Disc dog

About disc dog

Disc dog, often called frisbee dog, pairs a handler throwing a flying disc with a dog that chases it, catches it and brings it back. In the park it is simply a game. In competition it becomes a judged sport, with points for catches, creative moves and the partnership between dog and handler. The disc dog UK scene is still small and developing. Most of it is run by enthusiasts and instructors rather than a large governing body.

What this work involves

The UK Disc Dog Association (UKDDA) has published rules for its competitions:

• FreeDisc. A freestyle routine using several discs. One judge scores the creativity of the moves, one counts catches (an air catch scores more than a take or a tap) and one scores audience appeal. Routines get longer as teams move up through classes A to D.
• ThrowDisc and JumpDisc. Two further games, which the association listed as in development when it published its rules.

The rules set minimum ages of 18 months for FreeDisc and JumpDisc and 15 months for ThrowDisc, and say discs must be shatterproof and the right size for the dog.

Disc dog asks a lot of the body. Dogs sprint, leap, twist in the air and land, over and over. Good instructors teach body awareness first and keep catches low and flat until the dog is fit and fully grown. Use discs made for dogs, which are softer and kinder on teeth than toy-shop frisbees.

Who trains and supplies these dogs in the UK

Disc dog is run by owners and instructors. Owners train their own dogs, often after an introductory workshop, then build skills with an instructor and practise on their own.

The UK Disc Dog Association was set up by disc dog instructors and enthusiasts, and held its first competition at The Dog Training Barn in Banbury, Oxfordshire. It encourages people to get involved as players, instructors and judges. Its rules give handlers the right to ask for reasonable adjustments, such as a buffer zone between spectators and the ring, a silent thumbs up instead of applause and permission to use food in the ring. Disc dog is not one of the activities licensed by the Royal Kennel Club, so it runs independently.

Breeders listed on this site sell puppies, not trained disc dogs. A breeder can offer a well-built, healthy puppy from active parents with a strong love of toys and retrieving. The training is up to you.

Breeds and lines

Any fit, toy-mad dog can learn to play dog frisbee, but these types are among those most often seen in the sport:

• Border Collie. Focus, speed and intense toy drive make it the classic disc dog.
• Australian Shepherd. Athletic and keen, with a similar work ethic.
• Collie crosses and other light crossbreeds. Many disc dogs are crosses, and a lighter frame lands with less force.

Medium-sized, lightly built dogs tend to cope best with repeated jumping. Look for straight, well-angled legs and a moderate build rather than extremes of size.

For Border Collies, the Royal Kennel Club lists eye testing, hip and elbow scoring, and a range of DNA tests as recommended health checks. It will not register puppies from a merle-to-merle mating, because of the risk to sight and hearing. Any responsible breeder of collies, Aussies or their crosses should avoid this mating.

What to ask a breeder

1. Have the parents done disc dog, flyball, agility or other active sports, and have they stayed sound?
2. What are the parents’ hip and elbow scores, and do they have current eye certificates?
3. Which DNA tests have the parents had for their breed, and can I see the results?
4. Is either parent merle? Can you confirm this is not a merle-to-merle mating?
5. How strong is the parents’ toy and retrieve drive, and can they switch off at home?
6. For a crossbreed, which breeds are in the cross, and were both parents health tested?

Frequently asked questions

Is disc dog safe for my dog?

With good technique, dog-safe discs and sensible limits, many dogs play for years. Most of the risk comes from high, twisting catches and hard landings. The UKDDA’s rules set minimum competition ages of 15 to 18 months, depending on the game. Keep throws low and flat for young dogs, build fitness gradually, and ask your vet when your puppy has finished growing before adding jumps or vaults.

Where can I find a frisbee dog competition in the UK?

Ask a disc dog instructor, or contact the UK Disc Dog Association, about current workshops and competitions. There are far fewer events than for agility, so you may need to travel.

Can any breed play dog frisbee?

Most active dogs enjoy a gentle disc game. Competition suits light, agile dogs. Heavy dogs, long-backed breeds and flat-faced breeds that struggle with hard exercise are better kept to rolling or low throws.

Do your dogs play disc, or do your lines produce athletic, toy-driven puppies suited to dog sports? Add your listing to Canine Breeder so disc dog handlers can find you.