Name: Trixie | Dog Sports Toy | Natural Rubber Disc Frisbee Roller
SKU: 93092

About Trixie Natural Rubber Dog Disc

A floatable rubber disc for throwing, rolling, catching and fetching, the??Trixie Natural Rubber Disc is durable yet soft and gentle on dogs' delicate mouths.

Made from a non-toxic natural rubber, the disc is great for dogs who love to play frisbee with their owners and for promoting interactive games between owners and their pets.

Always choose toys that are the appropriate shape, size and strength for your dog, and monitor their use. Remove the toy from your dog if it shows signs of damage.

Introducing your dog to disc or frisbee games can be a fantastic way to bond, provide exercise, and engage their natural instincts. However, it's crucial to do it safely to prevent injury and build a positive association with the disc. Here's a step-by-step guide:

How to Safely Introduce Your Dog to Disc/Frisbee Games

Important Safety First Principles:

Veterinarian Check-up: Before starting any new strenuous activity, ensure your dog is healthy enough for it, especially if they are a puppy, senior, or have pre-existing conditions.
Appropriate Disc Choice:??Dog-Specific Discs: NEVER use human frisbees. They are too hard, brittle, and can easily shatter, injuring your dog's mouth and teeth.??Soft, Flexible & Durable: Choose discs made specifically for dogs, typically from soft, flexible, and durable plastic or rubber. KONG Flyer, Hyperflite Jawz, and Hero Disc USA are popular brands.??Size: Select a size appropriate for your dog's mouth. It should be large enough not to be swallowed, but not so large it's awkward to carry.
Surface: Play on soft, even surfaces like grass. Avoid concrete, gravel, or uneven terrain that can cause slips, falls, or joint stress.
Warm-up & Cool-down: Always start with a gentle warm-up (e.g., a short walk) and end with a cool-down period.
Supervision: Always supervise your dog during disc play.
Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water before, during, and after play.
Avoid Over-exertion: Keep sessions short, especially at the beginning. Dogs often don't know when to stop, so it's your job to regulate.
No Force: Never force your dog to play. Keep it fun and positive.
Weather: Avoid playing in extreme heat or humidity to prevent overheating.

Step-by-Step Introduction:

Phase 1: Building Interest & Confidence (Ground Work)

Let them investigate: Place the disc on the ground and let your dog sniff and explore it. Don't push it on them.

Play "Hide & Seek": Gently hide the disc under a blanket or behind your back, then reveal it excitedly.

Tug (Optional, with caution): If your disc is durable enough, you can offer a gentle game of tug. This builds value for the disc as an interactive toy. Always use a "drop it" command.

Roll it on the ground: Gently roll the disc on its edge a very short distance (e.g., 1-2 feet). When your dog noses or mouths it, praise enthusiastically and give a high-value treat.

"Get it!" Command: As they mouth it, use a consistent verbal cue like "Get it!" or "Disc!"

Treat in the disc: Place a small treat inside the disc or rub some desirable food on it to encourage them to put their mouth on it.

Teach "Take It" and "Drop It":??Once your dog is comfortable mouthing the disc, encourage them to "take" it into their mouth. As they hold it, even for a second, praise and reward. Immediately follow with a "drop it" command (e.g., offer a higher-value treat in exchange for the disc). This is crucial for safety and continued play.

Short Rolls & Retrieves:??Once your dog reliably takes and drops the disc, start rolling it along the ground a bit further (5-10 feet).??Encourage them to pick it up and bring it back. Reward heavily for retrieval. If they don't bring it back, jog away from them to encourage them to follow with the disc, or use a second disc.

Phase 2: Introducing Short, Gentle Throws

Low, Flat Throws (Airtime Introduction):??Stand close to your dog (5-10 feet away).??Throw the disc low to the ground and flat, so it floats gently for a short distance. Aim for it to land within their easy reach, allowing them to run onto it rather than jump.??Praise and reward enthusiastically for any interaction, especially picking it up.
Gradually Increase Distance:??As your dog becomes confident and consistently retrieves the disc from short, low throws, slowly increase the throwing distance.??Always keep throws low and flat to avoid encouraging jumping, which can be hard on joints, especially for young dogs.

Phase 3: Developing Skills & Safety

Avoid Vertical Jumps (Especially for Puppies/Young Dogs):??Until your dog is fully grown (around 12-18 months, depending on breed) and their growth plates are closed, strictly avoid high vertical jumps or catches. Their developing joints are vulnerable.??Even for adult dogs, limit high jumps. Focus on horizontal throws that allow them to run and catch.??Encourage ground-level catches.
Vary Throw Direction:??Once your dog is comfortable, vary the direction of your throws (left, right, straight). This helps them learn to track the disc from different angles.

Keep it Fun & Positive:??Always end sessions on a high note, before your dog gets tired or loses interest.??If your dog seems frustrated, go back to an easier step or take a break.??Celebrate every successful retrieve!

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively introduce your dog to the exciting world of disc games, building a strong bond and providing enriching exercise for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers for the Trixie Dog Sports Toy | Natural Rubber Disc Frisbee Roller

Q1: What is the Trixie Natural Rubber Disc Frisbee Roller made of?
A1: It is made from durable yet soft, non-toxic natural rubber.

Q2: Is this frisbee safe for my dog's mouth?
A2: Yes, the natural rubber material is designed to be soft and gentle on your dog's teeth and gums, minimising the risk of injury. It's also often recommended for sensitive and young dogs.

Q3: Does the Trixie frisbee float?
A3: Yes, many versions of the Trixie Natural Rubber Disc are floatable, making them ideal for water play, beach trips, or games near a pool.

Q4: What sizes are available for this frisbee?
A4: The Trixie Natural Rubber Disc comes in various sizes. Common sizes include 15cm, and 22cm in diameter.

Q5: What colours are available?
A5: Colours can vary. For example, the 15cm disc is often available in blue, while the 22cm disc is frequently orange.??

Q6: Is this toy suitable for all dogs?
A6: It's generally suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. However, it's crucial to choose the appropriate size for your dog to ensure safe play.

Q7: How durable is the Trixie Natural Rubber Disc?
A7: While made from durable natural rubber, its resistance to chewing can vary depending on the individual dog. Some users report it being very durable and lasting a long time, even with strong chewers, while others find it can be damaged relatively quickly by aggressive chewers.

Q8: Can this frisbee be used for training?
A8: Yes, it's an excellent interactive toy for training your dog's speed, reactions, and stamina. Throwing and catching games also help strengthen the bond between owner and pet. Some versions have been co-developed with "Disc Dogging" experts and may even come with downloadable training tips.

Q9: Does it fly well?
A9: Most users report good flight characteristics, making it enjoyable for fetch games. However, some reviews mention that the flight can be affected by wind or that some batches might fly better than others.

Q10: What are the main benefits of this toy?
A10: Key benefits include:

Made from non-toxic natural rubber.
Gentle on teeth and gums.
Often floatable for water play.
Promotes interactive play and bonding.
Aids in physical and mental stimulation.

Q11: What safety precautions should I take when my dog plays with this toy?
A11: Always supervise your pet during playtime. Regularly inspect the toy for any signs of damage. If the toy becomes damaged or pieces are missing, remove it from your dog to prevent potential injury.