| If you are looking to adopt or buy a disc | | | | Border collies herd by getting in front of |
| dog, then you've come to the right place. | | | | animals and staring them down. Blue Heelers |
| Many breeds of dogs for sale or adoption make | | | | will nip at the heels of the animals that |
| good disc dogs, but in general you are | | | | it's herding. If you plan to have a herding |
| probably going to be looking for a mixed | | | | dog around children, then it is very |
| breed. Border Collies, Blue Heelers and | | | | important to train the dog not to chase |
| Australian Shepards or mixes thereof, are | | | | children. Constant contact and exposure to |
| historically the best breeds for disc | | | | children is recommended. They can be very |
| training. Keep in mind that some of the best | | | | gentle and compassionate to children and |
| in the world have also been German Shepards | | | | adults if they are used to being around them. |
| and Labradors among others, so don't limit | | | | If they're not, then they are likely to try |
| yourself to a certain breed or mix. Do your | | | | and herd them, nipping at their heels or |
| research and determine what disc dog might be | | | | staring them down not allowing them to pass. |
| best for you as a pet as well as a | | | | When you adopt or buy a herding dog, be |
| competitor. | | | | responsible for it's training around people. |
| | | | Make sure that you have the time and space to |
| Most people think that when they are ready to | | | | keep these active dogs entertained. |
| select a good disc dog that they should get a | | | | |
| puppy and train it from eight weeks old. This | | | | Make sure that the dog you adopt or buy has |
| isn't necessarily true. You should visit with | | | | the personality to be a good disc dog. |
| the dogs for sale or adoption that you are | | | | Obedience training is important from the |
| considering and see which ones are the most | | | | beginning. If you plan to train your dog to |
| interested in the disc. Some puppies may not | | | | compete, then choose one with an even |
| be interested at all, but grow up to be. Some | | | | temperament so that being off leash around |
| may loose their interest as they get older. | | | | other dogs and humans is safe. Make sure that |
| Selecting an older dog that is interested | | | | the dog you are choosing is healthy enough to |
| could be a safer way to go if you're | | | | go through the rigorous training that is |
| determined to train and have your dog | | | | required to get a dog ready for competition. |
| compete. | | | | Hips should be in very good shape before |
| | | | attempting high jumps and landings, so have |
| Herding dogs instinctively want to herd | | | | your dog examined by a vet before beginning. |
| things towards their owners. This can include | | | | If you choose a puppy, keep in mind that it |
| discs and balls, making a chase, catch and | | | | could be about a year before they are ready |
| return behavior fairly easy to teach. When | | | | for disc dog competition training. Once you |
| considering a herding dog for a pet, keep in | | | | have adopted or bought your dog, remember |
| mind that their instincts are very strong. | | | | that the number one rule is to have fun |
| They have a need to work and run. Herding is | | | | together. |
| a predatory behavior, modified by training. | | | | |