It's not that I think I know everything about catching a frisbee........ but I get so many visitors to my web site asking me about this topic that I thought this might be a good idea. You can use your browser to print it out and give it to a friend if you like. Please let me know if my method works for you or if you have any additional advice that I should add.
1. Begin teaching your dog to fetch by using a stick or a ball. For puppies wait until he's (this is written in the generic "he"....sorry ladies) approximately 2 1/2 to 4 months of age (depending on your dog's attention span..it won't be very long at first!).
2. If necessary, use a long line (rope or heavy twine depending on his size) attached to him to ensure he returns to you. Gently tug it at first and see if he comes. If not reel him in. Praise him as he comes to you.
3. Some people recommend using a frisbee as a food dish (for your dog....not you) to familiarize your dog to it. (I never did that.....I eat more than a frisbee can hold!)
4. It is also suggested that you never give the frisbee to your dog to play with on his own as he will probably chew it up. I've chewed up many a frisbee in my day. It's why we buy cheap frisbees for practice and play. BE SURE YOUR DOG DOESN'T EAT PIECES OF FRISBEE. They don't taste good anyway but I understand some puppies are so inclined.
5. To get your dog interested in the frisbee, move it back and forth rapidly in front of his face. Tease him with it so he wants it so badly he'll chase it anywhere.
6. Always use the word "Frisbee" in an excited tone so he will learn to associate the word with the fun of playing frisbee. Whenever I hear the word I'm up and ready to play!
7. Throw or roll the frisbee a short distance so your dog will begin to retrieve it. Always praise him when he returns it. We're just teaching him to retrieve now, not catch. If you need to, attach the line (remember the rope or twine?) to him to prod him into returning to you. Be sure to praise him even when you have to reel him all the way in. If your dog runs from you after retrieving the frisbee do NOT chase him and start a game of "keep away".
8. Catching a frisbee....Ah finally! Begin by getting your dog excited with the frisbee. Once whipped into a frenzy, throw it a short distance (4-7 feet), high enough so that he will get to it before it hits the ground. If we're lucky he'll try to catch it out of the air! If he tries (even on a miss) praise him like you have never done so before! If he doesn't attempt to catch it in the air, do not let him get it from the ground. Block him from picking it up and retrieve it yourself (by hand not in your mouth). Do it again, and again...and ......................... Eventually he should try to get the frisbee while it is in flight.
9. Once he begins to catch the short throws, gradually increase the distance. Try to keep your throws straight (you may need practice first!). Don't forget to praise the catches and the good efforts (even misses).
10. Make a mental note of the number of successful catches .....lets say out of 10. Watch the progress and before you know it he'll get a 10 for 10! We never stop playing on a miss. In fact we always put in a string of catches and end play on a "high note".
11. Practice as often as you can. It should be fun, not work. I play all year long probably at least 3-4 days per week (15 minute sessions - at minimum). We even play in the dark sometimes! My owner can't even see the frisbee when I catch them...... he just hears a clunk as I snag them out of the air. Give it a try, it's fun!
...........Good Luck! Rudy.................
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