DISC DOGS

WHAT IS DISC DOG?

The disc dog sport consists of a human handler tossing a disc and a canine companion catching it. In disc dog competitions, the human and dog compete in timed clude dog flips, dog catches, and dogs rebounding off the human while trying to catch the disc for the purpose of accumulating points to win.

WHERE OR HOW DID THE SPORT OF DISC DOGS STARTED?

The sport got its start on August 5, 1974 at a Los Angeles Dodgers versus Cincinnati Reds baseball game, where Alex Stein, a college student from Ohio, and his dog, Ashley Whippet, jumped the fence and played toss and fetch for eight minutes before they were escorted off the field. This was a nationally televised event and the exhibition of Ashley’s skills went a long way to start the disc dog sport. Ashley Whippet’s legacy is carried on through the Ashley Whippet International organization that sanctions local events as well as world championships.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC RULES OF THE SPORT?

The basic game of toss and fetch is handlers have 60 seconds to make as many throws as possible with one disc on a field typically half the length of a football field. The further the handler throws on the field and the dog catches the disc, the more points the team is awarded. This is a great introductory game to get dogs started in the sport. The Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club (HCFDC) participates in a 5-week toss and fetch competition with other clubs all over the globe, which is a great event to introduce new teams to the game. More information about the toss and fetch league may

AKC'S MY DOG CAN DO THAT!

AKC’s My Dog Can Do That! is a lively event intended to give new dog owners a taste of dog training and companion dog sports. Owners can bring their dog and try out an Agility or Rally course with assistance from a professional trainer. Entry is free with the purchase of a Show ticket. The event is Friday-Sunday. Check HoustonDogShows.com for a complete schedule of specific times and location.

Q&A with Jill Best

President of Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club (HCFDC)

be found at TossAndFetch.com.

The freestyle game is a little more complex in that it consists of the handler, the dog, and multiple discs. The game varies based on the rules of the sanctioned event, but teams get between 90 seconds and two minutes to perform their best tricks and disc catches by the dog. The teams are awarded points based on handler’s skills, athleticism of the dog, the wow factor of the tricks, and catch ratio. It is usually a great crowd-pleasing game.

What Do You Enjoy About The Sport

I enjoy the bond that develops between me and my dogs as we learn new ways to communicate and play the games. My goal is to make sure that we are having a fun time and that I am providing my dogs with a sound training foundation so that they can perform their skills well and safely. At the end of the day, we are all happy and tired. I love that the disc dog community is an amazing group of backyard dog enthusiasts, dog handlers, and trainers who love to work with new people trying to learn about the sport.

WHERE CAN FOLKS GO TO FIND MORE INFORMATION?

Check out our website at HoustonFrisbeeDogClub.com.

By Prudence

Cap Doghouse Auction

Always a fan favorite, thousands will flock to PAWchitecture, a unique fundraiser for Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), one of Houston’s largest pet shelters. The event gathers teams of individuals, businesses, and organizations to build one-ofa-kind doghouses for auction. Winning bidders will raise money for Houston’s homeless animals, and they’ll get to bring a one-of-a-kind doghouse home for their furry family member.

For over fifty years, CAP has provided shelter and critical care for animals in need. Money raised during PAWchitecture will help provide medical care and find homes for animals throughout the Space City. Past events have produced castles, NASA-themed spaceships, and Astros-themed doghouses. Come visit the show and find out what this year’s event will bring at PAWchitecture.

Visitors to the Houston World Series of Dog Shows will get to see, vote, and bid on their favorite houses, while en joying all that the 4th largest dog show in the United States has to offer. Prizes and bragging rights for builders will be awarded in 3 categories: People's Choice, Kid's Choice, and Best in Show. Follow Citizen's for Animal Protection for a sneak peak at this year’s contestants. Learn more at CAP4Pets.org.