Playing Frisbee is the logical extension of playing catch. But there are some important differences between Frisbee and ball playing, and pets can profit by engaging in both cardio activities. With Frisbee, the object is not supposed to hit the ground first-and many dogs and cats delight in the high leaps necessary for retrieval. Another wonderful aspect of the game is the range and variety of toys available on the market-there are plain Frisbees, colored Frisbees, Frisbees that glow in the dark, and even Frisbees that whistle as they fly through the air. If you keep an assortment of these toys on hand for your pet, he’ll never be bored.
Frisbee is a sport for the whole family, but if you haven’t played recently, you may want to go out and practice for a day or so before introducing the activity to your pet. It takes a certain flick of the wrist to send that disc sailing, and you can’t really expect your pet to catch the high ones if you can’t throw them. It’s better to work out the kinks in your own style first, and then ask your pet to join in.
Many animals take to this sport immediately. Frisbee involves jumping and dashing, as well as holding an object while running-all these are favorite pastimes of most pets. If your Boxer has become a whiz at jumping jacks, you can be pretty certain that he’ll be able to clear four feet when he’s leaping for a Frisbee. Again, the sport is aerobically sound. The heart, lungs, and muscles get a real workout. And as an energy outlet for pets, it can’t be beat. Pets will remain wonderfully well behaved for days after a good game of Frisbee.
On the other hand, you may have the kind of pet who can play every single ball game and loves to do so, but won’t go near a Frisbee. Why? I’ve already stressed the importance of giving your pet an object that fits, a ball that’s the right size for his mouth, and a toy that’s neither too big nor too small. The shape of the Frisbee is difficult for some pets. The disc is hard to pick up if it’s lying flat, and when the animal catches it on the fly, it fits only partway into the mouth, with the rest sticking out on either side. Most animals will adjust to this and compensate for the minor inconvenience, but others won’t. If you discover that your pet hates the Frisbee, put it away and take out a ball. There’s nothing wrong with abandoning an activity-there are plenty of other ways for your pet to get his exercise, so why not give him something he enjoys?
Introducing the Frisbee to Your Pet
As with any new item or event, you must build up tolerance slowly and make sure you don’t expose the pet to too much too soon. If you break the problem down into its various components, you’ll be astounded how quickly your dog or cat will be able to pick up the technique.
Day 1: Show the Frisbee to your pet. Put it down next to him and let him sniff it and touch it. If he’s very leery of it, just leave it on the floor where he can find it. He can walk away and come back to it later, when he’s sufficiently interested. Once he’s totally comfortable around the object, toss it in the air and then catch it. Then put it away until the next day.
Day 2-4: Roll the Frisbee past your pet to give him an idea of what it can do. Roll it back and forth, then toss it in the air again. You should have a pretty good idea at this point of your pet’s reaction. He may still be fearful, or he may seem totally disinterested. If so, a whistling Frisbee may be just what he needs. The sound it makes will attract his attention and offer more stimulation to his senses. These whistling toys are generally found in better pet stores.
Day 5: Try tossing the Frisbee farther away, and encourage your pet to retrieve it. If he won’t go near it, go get it yourself and toss it again. Your attitude is very important here. If you look as though you’re having a wonderful time, your pet will figure that the activity is probably worthwhile and ought to be tried. If you go at this in a halfhearted manner, you aren’t going to convince a doubtful animal. This is also true of teaching commands, by the way. An animal reacts to your confident voice and to the way in which you handle yourself. If you appear at ease and determined, you’ll get his respect; if you project a weak image, you won’t get much reaction at all.
Day 6: At this point, most pets will bring the Frisbee back once you’ve throw it, but if you’re still having problems, try tossing the Frisbee at your pet. Don’t aim for his head, and don’t throw too hard-you should attempt to have the object barely brush against the pet or land at his feet. If you toss it lightly and just touch him with it you may capture his attention at last. Try this technique for a day or two.
Day 7: Still no interest in the Frisbee? Then it’s time to forget it. Never force your pet to do anything he doesn’t really have to do. If this object is just too foreign and sparks no excitement at all, don’t push. There are plenty of other activities he can get into.
Problems of Frisbee Playing
Problem: Your pet catches the Frisbee and races away with it or sits down and chews.
Solution: Go back to the “come” command. Using a leash, and then a long rope show the pet that he must come when called. This is the same as for ball playing· You won’t have a game if you can’t get your pet to retrieve the object. After you’ve practiced coming without an object, keep your pet on the rope and throw the Frisbee within rope range. Repeat his name and then the “come” command. As soon as he’s deposited the Frisbee at your feet, make a huge and delighted fuss over him. Try again, and don’t use the rope this time. If he’s able to retrieve without being reeled in, the Frisbee game can begin in earnest.
Problem: Your pet waits for the Frisbee to hit the ground, just as he would a ball. Sometimes he even jumps for it after it lands.
Solution: This is a problem of motor coordination. Many pets are naturally clumsy, and you should never berate an animal who simply wasn’t born graceful. Repetition could be the answer. After you’ve thrown a sufficient number of Frisbees and he’s chased them, his catching skill may develop on its own.
Problem: The pet just sits there and doesn’t make a move for the flying Frisbee. He doesn’t budge, even if the Frisbee hits him on the head.
Solution: Your pet probably doesn’t like the game and is telling you he’s not interested. Direct him to another activity quickly, before any bad feelings can develop. If you keep trying to make him play, he may take out his annoyance on the Frisbee-or on you.
Problem: The pet doesn’t chase the Frisbee, but chases you instead.
Solution: This may simply be because he’s confused. With the Frisbee in the air and you running around the field, he may not know which object to pursue. If he does make a playful grab for you, correct him and give him the Frisbee. If he keeps it up, attach a leash and toss the object near enough for him to catch it. With the leash on, you can quickly give a quick tug and release if he tries to nip you again. Never encourage love bites, but don’t punish them too severely. An excited animal naturally wants to use his mouth-it’s up to you to see that he uses it gently.
Frisbee Competitions
Pet Frisbee has become very popular in many areas of the country, and there are dozens of local, regional, and even national competitions each year in which thousands of pets and their owners compete to show off their skills at jumping, running, and catching. If your pet seems to be exceedingly good at this sport, you might want to start thinking about playing competitively. You can find notices of local contests in the Sunday papers or local town gazette. Sometimes, animal clubs and humane societies also have information about these meets.
Of course, you can play the game in your own backyard or a nearby park and avoid the crowds. A good game of Frisbee offers enormous benefits, both physical and emotional, to any pet. Your dog or cat will have ample opportunity to vent his energy by running and leaping, and you will have the satisfaction of playing and exercising with an enthusiastic partner. In combination with a good set of warm-up exercises, Frisbee is the perfect game for both of you.