Getting started • how to compete

So, You’re Interested in Competing?

Here’s a secret: you don’t have to compete to enjoy the experience. Attending a disc dog competition as a spectator makes for a fantastic family outing—and it’s usually free! Simply bring a pop-up tent or canopy, folding chairs, a blanket, and plenty of drinks and snacks. You’ll be amazed by the athleticism, teamwork, and sheer joy these canine athletes display.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If watching has inspired you to get in the ring with your own dog, you’re in for a rewarding journey. Competing offers an incredible learning opportunity that goes far beyond what you can pick up from videos or books. You’ll witness experienced handlers and their dogs performing at high levels, giving you real-time examples of technique, timing, and teamwork in action.

The disc dog community is remarkably welcoming. Competitors are genuinely friendly and enthusiastic about helping newcomers get started. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself—and, of course, your dog—to other competitors and staff. Ask questions about training techniques, disc selection, throw styles, or anything else that’s on your mind. You’ll find that most people are happy to share tips, demonstrate techniques, or even let you try one of their discs.

Your First Competition: What to Know

When you’ve decided to compete, here’s how to get started:

1. Find an Event

Check the Skyhoundz Competition Calendar to find events in your area or close enough to travel to.

2. Contact the Host

Reach out to the listed event host to get the details you’ll need:
–Is pre-registration required, or can you register on-site?
–What’s the entry fee, and how do they accept payment?
–What time can you arrive to set up your staging area?
–What’s the exact location and parking situation?
–Are there any special rules or requirements for this venue?
–What divisions are offered, and which is right for your skill level?

3. Come Prepared

Here’s what to bring to ensure a successful day:

A kennel or crate for your dog. Disc dogs get very excited at events, and having a secure, comfortable space between rounds helps them stay calm and focused. It also prevents them from wandering or getting overstimulated by all the activity.

Your dog’s favorite Hyperflite discs. Bring the discs you’ve been training with—familiar equipment helps both you and your dog perform at your best.

Water for your dog (and yourself). Hydration is critical, especially during warm weather or after physical exertion.

Portable fans (if it’s hot). Battery-operated fans can make a huge difference in keeping your dog cool and comfortable between rounds.

Shade or shelter. A pop-up canopy provides relief from sun or unexpected rain. Important: Make sure you stake your tent securely to the ground. A runaway tent blowing across the field isn’t just embarrassing—it’s a safety hazard for dogs, competitors, and spectators.

A leash. Keep your dog on leash at all times when not competing. This ensures everyone’s safety and shows respect for other competitors and their dogs.

Waste bags. Always clean up after your dog. Bring plenty of bags for any nature breaks.

A positive attitude. Remember, competition is about learning and having fun—not perfection.

Important tip for nervous beginners: It’s natural to feel anxious before your first competition, and many beginners try to ease their nerves by playing with their dogs. However, competition day is not the time to work on improving skills or drilling routines—that only serves to tire out your dog. Save your dog’s energy for their actual rounds. Keep an ear out for when you’re due to compete so you can take your dog for a brief walk to loosen up and nature break, then move directly to your turn.

Keep It Fun, Friendly, and Family-Oriented

Remember: disc dogging is a family event. Children compete alongside adults, and families with young kids are often in the audience. Your behavior sets the tone for the sport and influences how others perceive our community.

Never shout at your dog. No one looks good yelling at their canine partner, and it creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for everyone around you. More importantly, your dog is doing their best to please you—frustration and anger only damage your relationship and hurt future performance.

Watch your language. Keep it clean and positive. There may be children competing or watching, and you want to set a good example for the next generation of disc doggers.

When mistakes happen—and they will—stay calm. Many competitors yell out loud at themselves when they make a bad throw, but here’s the problem: your dog doesn’t understand that distinction. They may think you’re upset with them, which can shake their confidence and hurt your performance for the rest of the round and beyond. If you throw wide or your dog misses a catch, just take a deep breath, reset, and try to do better on the next throw. Keep encouraging your dog throughout your round—your positivity and confidence are contagious.

Bottom line: Your dog is your teammate, not your employee. They’re out there because they love playing with you. Honor that partnership by keeping things fun, supportive, and upbeat, no matter what happens on the field.

Be a Good Steward of the Sport

Leave the field better than you found it. Pick up after yourself and your dog, dispose of trash properly, and respect the facility. When competitors take care of venues, facility owners are happy to host future events—which benefits the entire disc dog community. Your consideration at the event helps ensure there are places to compete tomorrow.

Knowledge is Power: Know the Rules

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for competition is to throughly understand the rules. Knowing how events are structured, how scoring works, and what judges are looking for will help you feel confident and competitive from day one.

Visit the Skyhoundz website where we provide comprehensive resources including:
–Complete rule sets for each competition format
–Field layouts and dimensions
–Scoring systems explained in detail
–Videos of actual teams competing in events (watching these videos is especially valuable—seeing the rules in action helps everything click into place.)

Once You’re Hooked

After you’ve competed a few times and gotten your feet wet, you’ll discover that each event teaches you something new. You’ll start to understand what works for your dog, refine your throws, and develop your own style.

The next level of learning? Volunteer to help judge. There’s no better way to understand the nuances of the sport than seeing it from a judge’s perspective. You’ll gain insights into scoring, learn what judges look for in routines, and deepen your appreciation for the athleticism and creativity on display.

Bottom line: Whether you’re content to watch from the sidelines or ready to dive into competition, the disc dog community welcomes you. Come for the dogs, stay for the friendships, and discover just how much fun you and your four-legged teammate can have together.