How do I train my dog to find lost discs?

[Corinna]

   Anyone know the answer to this one? I don't want him to retrieve the discs, just go over next to them and bark. I went to a dog forum and they said, "That's a blind retrieve without the retrieve." I read in Disc Golf World or that free magazine about a dog that would find discs. It must be true since it was printed. So I just need to figure out how to do it. Maybe I should get a puppy and train him since Max is 9 and I'd only get a few years use out of him. Maybe I could get him certified as a service dog while I'm at it so I could take him in the bar with me after the round.

[jack]

Dont know the answer, but bear in mind that you can not have an animal at a PDGA event as a player.

[Guth]

Good luck with that Corinna, I have been trying to get my dog Zoe to stop chasing discs. Zoe doesn't retrieve them though, just slobbers all over them to let me know she found it first.

Most service dogs begin training at about 16-18 months of age, so a puppy may have a problem learning difficult tasks.

To train your dog I would first get the dogs favorite treat or toy. Walk the dog to the disc make it sit and speak and then give it the reward. It sometimes takes at least 50-60 reps, before it catches on.

[CHAS.]

 It would help if your dog has a little natural retrieve in him or her I've had afew Beagles over the years that would retrieve the rabbit i shot for me.
  First get your scent on something like a glove and have the dog hold it while walking it then go with an old disc with your scent on it with a little practice even if the dog doesn't retrieve it will go to the disc just to check it out cause it has your scent on it. Just to find other disc's I'm not sure.

[Corinna]

I guess he doesn't really have a natural retrieve.

Jack, you already told me about the PDGA exclusion and you notice I didn't bring hime to WYco. However if he was a trained service dog and on a leash I don't think you could legally exclude him. Not that this is going to happen, but just for the sake of arguement.

[slimneal]

Along with my "Speshul Wud Repelant" spray I have developed the "BigDog Disc Lokashun Solution"
It is mostly bacon grease,  er organic compounds, but I don't want to divulge my recipe.
Slims Speshul Products Divishun

[jack]

I may be wrong, but the competition manual states, no animals. (period)  For competition you typically are not going to have people that need a service animal, you would need to have a caddy who would help you in those instances, thus the wording of the rule.....just for the sake of argument....

[The Can tankerous A.N.G]

I don't know about finding discs, but Mr. Gus, Tom's adorable little guy, does a great job of getting a frisbee that is larger than him and returning it. What kind of pup is Mr. Gus, Tom? Terrier?

 I love watching Mr.Gus and proves how truly wonderful dogs are when it comes to brightening our day. 

[CD]

I don't know about finding discs, but Mr. Gus, Tom's adorable little guy, does a great job of getting a frisbee that is larger than him and returning it. What kind of pup is Mr. Gus, Tom? Terrier?

 I love watching Mr.Gus and proves how truly wonderful dogs are when it comes to brightening our day. 

I believe Gus said he is a "Yorkie" (Yorskhire Terrier).

~CD~

[CD]

I guess he doesn't really have a natural retrieve.

Jack, you already told me about the PDGA exclusion and you notice I didn't bring hime to WYco. However if he was a trained service dog and on a leash I don't think you could legally exclude him. Not that this is going to happen, but just for the sake of argument.

I'll argue the point that in a casual, local situation (i.e. league) I plan on bringing Hero occasionally. WOOF!

~CD~

[jack]

not talking casual play, as long as your dog doesnt interfere, I am typically fine with it.  It becomes how well behaved your dog is.

[eupher61]

http://www.k9man.com/service_dog_access.htm

sports facilities are included.  But, as fans, not participants.  Tough question, actually.  But, I don't think "finding a disc" is in the realm of "service dog".