How to Teach Your Dog Frisbee

Having a dog that loves to catch a Frisbee can provide hours of fun for both the owner and the dog. While the Frisbee training that begins the process can be a bit frustrating, it doesn't have to be a negative experience. You can train your dog to catch a Frisbee with time and patience, and in the process, build a greater bond between you and your best friend.

Things You'll Need

  • A lightweight Frisbee with a round and soft border
  • Open, grassy area free of distractions
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your dog to the Frisbee by using it as a food dish. This teaches the dog that the Frisbee is a good thing.

    • 2

      Practice throwing the Frisbee on your own, without your dog. The proper throw will be one that goes up and falls gently back towards the ground.

    • 3

      Introduce the Frisbee to your dog as a toy. Slide the Frisbee back and forth on the ground and let him try to take the disk from you. Always let him have it, don't tug it away from him.

    • 4

      Roll the Frisbee across the ground and have your dog chase it. You may need to chase it, too.

    • 5

      Toss the Frisbee and let your dog chase it. Make short tosses that aren't too high in the air. The idea is to have your dog just go after it. But, don't throw it directly at your dog.

    • 6

      Once your dog chases the Frisbee, start asking him to catch it. Stand about four feet from your dog and gently toss the Frisbee while saying "catch." Praise your dog when he catches it.

    • 7

      Begin to throw the Frisbee slightly to the side of your dog and ask him to "catch" it. This teaches your dog to go to the Frisbee, instead of waiting for it to come to him.

    • 8

      As your dog shows proficiency at catching short throws, increase the distance of your throw between you and your dog.

    • 9

      Older dogs, over 2 years of age, can learn to leap for a disk. Hold the Frisbee over your dog's head and ask him to "jump." Let him have the Frisbee when he jumps and grabs it.

    • 10

      Throw the Frisbee longer distances and at varying patterns, teaching the dog to jump, catch and return the Frisbee to you. Once you have reached this goal, continue to practice your dog's new skills on a regular basis.