The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge

It’s estimated that over a million dogs in the US alone play with flying discs with their owners. Why not take it to the next level? The athletic feats performed by champion disc dogs are nothing short of gasp-inducing, but any Fido can be a disc dog. Border Collies tend to dominate the sport but even little dogs can excel. In fact, with the right amount of training and patience, even the most stubborn, destructive, hyperactive dog can learn to channel those impulses into becoming a high-flying champion. Not only is this sport accessible to all dog breeds, it is helpful for overcoming many of the behaviours that cause owner-surrenders at shelters, like prey drive and hyperactivity. In fact, dogs with prey drive and herding instinct are generally the best at disc dogging! You may just find that it’s your throw that requires the most effort. Lucky for you, your dog will likely chase down and return those errant tosses with joy.

Disc dog competitions are generally divided into two categories: Toss and Fetch, and Freestyle. In Toss and Fetch, the handler and dog have sixty seconds to throw the disc as many times as they can on the playing field with the dog fetching the disc. The distance the disc travels is measured and points are awarded—an extra half-point may be awarded for completely airborne catches.

For Freestyle, short routines are choreographed and set to music. Multiple discs are used, and the most athletic dogs are able to do flips (for professionals only!), jumps, vaults, and catch a quick succession of throws. Dogs are judged on canine athleticism, degree of difficulty, and showmanship. This part of competition is a crowd favourite and shows the highest level of competitive accomplishment. The pinnacle of the sport is to take one of the championships, such as the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge (from which the accompanying photos were taken), the Canine Frisbee Disc World Championship, or Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship. If you’re interested in teaching your dog the tricks of the trade, check out the Disc Dog Training DVD, available through skyhoundz.com.