DS340: Disc Dog - Handler's Choice

When you think of throwing a disc, you are probably thinking of a backhand throw.  This throw is categorized as a “catch low” throw, your thumb is on the top of the disc and your fingers are on the bottom.  You are going to grip the disc with a tight, secure grip along the edge.  As with most disc throws, the spin is generated by a snap in your wrist, think of the action caused by starting a lawn mower.  You will be standing with your throwing shoulder facing your target, reach with the disc towards your opposite side.  Then throw by leading with your elbow with a final snap at your wrist just prior to releasing the disc.  The disc should be released with a slight “hyzer” angle, meaning the far edge should be at a slight downward angle.

Rollers are a useful tool that should be utilized to help teach new or young dogs to grab a rotating disc.  They can also be used strategically in all of the UpDog Games to give an edge over competition.  I use them as a high value reward when training new behaviors to my disc dogs. 

The goal is to roll the disc along it’s edge on the ground.  Because of it’s low placement and high speed, it can encourage even low drive dogs to give chase.  Hold the disc in a “catch low” grip, thumb on top and fingers underneath.  With your palm facing up and the disc vertical, snap your wrist and release the disc perpendicular to the ground.  

Novice Backhand Exercise:

Practice throwing a backhand to various pre-determined lengths.  10 yards, 20 yards and 30 yards.

Advanced Backhand Exercise:

Focus on getting the disc to hover where you need it to.  Placing that disc in the appropriate spot can help you show off you dog, or can just secure their catch.  Place a chair at pre-determined lengths (5 yards, 10 yards and 15 yards), throw so that the disc hovers and then lands in the chair (it's ok if it bounces out!).