How to Train Your Dog to Play Frisbee

The only thing better than having a dog is having a dog you can play cool games with. Playing catch is one of the best games you can play with your dog. Tossing a Frisbee great distances is easier than tossing a ball the same distance. Training a dog to catch a Frisbee is not so much training as simply getting him to understand that you want him to catch it. Toss a few Frisbees and see what your dog does naturally.

Things You'll Need

  • Flying discs
  • Treats

Instructions

    • 1
      Move the Frisbee back and forth, teasing him into taking it.

      Introduce your dog to his new toy. Some dogs can be enticed just by being shown a new toy, or having it waved temptingly. Some require extra incentive to want to play. You can associate the disc with a treat by giving doggy a treat just for touching the disc, putting a treat in the disc or even putting some peanut butter on the edges of the disc. If your dog is not getting the message, try using the Frisbee as a dog food bowl and allowing him to eat out of it.

    • 2
      If your dog likes the water, retrieving the Frisbee from the water will be easy.

      Play a game of tug-of-war for a day or two with the Frisbee in order to increase your dog's desire to have the disc for herself. Make sure to give her a treat or another form of praise for playing with the disc.

    • 3

      Teach your dog the "give" command. Give your dog the disc, then hold a treat and command, "give." Take the disc and give doggy a treat. Give doggy the disc back, and repeat this step. If doggy will not give up the disc, do not give him the treat and let go of the disc. This can not resemble tug-of-war. Once doggy gives up the disc without hesitation move on to the next step.

    • 4

      Take your dog outside and have her sit. Toss her the disc from very close and praise her greatly for catching it, then have her come to you and give her a treat for giving up the disc. Be sure to give a treat only for returning the disc. Until this becomes a game, the treat will be the reward for giving up the disc, and that's how doggy will learn to bring the disc to you to be thrown again.

    • 5

      Gradually increase the distance you throw the disc, waiting to throw it farther until your dog consistently catches it in his mouth.