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Last-modified: 07 Apr 1997

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                              Frisbee Dog FAQ

   !!! Copyright Notice

   This FAQ is maintained by The National Capital Air Canines. The
   National Capital Air Canines reserve all rights to copy and modify
   this document. You may distribute this document freely upon three
   conditions: 1. No alterations are made to this document. 2. No fee is
   charged for the distribution of this document. 3. This notice is
   maintained within the distributed copy. In other words, you may give
   it away for free as long as you don't alter the contents or this
   copyright notice. Enjoy!

   !!!

   Frisbee(R) is a registered trademark and brand name of Mattel, Inc.
   ALPO(R) and Friskies(R) are registered trademarks of the Friskies
   PetCare Company, Inc.

   FAQ URL: http://www.vais.net/~krobair/ncac/FAQ.htm

   Comments are welcome! Send to: National Capital Air Canines -
   [e-mail]

   Version History

   3-31-97 Version 1.0

Contents. What is in this FAQ?

     * 1 Types of Frisbee Dog Events
          + 1.1 Fetch and Catch ( aka Mini-Distance )
          + 1.2 Freestyle ( aka Freeflight )
          + 1.3 Accuracy
          + 1.4 Long Distance
     * 2 Basic Training Guide
          + 2.1 Starting out
          + 2.2 Basic Fetch and Retrieve
          + 2.3 Dropping the disc
          + 2.4 Jumping
     * 3 Equipment
          + 3.1 Discs
          + 3.2 Sandpaper
          + 3.3 Traffic Cones
          + 3.4 Tape Measure
          + 3.5 Protection
     * 4 Clubs
     * 5 Organizations
     * 6 Resources
          + 6.1 Books
          + 6.2 Videos
          + 6.3 Training and Routine Creation CD-ROM
          + 6.4 Training Material
          + 6.5 Where to buy discs

1. Types of Frisbee Dog Events

    1.1 Catch and Retrieve ( Known as "Mini-Distance" in ALPO events )

   The catch and retrieve event is the backbone of most Frisbee dog
   events. It consists of a timed round where teams, which consist of one
   dog and one thrower, attempt to make as many successful throws/catches
   as possible before time runs out. Generally, the field is a rectangle
   laid out with lines representing distances from the throwing line,
   much like a football field with the throwing line being the end zone.
   Teams score more points for longer throw/catch combinations. Usually
   only one disc may be used. Rounds usually last one minute.

    1.2 Freestyle ( Known as "Freeflight" in ALPO events )

   While catch and retrieve is the most common event, and the easiest for
   beginners, the most spectacular and fun to watch canine Frisbee event
   is freestyle. This event consists of a timed routine, usually
   performed to music. The routine is a choreographed presentation of
   tricks that involve, many different types of throws and catches. Some
   of the more spectacular tricks involve the dog leaping off the leg or
   back of the thrower and catching a disc that is tossed high in the air
   for the dog. Other tricks have the dog doing a half backflip combined
   with a half twist while catching a disc tossed over their head from
   the front (don't worry if you can't picture it, just go to an event
   with freestyle and see for yourself! ). The tricks one sees in
   freestyle are only limited by the creativity of the performers.

    1.3 Accuracy

   This event is currently available only at National Capital Air Canines
   sponsored competitions. While similar to catch and fetch, the targets
   are not yard markers on a field, but four circles of various sizes
   placed at various distances on a field. The further away a circle is,
   the more points awarded for a catch within that circle.

    1.4 Long Distance

   Occasionally, the National Capital Air Canines sponsor a long distance
   competition. This event is just what it sounds like. Thrower and dog
   must be behind the start line when the disc is released, and the point
   at which the dog catches the disc is marked. Throwers usually are
   given two throws. The longest throw/catch wins. This is a fun event
   and hopefully other clubs and groups will begin to add it to their
   event categories.

2. Basic Training Guide

   ( Also, refer to the Resources section for more detailed training
   guides )

    2.1 Starting Out

   Important. Consult your veterinarian before starting your dog on any
   form of athletic training program. You should verify that your pup has
   good hips, especially before attempting canine Frisbee, or else a
   potential problem of canine Hip Dysplasia could be aggravated.

   Also Important. ALWAYS have water available for your dog while you are
   training them. Since dogs do not sweat, but expell heat primarily
   through their mouth and tongues, drinking water helps them cool down.
   Failure to provide water to a working dog can result in hyperthermia,
   which can be fatal.

   The most important step in starting out is choosing the right dog! If
   this step is done right, then everything else is easy. One way to go
   about it is to acquire a pure-bred puppy of a breed that is known to
   do well at canine disc. The drawbacks to this method are that it costs
   money, you cannot really know how the pup will turn out, and you have
   to wait a year or more before the dog is able to train rigorously.

   The second method of finding a good disc dog is to go to a shelter or
   rescue group and adopt an adult dog. This allows you to get to know
   the dog and test it for Frisbee aptitude. If the dog shows some
   interest in chasing the disc, then there is a good chance they will be
   a faithful, enthusiastic dog Frisbee partner. The other up side to
   this method is that it is cheaper, and often the bond of a rescued dog
   is stronger than that of a dog raised from puppyhood.

   Ideally, you want a dog with the following characteristics:

   -Adult weight between 30 - 50 pounds.
   -Lean build.
   -Strong retrieval and tracking/chasing instincts
   -Even temperament ( They will be off-lead with other dogs )
   -Sound hips

   Another important step toward good Frisbee dog training is basic
   obedience. The main point of this class should be to teach the owner,
   not the dog. Once an owner gets a feel for teaching basic obedience,
   then teaching Frisbee comes naturally.

   Once you have a dog, here are a few things to do ( and not do! ) when
   beginning Frisbee training:

   DO
   1. Throw the disc on the ground, rolling it like a wheel. This will
   allow the dog to get used to chasing it without a bad experience of
   possibly getting hit by a flying disc.
   2. Allow the dog to have fun, and don't worry too much if they lose
   interest and/or don't bring the disc back.
   3. Use a happy voice and try to convince your dog this is the best
   thing since Doggy Biscuits. Always make Frisbee training an extra
   special time.
   4. Dogs who are not interested in the disc may be enticed to play with
   it by sliding the disc on the ground in circles in front of the dog.
   They will pounce on the disc, and when they do, throw a roller and the
   dog should follow it. Some trainers will actually rub the disc lightly
   along the dogs torso to entice them to bite at it, but care should be
   taken not to cause the dog to associate fear with the disc, so make
   sure you talk to your dog with a happy, reassuring voice while doing
   this step.
   5. Put the discs away when you are not there. You dog should realize
   the disc is a special toy that is only available when you are there.

   DO NOT
   1. DO NOT throw the disc directly at the dog. You want to avoid
   hitting the dog with the disc, especially in the face. Doing so could
   result in the dog developing a fear of the disc.
   2. DO NOT push the dog to hard, to the point it is no longer having
   fun. If your pooch loses interest, then quit for now and start when
   you are both fresh.
   3. DO NOT encourage a dog under 14 months to leap. The stress of
   landing can damage a dog that is not fully developed. If a young dog
   is a reckless leaper, then keep your throws low. Concerned owners can
   request that their veterinarian take x-rays to determine if their
   dog's growth plates have closed and they can begin jumping.

   ( Remember, if both you and your pup are not having fun, then you are
   trying too hard! )

    2.2 Basic Fetch and Retrieve

   Once your dog is going for the disc, it is time to encourage them to
   bring it back to you. For this, the long training lead is the best
   tool. Purchase or make your own 30'+ lead and put it on your dog. Then
   play as usual, only when the dog grabs the disc, call the dog and reel
   them in, all the while praising them. Make sure the lead is not
   attached to anything and that you are not holding onto it when the dog
   chases the disc. Only grab the lead when the disc is picked up and the
   retrieve should begin.

   What if my dog drops the disc when I start pulling it in?
   -Stop reeling right away, go and get the disc and start playing with
   the dog and disc. Eventually they should get the idea that you want
   the disc brought to you.

   What if my dog resists the retrieval?
   -If this is happening, then you need to work on recalls with your dog
   without the disc being present. If your dog does not come when called,
   then you cannot expect them to do so when they are distracted by a
   toy! A good obedience class does more for the owner than for the dog.
   In it you will learn basic training techniques that you can apply to
   canine disc.

   Once your pup is returning the disc, the next step is to get them to
   catch it in the air. Unless your dog is already trying to catch the
   disc, care should be taken when throwing it for them. Keep the disc
   from flying in the direction of the dog, as it may hit them and cause
   them to be mistrustful of the disc. Do not be discouraged if your dog
   does not immediately take to the airborne catch. Some dogs take many
   months to establish the coordination needed to catch the Frisbee in
   mid-flight. Use low, flat trajectories to give your dog the best
   chance.

    2.3 Dropping the disc

   One commonly asked question is "How to I get my dog to drop the disc?"
   Well, a reliable "Drop!" command is very important to any canines well
   being, so try teaching your pup to drop anything they have. You can do
   this several ways. Perhaps the best is to tell your dog "drop", point
   to the ground, and have something else in your hand the dog wants,
   such as another disc, a toy, or perhaps occasionally a treat. When the
   dog drops what they are holding, praise them and then give them the
   other item. After the dog gets the idea, begin to "forget" to give
   them the other item, but keep praising them. Soon, the drop command
   will be automatic. For dogs that are not too stubborn, it is possible
   to teach the drop by squeezing the jaw joint gently and saying drop
   until the item is dropped. Then praise and maybe even give the item
   back to show that you want them to drop it, but don't plan to take
   away their toy forever.

    2.4 Jumping

   Care should be taken when training your dog to jump. When a dog leaps,
   it should land flat, so that all four legs absorb part of the impact.
   Many Frisbee dogs jump and land vertically, and this can stress the
   rear legs and spine. The canine knee is not designed to absorb
   vertical force, and a tear of one of the knee ligament is more likely
   in a vertical landing, especially if a dog is twisting at the same
   time. Try training your dog to jump by teaching them to jump through a
   hula hoop, or some other device that will not hurt them if they crash
   into it. This will force the dog the get their butts up in the air
   during a leap and land flat. Remember that young dogs, under 14
   months, should not be encouraged to jump.

3. Equipment

    3.1 Discs

   Characteristics

   Here are several key characteristics of flying discs:
   1. Shape
   2. Weight
   3. Material
   The ideal canine disc is light, thin, and made of soft but rigid
   material Types Flexible/Floppy Flexible/Floppy discs are great for
   starting out, for dogs that have dental problems, or show dogs that
   cannot afford the slightest risk of a broken tooth. While tennis balls
   and bones pose more risk of tooth damage than Fastback Frisbee discs,
   some folks may still want to use these flexible types:

   1. Floppy Disc
   A cloth/nylon disc with a rubber outer ring. Nice because they float!

   2. Nylabone
   These are closer to 'regulation' than Floppy Discs, and are probably
   just as safe. Be aware that there are some version of the Nylabone
   disc that are harder than others. Make sure you get the flexible,
   rubbery type. Note that there is a Gumabone model with a bone shape
   extending out of the top of the disc. While safe and easy for dogs to
   pick up, these discs fly like bricks.

   3 Frisbee Fastback
   This is the disc of choice for most Frisbee dog enthusiasts. The
   Fastback Frisbee disc is a 107 gram disc made out of a soft PVC type
   plastic that a person can actually mar with a fingernail quite easily.
   They don't last as long as the harder types you can find in pet
   stores, but that means they are less damaging to the dog's teeth.

   4 Other discs
   Any other discs used should be soft, have no protrusions, and should
   not be much heavier than 110 grams. In other words, the hard, generic
   'doggie discs' one can sometimes find in pet stores or be given as
   promotional items should be avoided, as should 185 gram freestyle
   discs and especially golf discs. Finally, any flying object with a
   metal core, such as the Aerobie flying ring should not be used in dog
   Frisbee

    3.2 Sandpaper

   If you are using plastic discs, you need to maintain them. Keep them
   clean, since dirt on a spinning disc acts just like sandpaper on your
   dog's teeth. The dishwasher is a great place to clean discs! Also, the
   disc should be kept smooth. As a disc is used, it develops cuts and
   sharp dings that can cut your dog's mouth. Rather than simply throw
   them out, try sanding them:

   Flexible Sanding Block

   This tool can be found at any hardware store. It is a foam block that
   is covered with sandpaper, and easily conforms to the shape of a disc.
   It is better than regular sandpaper since it is not affected as much
   by water ( or dog slobber! )

   Plumber's "Cloth"

   This is 'sandpaper' for copper and pvc pipe. It comes in a roll of 1
   inch wide "cloth" and can be easily torn into small pieces and used as
   needed. Since it is designed for plumber's, it is nearly impervious to
   water and slobber.

    3.3 Cones

   If you plan on competing with your dog, even if you you do not plan to
   be a serious competitor, you may want to purchase some some orange
   cones to mark off the scoring distances when you practice. This will
   give you a better idea of where the distances are that will give you a
   higher score. Cones can be found at toy or sporting goods stores.

    3.4 Measuring Tape

   You can buy a crank type, 30 yard plastic measuring tape at most
   hardware stores. These are far easier to use than the retractable
   metal measuring tapes most folks are familiar with.

    3.5 Protection

   Once a dog and owner get serious about dog Frisbee, they begin to
   train for freestyle routines, where dogs may leap off the bodies of
   the thrower. If you try this without thinking, you will find out just
   how much damage a 50 pound canine can do leaping off a human's back,
   even if the dogs nail's have been trimmed, and the thrower is wearing
   a sweatshirt!

      _Neoprene _

   Fortunately, there is neoprene!

      Vest

   The best protection you can get is a neoprene diving vest. It protects
   the entire upper torso, and is easy to get on and off. They can be
   pricey, but they have been found at Wall-Mart for under $30. Remember,
   you don't need a very thick one (2mm is usually sufficient). Often
   Dive Shops sell their used rental vests cheap.

      Thigh wraps

   Normally used for thigh support, these thigh wraps are great
   protection for when your dog jumps off your thigh. They can be found
   at most sporting goods stores.

      Waist Pad

   The neoprene waist wrap is usually sold with the idea that it will
   help the wearer lose weight via sweating. While water loss is not true
   weight loss, these wraps are nevertheless great extra protection for
   when your dog missed a vault and lands a little lower than the diver's
   vest. These can be found right next to the thigh pads in most sporting
   good stores.

      Safety Goggles

   Don't forget to wear some form of eye protection if your dog does
   serious vaults. If a dog misses or thinks it may fall, it will try to
   grab/stand on anything they can get their paws on, including your
   face. Also, a vaulting dog is usually moving very quickly, and they
   can flail their legs as they fly by.

4. Clubs

   National Capital Air Canines
   William Linne', Director
   2830 Meadow Lane Falls Church, VA 22042
   703-532-0709(Hot Line) -or- 703-K93-DISC (Cellular)
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW : http://www.vais.net/~krobair/ncac/ncac.htm
   Info: NCAC is a Washington D.C. Area Frisbee Dog club that sponsors 8
   or more competitions and several instructional clinics per year in the
   D.C. area, publishes a monthly newsletter, and organizes many social
   events for club members throughout the year, including a canoe trip,
   campout, and holiday party. NCAC competitions feature 2 skill levels
   with three different events in each division. Ribbons and prizes are
   awarded for the top three finishers in each event, and at the end of
   the season, the top scorer is awarded the Capital Cup.

   The Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club
   Melissa Heeter, President
   63 Red Top Circle, SE Cartersville GA 30120-6974
   (770) 386-684
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Front Range Flyers K9 disc Club
   Rick Brydum ([e-mail]), President
   7015 E. Euclid Drive Englewood CO 80111
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   Carolina Air Canine North Carolina Dog & Disc Club
   David Cantara , President
   3216 Timberwolf Avenue High Point NC 27265
   [phone]
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW: http://members.aol.com/AIRCANINE/dogbyte.htm
   Info:

   The Austin Dog & Disc Club
   Eric Calhoun
   11805-B Bell Avenue Austin TX 78759
   [phone]
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Austin Dog & Disc Club
   Tim Donovan, President
   1109 Regan Place Austin TX 78704
   [phone]
   email:
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Dallas Dog & Disc Club
   Ron Ellis, President
   1001 Raven Bend Court Southlake TX 76092
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW: http://rampages.onramp.net/~friend/dddpage.html
   Info:

   Northern Colorado Disc Dogs
   Chris Sexton, President
   807 Aztec Dr. #A Ft. Collins CO 80521
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW: http://www.verinet.com/~eyebum/nocodido.html
   Info:

   The Central Florida Dog & Disc Club
   Chuck Hensley, President
   2937 Jennifer Drive Lakeland FL 33809
   [phone]
   email:
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Windy City Dog & Disc Club
   Don Kent, President
   1410 Birch Avenue Hanover Park IL 60103
   [phone]
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   First Coast K-9 Disc Masters (Jacksonville, FL)
   Jeff Hoot , President
   RT 1 Box 455 Horsesshoe Circle Bryceville FL 32099
   [phone]
   email:[e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Space City High Flyers
   Joy Sebastian , President
   1315 Sundown Meadows Crosby TX 77532
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Cascade Dog & Disc Club
   Stan Sellers
   85 Poplar Lane Selah WA 98942
   [phone]
   email:
   WWW:
   Info:

   Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club
   John Tobin, Director
   10603 Chevy Chase Houston TX 77042
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Southern CA Dog & Disc Club
   Mike Miller, President
   1529 Golden Rose Hacienda Heights CA 91745
   email:
   WWW:
   Info:

   The Flying Desert Dog & Disc Club
   Bill Watters
   PO Box 4615 Cave Creek AZ 85331 [phone]
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

   St. Louis Disc Dog Club
   Bob Niemeier
   3666 Flora Place St. Louis, MO 63110
   email:
   WWW:
   Info:

   Northeastern Disc Dog Network
   Eric Miller, Director Ed Jakubowski, Director
   22 Louis Place Nesconset, NY 11767
   [phone] (Eric) [phone] (Ed)
   email: [e-mail]
   WWW:
   Info:

5. Organizations

   Friskies/ALPO Canine Frisbee disc Championships
   4060-D Peachtree Road, Suite 326 Altanta, GA 30319
   1-800-786-9240
   email: [e-mail]

   Friskies/ALPO sponsors over a hundred community contests throughout
   the country each year. There are also seven regional qualifying
   tournaments culminating in the invitational World Finals on the mall
   in Washington D.C. You can call the number above for free schedules
   and training guides.

6. Resources

    6.1 Books

   "How to Teach Your Dog to Play Frisbee" by Karen Pryor, published in
   '85.

   "Frisbee Dogs, How to Raise, Train and Compete" by Peter Bloeme. 1991,
   1994. ISBN 0-9629346-2-3
   Peter and Whirlin' Wizard are the 1984 Ashley Whippet Invitational
   World Champions, and Peter is the 1976 Men's World Frisbee disc
   Champion. This book is considered the definitive work on the subject
   of Frisbee Dogs.

   "Jumping from A to Z: Teaching Your Dog to Soar" M. Christine Zink,
   DVM. 1996

    6.2 Videos

   Peter Bloeme's Frisbee Dog: Training Video
   Peter Bloeme's Frisbee Dogs:Throwing Video
   Alpo Canine Frisbee Disc Championships 1996 World Finals Tape
   ( the above products can be ordered by calling 1-800-786-9240 )
   ( We have also seen the video sold in pet stores with a free disc )

    6.3 Training and Freestyle Routine Creation CD-ROM

   Glen Speckert has created a CD-ROM with a lot of great features. Visit
   his WWW site to find out the details. WWW:
   http://www1.shore.net/~speckert/DFIndex.html email: [e-mail]

    6.4 Training Material

   NCAC Training guide ( online and paper versions ) Coming soon!

   Free Pamphlet from Friskies ALPO Canine Frisbee disc Championships.
   Contact the ALPO Canine Frisbee Disc Championships ( listed elsewhere
   in this FAQ ) for a free training guide

    6.5 Discs

   The regulation canine disc used in most competitions is the Fastback
   Frisbee disc. The Fastback can be bought through many of the Frisbee
   dog clubs and organizations listed in this FAQ, and through many mail
   order flying disc catalogues.

     _________________________________________________________________


    Frisbee Dog FAQ
    National Capital Air Canines, [e-mail]