How can I teach my dog to catch a frisbee in mid-air?

Question

She has no problem chasing after the frisbee when I throw it, but when I throw it to her she keeps waiting for it to land before picking it up.

This would be even better if I could get her to jump-catch a frisbee, but that's not as important. I've just been wondering, is this simply a coordination thing, where some dogs can do it and some dogs can't, or do I have to train her a certain way?

Answer 1

Unless you're training your dog for competitions, I think it's best NOT to teach them to catch it in the air. I know it looks cool and looks like a lot of fun, but if the dog is catching the Frisbee in the air, there is a risk that he may injure his neck or spine by jumping and twisting. Frisbee dogs can often suffer torn ligaments (especially the ACL) by making tight turns after they catch the Frisbee - especially on wet grass.

If you throw it far ahead of him so that he's picking it up off the ground, the risk is the same for a ball or a Frisbee. Fetching won't give him dysplasia (which is a genetic or congenital deformation of the hip joint), but an injury can exacerbate dysplasia or trigger arthritis, which can be just as painful.

If you're determined to try anyway, you first have to teach the dog to run up and snatch it from your hand. Then you throw it very short distances, then longer and longer. Many breeds just can't do it - they're not flexible enough.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I don't know that it's coordination, as much as motivation. I have two brittany spaniels, one who LOVES to play frisbee, and the other who would rather chew the frisbee. Ranger wants to chase the frisbee the entire way then try to catch it as soon as it's low enough for him to reach. Snickers, on the other hand, will kinda jog in the general direction the frisbee is going, wait for it to land, and pick it up. It simply depends on the motivation of the dog. Ranger LOVES running after things and catching them, whereas for Snickers it is kind've ho-hum. Snickers would really rather chew on the object being thrown than run after it, which is the only reason she plays frisbee, she knows she'll only be allowed the frisbee if she actually goes to get it. I really don't know how to teach a dog to jump up after a frisbee, like I said, it really is motivation, how much they want the frisbee and how much are they willing to work to get the frisbee.

Answer 4

I would say "It depends on the breed of the dogs. Not all dog has the energy, the muscles to jump in the air to get the Frisbee. Not all dogs have the teeth to catch one. What kind of dogs do you have?

I have 4 Miniature schnauzers and only one loves to run and chases to get her balls or other toys and bring it back to you. The others would just run after the toy but don't bring it back.

So, all dog have different dogalities.

Answer 5

Jumping to catch Frisbees is usually particular to only a few breeds, the border collie especially comes to mind. You didn't' say what breed of dog yours is, but if she is willing to play with you by waiting for the Frisbee to fall before she picks it up, I'd say you have a pretty good thing going already. Maybe its one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situations.

Answer 6

dogs will do what they want when you play with them Dog's that are really frisky and hyper, are more apt to jump for the frisbee. it seems like your dog has made her choice, but if you play frisbee with her as much as you can, or try having a buddy around with a dog that will jump.. maybey she will go for it.

Answer 7

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/H6FOU

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 8

Yes, you have to train her. Stick a piece of meat under the frisbee and throw it. You could also try to rub a piece of meat on the whole frisbee.

Answer 9

Learning how to train your dog will improve your life and hers, enhance the bond between you, and ensure her safety and it can be a lot of fun. Dogs are usually eager to learn, and the key to success is good communication. Your dog needs to understand how you’d like her to behave and why it’s in her best interest to comply with your wishes. Check here to learn how to train your dog properly https://tr.im/47a7f

Answer 10

WOW that's hard. Make sure whatever trick you are teaching your dog, make sure to give him/her a treat even if your dog does it wrong, When your dog does it right, praise him/her.