Disc Dog History

The sport got its start in the early 1970s. The definitive moment came in August of 1974 when Alex Stein, a young college student from Ohio, jumped the fence at a nationally broadcast baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. He had with him a couple of frisbees and an amazing dog named Ashley Whippet. Ashley astonished the crowd with eight minutes of catching frisbees, running 35 mph and leaping 9 feet in the air to snag discs. The stunt was so novel that the game was stopped and Joe Garagiola continued to announce the action on the field. Finally, however, enough was enough, and Alex was escorted off the field. But the seed was planted, and a new sport was born.

Alex worked with Irv Lander and Eldon McIntire to create a nationwide competition for people and their dogs. It was a sport that is easy enough for anyone, and that celebrates the bond between handler and dog. Even today, Alex and Eldon continue to contribute to the sport.

Ashley's legacy lives on now, 30yrs later, as the sport has become popular worldwide. People and their dogs on at least 4 continents organize competitions and enjoy the simple joy of a disc in flight—and that terrific rush (for the dogs) of the catch at the end!

Dogs of all kinds can play frisbee. In fact, many dogs from animal shelters and rescue groups excel at frisbee. Even some World Champions were originally rescued from shelters. Many of the problems that put dogs into shelters and rescue groups, such as hyperactivity, aggression, or destructive or neurotic behavior, are often attributes that can be positively channeled into a sport like frisbee. To put it shortly, these dogs simply need a consistent job to do. Many frisbee dogs also "cross-train" in other dog sports, including dog agility, flyball, herding, and obedience.

Part of the popularity of the sport is its accessibility. All that is necessary to enjoy it is a level grassy playing area, a dog, and a frisbee. Also, a little imagination is an extra plus for Freestyle. It is estimated that over one million dogs play frisbee in the United States alone, though only a small percentage participate in organized competitions.