If you are new to canine disc, or if you have a new dog you'd like to get started in canine disc, don't worry - we've all been there!
The best advice we have for you is to come out to a clinic or playdate, (see the 'Schedule' page). In the meantime, to go to the 'Links to some REAL Disc Dog Sites' page, and check out the training info. on the NCAC site. Then join the Forum on the GJDDC site! Then sign up for the DDE and download the past issues!
For now, here's some great advice to get you moving, and this is by far the best way we've ever heard it stated! Much thanks to Shelly Blom of the GJDDC for sharing this on one of the disc dog email lists!
"I think that the most important thing you can do with an active dog is keep it from getting bored. This may sound drastic, but this is what I did with mine.
Take away ALL other toys. If there is a chewing problem still, leave one or two chewing toys only. This builds toy hunger.
Never play frisbee in the house. Pick inside toys and outside toys and NEVER the two shall cross. This teaches a lot of frisbee respect.
Hide the frisbees. Don't let them be seen until you pick them up for playtime. NEVER leave them lying around the backyard.
Before you go outside for a frisbee session. Get EXCITED! Pick up a frisbee and make it a really big deal. Act like the most fun, goofy, animated mommy or daddy in the whole world. Once the dog is beside itself, go outside. Play with the frisbee yourself for a minute. Twirl it on your finger, toss it up and catch it. When the dog is about to burst, THEN throw it for him.
This is the hard part. ONLY THROW IT THREE OR FOUR TIMES!!!!! Then tell the dog thank you, turn around and take the frisbee and put it away. You are slow, dull, boring daddy or mommy again. Go back inside and watch tv or get on the computer. If the dog wants attention, pat it on the head and then do something else again.
About an hour later, REPEAT THE WHOLE CYCLE. Gradually,after a few days, throw the frisbee Five times, 6 times. Never let the dog get tired. Never let his enthusiasm make you throw it even one more time than you intend to.
After a while, take it on the road. Make the trip the exciting build-up. Do the same thing and then go home. Don't let him play with other dogs while you are on these little road trips. You and the frisbee are the only things in the world.
This builds intense drive. After a couple of months, there is nothing that can distract my boys from their toys. I can now stand outside for hours and my dog is never bored and never loses focus.
Hope this helps!Good luck,
Shelley Blom
Greater Jacksonville Disc and Dog Club"
Thanks Shelley! Two of the main points to remember here are: (1) HIDE the frisbees until it's playtime! -and- (2) Get EXCITED! Your dog will be excited just because you are! Eventually, they will be excited just by the site of the elusive disc!
Shelley is also invovled in a highly regarded professional working-lineage BC breeding program down in FL, and recently sent us some information about a litter of pups her dog sired. We really try to promote resuce dogs, but sometimes, the timing and situation are right to warrant getting a puppy from a breeder. If that's what you want, the only place we would even think of recommending is the one Shelley uses (and they also have rescue dogs!), so check out the site, send in your application and cross your fingers!
Here is a cool link to a very unique approach to getting started! Training Tips, by the Up North Disc Dogs
Have fun!