Frisbee Fun for You and Your Dog With Clicker Training

Teaching your puppy or dog to play Frisbee is a fun game and wonderful bonding activity for you and your pet. There are lots of videos showing dogs doing all kinds of tricks with a Frisbee, but how did they learn to do them?

One of the best ways to train your dog to enjoy playing Frisbee is with clicker training. If you have used a clicker for obedience training, you can use the same skills to clicker train your dog to catch a Frisbee. Before you start, be aware that dogs should be at least 12-14 months old before they are physically mature enough to jump and catch mid-air without possible injury. Frisbees made especially for dogs are best; they should have rounded, soft edges and be light enough to catch.

1. Start by sitting on the floor with your dog and rolling the Frisbee. Tell your dog to “catch” and when he catches it, click and treat.


2. To train him to return it to you, basic fetching skills are required. Roll the Frisbee on the ground, tell your dog to “fetch,” and encourage him to return to you. When he comes back with the Frisbee, click and treat. This may take a few days, so be patient.


3. When your dog has learned to fetch and return it to you, try using a second Frisbee to roll immediately after he brings the first one back to speed up the game. Click and treat after each returned Frisbee.

Now it’s time to start throwing the Frisbee in the air. Always throw the Frisbee away from the dog so he will not get hit in the face and become afraid of the Frisbee.

1. Throw the Frisbee just a short distance in the air and tell the dog to “fetch” or “catch.” When he catches the Frisbee, click and treat.


2. Give your dog a chance to become proficient in fetching the Frisbee thrown a short distance before throwing it farther. Every time he catches the Frisbee and brings it back, click and treat.


3. You can also clicker train your dog to drop the Frisbee when he returns it to you. Tell him to drop it, then click and treat.

Remember that clicker training is positive reinforcement. Never reprimand your dog for not doing what you ask; just keep working with him until he finally understands what you want. It may take your dog several weeks to get this all figured out, so give him time, lots of encouragement and praise, and you’ll both learn to love playing Frisbee. And once your dog learns the Frisbee basics, you can start working on all those cool tricks!