Introducing your dog to the game of frisbee can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. Personally we love watching dogs take off and fly through the air to catch a frizz! Not only are you tapping into their predatory instincts to chase after prey, but you can also add in tug work when they return with the frisbee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Choose the Right Frisbee

Select a soft, flexible frisbee designed specifically for dogs to ensure it’s safe for their teeth and gums. Our go to frisbee is the Chuck It version with the hole in the middle as it has a bit more sturdiness than the one without, but that’s our runner up, then the StarMark easy glide frisbee. Avoid hard plastic frisbees that can cause injury.

Step 2: Familiarize Your Dog with the Frisbee

Before you start throwing the frisbee, let your dog get used to it. Allow them to sniff, mouth, and play with the frisbee at their own pace. You can even use the frisbee as a food dish during mealtime to create a positive association. Then we will begin building interest in the frisbee by rolling it out like a yo-yo so that your pup begins to follow and chase after it. This is also a safe way to get a puppy interested in the game of frisbee, as you want to avoid excessive jumping at a young age.

Step 3: Teach the Basics

Gradually progress to short tosses, rewarding your dog with praise when they show interest or bring the frisbee back. Start with short, low throws that are easy for your dog to catch. As your dog gets more comfortable, increase the distance and height of your throws. Always use positive reinforcement to reward successful catches and returns.

Step 4: Practice Commands

Incorporate basic commands like “get it,” “out,” and “here” into your frisbee training sessions. Consistent commands help your dog understand what’s expected and improve their response during play.

Step 5: Gradually Increase Difficulty

As your dog becomes more adept at catching and retrieving the frisbee, gradually increase the difficulty of your throws. Experiment with different angles, heights, and distances to challenge your dog and keep the game exciting. We personally like to teach a dog to wrap behind our legs to run out for the frisbee, this allows them the best speed to go for the frisbee versus being in front of you and needing to turn around to go after it.

Step 6: Safety First

Always be mindful of your dog’s physical limits. Avoid playing frisbee on extremely hot days or over rough terrain that could cause injury. Keep sessions short and fun to prevent exhaustion and ensure your dog remains enthusiastic about the game.

Step 7: Have Fun and Bond

Remember that the primary goal is to have fun and strengthen the bond with your dog. Celebrate small successes, and don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t catch on right away. With patience and practice, your dog will soon enjoy the game of frisbee just as much as you do.

By following these steps, you’ll create a positive and enjoyable frisbee-playing experience for your dog, enhancing your time together and providing great physical exercise and mental stimulation.