<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Now ya gotta make sure you throw it in the direction you send him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Don't even start - I flatly suck throwing this frisbee thing. So its a learning experience for the both of us. JS makes up for so many of my inaccuracies.

Now if only I could get my Spitz to catch'em. They're supposedly very agile. But Skill and Will are different I guess.

Sigh.
David C

Hi David,

You may want to consider how the dog is catching the disc. Jumping up and forward to catch the disc is ok but still could lead to injuries if done too often. Jumping up and twisting around to catch the disc could be problematic. The dog MAY be more likely to tear a cruciate or ligaments landing that way.

One of the performance (flyball, agility, canine disc) Border Collies in my area recently required surgery for an injury from playing disc.

Not trying to scare you as I also play disc with my dog. Just letting you know that you need to be careful.

One technique used to teach the dog to jump forward to catch the disc is as follows. Put the dog in a sit stay. Move out about 10 feet and stand sideways to the dog. Hold the disc out in front of your body on the edge of the disc. Call the dog and tell him to "get it". When he puts his mouth on the disc, let go of it. As he gets the idea, move the disc higher up so that he has to jump a little and increase the distance between yourself and the dog.

Another technique that I use to keep the dog from getting in front of the disc and twisting to catch it, is to teach the dog to go around me before I throw the disc. That way the dog has to follow the disc and won't get ahead of it in order to turn, twist and catch the disc.

Oh, and if you're having problems throwing the disc. Go out without the dog and practice!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Natalie
http://alikamalinois.tripod.com