Depending upon various breed characteristics, some dogs are hard-wired to herd, others are all about the hunt, some are just plain nosy, and still others are toys. Wait! That is, they belong to the “toy” group. All joking aside, dogs and their people have many opportunities these days to jump in and get busy engaging a dog’s passions — whatever they may be. In fact, there has been a growth surge in recent months in canine activities you might find of interest. While not all may be of interest, or suited to you and your pup, there are so many choices you’re sure to find something you’d love to try. That’s the other good news: classes, weekend events and workshops have sprung up at doggy daycares, indoor parks and even boutiques, so the opportunities to give something a try abound.
The growing sport of canine disc — everyone can play
Perhaps you’ve seen it on TV — a dog races out, makes a dazzling leap, and snaps a flying disc from midair. Then ecstatically races back for the next throw.
Or maybe you’ve seen it at the dog park — no less enthusiastic but with varying degrees of finesse. If ever there was a portrait of jumping for joy, this is it . . . Canine Disc.
Canine Disc. Disc Dogs. Frisbee Dogs. Flying Dogs. Aerial Dogs. Whatever you call them, these canine athletes are amazing! And the sport is growing by leaps and bounds.
“Canine disc is a great sport for dogs, particularly in urban settings,” says Adriana Ericson, a member of Washington Owners of Flying Disc Dogs (woofd2). “All you need is a bit of grass, a dog and a disc.”