next, encourage your dog to take the disc out of your hand. Do not pull the disc away from your dog once he takes it from you. Instead let him have it as a reward for his efforts while you simultaneously reward him with praise.

o    Once your dog is consistently taking the disc out of your hand, kneel down and position your canine in front of you about three feet away. Instead of handing him the disc, gently toss the disc in the air just in front of your dog. Never throw directly at your canine. If your dog moves towards the disc and attempts to catch it, give him lots of praise.  Also, make sure that you are releasing the disc at a catchable angle, so the disc's edge is easy for him to grab.

o    Next, position your dog to your left side (if you are right handed) and make a short throw (less than five yards) into the wind. As your dog's catching consistency improves, simply extend the distance that you throw the disc farther and farther. Make these throws into the wind so the disc will fly slowly and float long enough for your dog to make a catch.

Throwing Tips

§  Start with short throws (10 to 15 yards) and keep the disc's flight as flat as possible.

§  Practice when the winds are calm.

§  If you do practice in the wind, try to throw across the wind, not downwind or upwind.

§  Once you become a proficient thrower, you may choose to throw into the wind for extra float time or with the wind at your back for longer distances.

§       Spin is important. Proper spin is achieved by several factors including wrist snap, proper body position and grip. Hyperflite discs comes with “grip strips”on the top and underside of the disc.

§      Tip: Avoid placing your index finger along the outside edge of the disc, as this type of grip will not enable you to     make accurate throws over longer distances.

Disc dog training information provided courtesy of www.hyperflite.com