DYKT 20/07/2021 - Did You Know That Labrador Retrievers have a very long 😛 and that they are not afraid to use it? You will get a thousand kisses from them, that's for sure. After exercise however they will use it to cool down their body temperature. They can't take off their fur and are unable too sweat. As demonstrated by Rea after a disc session with K9-DISC. Get yours on www.k9-disc.com.
DYKT 22/07/2021 - Did you know that some dogs reach their top speed in the first seven passes. They aren't Retrievers, even not when you wave a K9-DISC for them. They will come back faster than when you don't. You can find these magic discs on www.k9-disc.com. Enjoy your pups and if you know the type of dogs, feel free to reply in the comments.
DYKT 27/07/2021 - Did You Know That dishwashers can rejuvenate your beloved K9-DISC C-Zenith? I bet it hasn't even crossed your mind because you're more into throwing them for your dogs than doing the dishes.
Putting them in the "disc-washer" from time to time (not every time, cold water or even rain will do the job to clean them) has its advantages.
The heat will straighten your discs, especially if you stack them on top of each other. We'll explain the "behavior" of discs in detail in one of the first Expert Interviews planned for early August. (spoiler alert)
It will also ensure that all stains and spots are clean, the ones you can see and the ones you can't see (unless you have a Wood's lamp, aka black light).
We tested the K9-DISC C-Zenith at temperatures up to 70° C, so don't be afraid to put them in there with the other plates, the ones we don't advise to throw for your dogs. Use those for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DYKT 29/07/2021 – Did You Know That dogs also sleep in different stages, just as humans do?
There is the light sleep stage, where your dog is just cruising along with his eyes shut and his ears wide open, in case you open the door of the fridge.
The second stage is REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a period where they, also like humans, are processing the day's events. Dogs that have been active during the day are more prone to proceed to this stage as it is a deeper type of sleep often induced by intense activity and thus fatigue.
You will sometimes notice your pup twitching and turning, running on their sides and even making sounds that you might perceive as excitement, all while their eyes are shut (the lids can open in some cases, but the dogs are firmly asleep).
Don't worry and enjoy the spectacle. Your dog is having fun with your K9-DISC for the second time, and you don't even have to throw. What happens is that the dogs are processing all those fantastic catches they made. Another benefit is that some dogs will even learn from this instant replay.
The last one is SWS or slow-wave sleep. The part of the sleep cycle where dogs will breathe heavily while the body goes into freeze mode. Everything slows down; heart rate, brain waves, and rapid eye movement no longer happen. It's the stage where you want to acknowledge what they say about sleeping dogs. Once in this phase, an abrupt disturbance may cause an unprecedented response.
Have a good night and sweet Dreamz (sidekick) and Rea's.
DYKT 03/08/2021– Did You Know That there is a relation between golf, the Sky Pro Cycling Team, and your K9-DISC?
What would that be? It's the dimple pattern, unique for K9-DISC. The EPO (European Patent Organisation) even granted a patent for this innovative improvement to existing discs.
When the K9-DISC project started, the intention wasn't to copy an existing disc. The new design had to be something different. One of the things that always bothered me as a competitor was the grip surface.
The most important reason for the change was the dogs' teeth. After years of practice and competition, I also noticed some damage to my dogs' canines (teeth in the front of the mouth). They had flattened out to the same level as the incisors.
As the surface was not flat (either multiple rings on top of the disc or a significant uneven pattern), there had to be some unbalanced airflow or (micro-) turbulence. It's what happens when you get your lunch on an airplane, and you have to struggle to keep your plate on the table.
After a show on Discovery Channel on how golf balls were so efficient and stable, the Euro/Quarter dropped. The professional Sky Cycling Team had a tryout in their time trial suits with the same pattern a few years later. People with a much higher budget than the K9-DISC project confirmed the theory.
And that's the story on the dimples in the K9-DISCS. It became one of our main features and a very recognizable part of the brand.
Have a great week, and enjoy your dogs!!!
DYKT 05/08/2021 – Did You Know That a dog communicates in various ways? Probably, one of the most interesting is tactile communication.
You could call any communication detected by the skin tactile communication. Probably not the most accurate definition, but it will work to give you an idea of what we'll be talking about today.
Tactile communication occurs in both directions, from dog to human and human to dog. Also, when you are playing together, various forms of tactile communication come to mind.
The most positive is the big hug you give your dog after you both enjoyed a session with your K9-DISCs. And if you know massage techniques, that's all about tactile communication.
But did you also know that dogs will communicate this way amongst each other? The left side of the picture tells more than 1000 words.
Did you also know that it's one of the first types of communication a puppy develops? The first minutes after being born, the blind and deaf pup will crawl until he touches mom. (OK, olfactory communication beats tactile)
They will also use trampling to stimulate lactation and getting their daily nutrition in the first few weeks.
One of the most beautiful tactile signs in dog language, in my opinion, is the paw on the shoulder. Not only is it a request to play amongst dogs, but it also tells the invitee that no matter what happens in the next few minutes, the intention was only to play. Try it! The typical answer is a playful bow to accept it.
Another one is your dog lying on your feet or legs if they are allowed on the sofa. You won't leave without them, that's a certainty.
Enjoy observing and talking to your dog, and have a fantastic weekend!!! Don't forget to visit www.k9-disc.com and have a look if you need a new toy.
DYKT 10/08/2021 – Did You Know That body language is another way to communicate with your dog, and vice versa if you understand it.
There are a few easy ones described by Roger Abrantes in the previous century that are pretty obvious. (lovely study material)
But what about the 'begging' eyes of a retriever when you hold a sandwich in your hand. Or the guilty eyes when he has managed to grab it while you weren't looking for a nanosecond.
And that's just the eyes. And only from the dog to you. Probably, you're not even aware of the signals you are sending and even less of how the dog is receiving them.
Especially in Discdog, the general body language is of enormous importance. Half of the tricks during a performance depend for a big chunk on this type of communication. Your stance will almost always give away what you expect.
Until you put a cocky but very experienced handler on the field, and you add a dog that never played with more than one disc. The result is a hilarious blooper and a lesson learned. (the dog in this video didn't suffer any injury thanks to an insanely hard head- aka #labrador)
There are three crucial lessons in one video. First, never let your ego lead your actions. Second, Discdog is a sport that requires training and practice. (talent, experience, and YouTube are not enough). And thirdly, both parts of the team need to understand the communication.
I hope you had a good laugh, enjoy your pups as well as your K9-DISC and have a fantastic day!!! If you are curious what discs we used here, it was a prototype of the C-Zenith, of which the end product is now available on www.k9-disc.com
DYKT 12/08/2021 – Did You Know That you could actually eat your K9-DISC and not drop dead instantly?
Although we highly advise against trying it out and serving your guests' K9-DISC à la Flamande', in theory, it should be no problem.
The Romans had a proverb about taste and discussion. But again, this is one of those 'don't try this at home' cases.
The plastics used in both the C-Light as the C-Strong and the C-Zenith are all food graded plastics, which means they are not toxic and therefore safe for use with dogs. Also, the masterbatch, a very technical term for pigment, is food graded.
So that you know that your dogs' health is in safe hands at K9-DISC. Bon apetit!
And if you are curious why there is always a C- before the different types, then do continue to follow us, and at a certain point in time, we will tell you the secret behind it.
For now, give your dogs a big hug, enjoy your weekend, and if you get bored, there is always www.k9-disc.com to check out where you can order your favorite discs.
DYKT 17/08/2021 – Did You Know That water is essential for our dogs? I bet you did. But there is so much more to 'goldfish-nectar' that meats the eye. 😊
Have you ever wondered how our furry friends drink? They have no thumbs, so holding a glass and doing an 'ad fundum' isn't an option.
Most of you know they use their tongue. And you're right. However, if you ask most dog owners, they think it's the front side of the tongue that does the work. The best way to use that part is for those wet, slobbery kisses.
In the short slow-motion above this message, you'll find out it's the back of the tongue that does the work. Dogs scoop up the water by folding their tongue backward. When the water is inside the mouth, they shut it as fast as possible to keep it there.
Another nice fact is that studies showed dogs have the same four taste classifications (and for all you fine diners, umami was not tested) as humans: sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.
They also have a specific set of taste buds for water. That's why they prefer the softer and less adapted rainwater from potholes than the completely purified water from their 120 € electric drinking fountain.
Oh yes, you can also use water to clean your K9-DISC, the ones you bought on www.k9-disc.com. 😉
DYKT 19/08/2021 – Did You Know That olfactory communication is the most illucid to human and probably the least understood.
Let's change that just a little bit and give you an insight into this fantastic world of smells and scents.
We won't explain now why dog poo (or fox, or whatever roadkill) is soo much fun to cover yourself in from a dog's point of view, but there are some other interesting facts to be told.
The nose of a dog is a sensitive instrument linked to a vast database in the brain called the bulbus olfactorius. In the human brain, this storage is about the size of a pea, whereas in dogs, it can be up to 100 times larger than ours.
Let's get down to dog owners' two most asked questions. Probably also the most embarrassing ones to reply to. Why is your dog putting his nose in my crutch, and why is he sniffing my dog's butt?
The first question is easy; they want to find out who they have in front of them. Dogs mainly want to know if you're a danger, a competitor, scared, or harmless. And they are not able to ask. So they go to the primary sources of feromones.
The area around the mouth and the glands next to the ass are dogs' most significant information providers. The human equivalent is the hand and the region previously described. (hence why you always let an unfamiliar dog smell the palm of your hand before petting)
Also, your K9-DISC has a scent to it. We avoided cheese, sausage, and rabbit to prevent our discs from being eaten, although that's not a problem, as you already know. (DYKT 12/08/2021) 😉
DYKT 24/08/2021 – Did You Know That there were some questions on my private posts about what my dearest Labradors have to eat… let's put some science into the equation and give some more information on that.
Most of you who follow me also know me and follow my private Facebook and Instagram page. There I show my Labradors quite often with a piece of veggie or fruit. So what is the deal with that?
The deal is mainly behavioral, but the question is, who's behavior is more influenced? Both the dogs' behavior as well as mine, that's the proper answer.
The ethology aspect goes back to the times when wolves and dogs lived in packs; there was one alpha dog in command of the pack. When the hunters came back with prey, he had the first pick and the best meat. According to a strict hierarchy, the other dogs could dig in after him, where women and children came first. It looks like a crashing airplane, but it's far from that. It's nature's logic.
Let's switch to the human part and the neurologic aspect of the matter. When you pet a dog, walk with a dog, throw a ball or a K9-DISC for a dog, or give a dog a treat (in this case, the last piece of my food), you release a neurotransmitter called serotonin. (but also some levels of dopamine and oxytocin for the experts) These are all designed to make you happy.
Knowing this, you now have an extra, science-based, reason to buy a K9-DISC at www.k9-disc.com. 😉
DYKT 26/08/2021 – Did You Know That there are many good reasons you shouldn't play with a golf disc, ultimate, or human freestyle disc when your dog joins you? Apart from the type of plastic, another big reason is the rim of the disc. 🥏
When you look at an ultimate or freestyle disc, you'll notice that the rim is pretty high compared to your K9-DISC. Also, the edge of a disc golf disc has a very different shape than your K9-DISC. It makes sense if we look at the use of these discs.
A freestyle disc has a large rim that has to accommodate the fingers sliding at the inside. Aerodynamics doesn't have an enormous impact since these discs mostly stay very close to the body. 🆓
The rim is higher with an ultimate disc because it needs to be easy to catch by a human hand. This disc doesn't travel a long distance either, meaning no more than 50-60 meters. 🏃♀️🏃
The minimal height and the specific shape of the rim of the disc golf disc serve mainly one purpose. When you have to overcome 150-200 meters of distance, the minimum height and the very sharp edge of the rim make sense. ⛳🔭
And then there is your K9-DISC, which is an all-around disc and serves all the above. You can use it for freestyle, throws up to 50 meters, and extreme distance.
But the main concern when we designed this disc was to minimize the impact on your puppy's mouth when they catch it with a full bite. Think about the effect of stilettos versus sneakers on a wooden floor. 👠👟
The rim's shape of our discs mimics the part at the end of the mouth where the upper- and lower jaw join. The risk of bruising or damaging this weak tissue is reduced to a maximum to protect your pup and prevent a traumatic connection with a disc. 🔚
This will guarantee even more joy when playing with you and it will make K9-DISC your dogs' favorite toy.
The more you know about it, the more you see it's not just a disc you buy at www.k9-disc.com. 🐕🤩
DYKT 31/08/2021 – Did You Know That there is a tale told by the tail of a dog? We already talked about the general body language, but let's zoom in on this body part that humanity has lost on the path called evolution. 🧬🐒👫
There are more signs given through the tail than we will ever be able to understand. And there is continuous research going on in this field. In general, you can say there are a few critical parameters.
The most important ones are the intensity or speed of the wag, how the tail wags, and how far it goes across the body.
I'm just going to pick out the absolute number one wag that demonstrates utter happiness! In the video, you will see the tail going in a circular movement. That's the one you want to see. It's called the circular wag or helicopter wag. 😃😇 🚁
It's one of the most potent signs a dog can send you that he loves you to bits, and as of now, you'll also pick it up and see it as a cue to enjoy your day and hug your dogs! 🤗🐕
If you want your dogs' tails to do this as well, there is a simple solution. Buy a K9-DISC at www.k9-disc.com. 😉
DYKT 02/09/2021 – Did You Know That active dogs require a different diet than other dogs. If you decide to make your dog into the athlete that's hidden inside of him, you have to realize it comes with some changes in their daily food intake.
Now don't change the diet after you have played two weeks of Discdog or any other sport. You won't change your diet either when you ran around the block two times. 🏃♀️🏃
One of the critical elements in the nutrition of the sporting dog is protein. (and immediately the song Space Oddity by David Bowie sounds in my head, people of my age will know why) 👩🚀🚀
The best source of protein is egg white, as it contains 100% of the good stuff. Egg joke is also good with 98%. That's what we call high-value protein. You don't need to give much of it, and it's all absorbed by the system. 🥚
One warning concerning a nasty bacteria called Sal M. Nella (salmonella). To avoid infection, you need to heat your eggs above 60°C. Whether you poach, boil, scramble, or bake it sunny side up or down depends on your dog's preference. 🍳
As with everything in life, be moderate with this power food. Also, please don't squeeze the chicken. It won't make the eggs come faster. 🐣🐔
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Always discuss any changes in your dogs' diet with your vet. There are some consequences, and mainly for older dogs, excess protein may cause issues. ⚠️⚠️⚠️
DYKT 07/09/2021 – Did You Know that dogs are at the same level as commercial goods in some countries regarding legislation and rights? ⚖️
Times are changing, and also in the Belgian Law, a new legal category was created for animals, next to commercial goods and humans. 🥏🐶🙋♀️🙋♂️"
Does this mean that you won't be able to buy a puppy anymore as it is now protected and bound to the same restrictions that apply to humans? 🥺😱🤔
Let me assure you that, at least in Belgium, it is still allowed to buy a puppy or adopt a dog and pay a fee. 💸
The Law isn't about the transaction. It's just to protect animals (and thus also your disc dog), stating that they have feelings, needs, and rights, contrary to what we think about our average pen and that you can't treat them the same way from a legal point of view as was the case in the past. 🖋️
One of the main changes is about housing animals. It should avoid transports with too many dogs stuffed in way too small cages. 🐶🚗
Celebrate this fact by taking care of the needs of your disc dog; you'll find a way to do this at www.k9-disc.com.🎉🥳
DYKT 09/09/2021 – Did You Know that with climate change and global warming, we will be confronted more and more with hot temperatures. 🥵🌞🌡️
With dark-coated Labradors living in Western Europe, my rule of thumb has always been not to play above 30°C. (that's 86°F) In between 25°C and 30°C I advise to keep your sessions extra short. 👍The capability of a dog to cope with heat depends on a lot of factors. The most important ones are genetics, breed, coat type, and location. 🌎🌍🌏
Let's say you have a light-colored dog born and raised around the equator with a single hair fur. It would still be OK compared to an Alaskan Malamute living above the arctic circle and dealing with a double fur coat. 🐕🦺🐩🐕
Regardless of the statement above, you are asking for an intense physical effort. Most of the time, you will play on an open field with no shade for protection. Discdogging and trees don't go very well together. 🌴🌳🌲🎄
Worst case scenario is a heatstroke. These things are lethal! Especially when you have a very driven dog, he will go beyond the point of no return to catch those discs. Dogs don't think like humans, don't forget that. ☠️🥏
So please read up on the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and prevent it from happening by being the smart one on the team. That way, you'll have plenty more time to play and hug your dogs.📖🧠🤗
And if it's too warm to play with your dog, you can always enjoy playing with friends in the pool with our floating K9-DISC C-LIGHT. You can find sinking discs as well, called C-ZENITH, on www.k9-disc.com. 🥽🩲🩱
DYKT 14/09/2021 – Did you know that there is a special bond between kids and dogs? And there is a good reason for that! There is more than one good reason. 🐶👧🧒
Kids are less calculated than adults. And when they have been around dogs from a very young age, the chances are that they won't be afraid of any dog crossing their path. There are some advantages as well as disadvantages to this natural connection. 😍🤗
The disadvantage is that they can't read most of the body language. If the dog hasn't been around kids very much or has a traumatic experience with them, you (parent or owner) need to intervene. 🆗🔙📴
Teach your kids always to ask the handler if the dog is OK with being pet by your youngster. You'll avoid a lot of tears that way. 😭😭😭
The advantage is that dogs won't pick up the feromones, indicating fear, which will naturally bring their guard down. Another advantage is that kids still smell like 'puppies,' and a dog will never attack or harm a puppy within the boundaries of normal behavior. 😇🥊🥋
Sometimes they can play pretty rough when playing 'tipping the toddler.' Even inflict some superficial, minor scratches as dogs mainly play with their teeth, but you can count on it that the dog didn't mean to do any harm. 🚑🥴🤕
Kids mean no harm either, but that doesn't mean they can't hurt the dogs. So always keep dogs and kids under supervision when they are together. (I was just out of the frame when taking this picture, and it's our dog in our garden) 🧐🧐🧐
There are clear signs that dogs are in play mode. It's up to the owner to observe and know the warning signs he has had enough. ⚠️🆘🛑
And speaking of play mode, there are some fantastic toys for that. You can find them on www.k9disc.com. Enjoy selecting the colors of your preference. 🎨
DYKT 16/09/2021 – Did you know that summer is coming to an end? Pools are making a place for trampolines if you have kids. It's the time of the year when you start looking for a coat or at least a sweater. 😎🥶
Swimming has become an indoor activity for most of us. Except for our four-legged friends, obviously. They adore the water no matter what temperature it is outside. They have a much better insulation system than their human. 🏊♀️🏊
And as long as it's not freezing, swimming is probably the best activity for your best friend. 💯🔝
Rest assured that we tested our K9-DISC C-Light when the weather was better, and the result is evident… it FLOATS! 😉🤩😲
That means you don't have to go diving into the cold water to try and recover your disc. If the disc is in one piece, it will even come back up when submerged. 🤿
Find out next week if the same goes for the C-Zenith and in the meantime, feel free to stock up on floating discs at www.k9-disc.com. 🥏🥏🥏
DYKT 21/09/2021 – Did you know that you would probably need a license to dive if you want to retrieve a K9-DISC C-Zenith? 🤿😱
As you can see in the video above, they sink faster than a brick. So get your scuba gear out and combine two hobbies at the same time. 🧱🥺
On the other hand, instead of surfing for scuba gear, check out our C-Light which does float as long as there are no holes in it, at least, not too many holes. They are available on www.k9-disc.com. 🥏🥏🥏
DYKT 23/09/2021 – Did you know that you will get the same loving glance in their eyes when you play disc dog with your dog? 😍👀😍
It's a fact that dogs love one on one attention. They would die for it. And there we have one of the significant benefits of these plastic flying plates. (funny translation I get sometimes) 🥏👍👌
Whether it's only 1 minute of pure fun and then cuddles or 5 minutes of training and then cuddles, massage, stretching, and cool down, your dog is only doing it for the time spent with you. 🔝💯🤩
"Your dog is only in your life for a short while; you are in his life for an entire lifetime!"
Do you also want to make your dog happier and healthier in one effort? Buy some extra time at www.k9-disc.com. ⌛
DYKT 28/09/2021 – Did you know that dogs need rest as an essential part of their training? 🏋️💤
Most people will focus training on physical activity. The longer my dog plays, the more tired he becomes, and the better it is. Well, sometimes less is more. 🤏👍
There are a lot of benefits of resting your dog. Or did you think that Fido was just lazy? 🥱😴🤤
While your best friend is taking a nap, a lot of things are going on inside. They are very similar to ours when we are in the same state. 🥳🤯
There are hormonal, physiological, and mental processes all going on while nothing is going on. ❤️🩹🤕🧠
The best way to facilitate an optimal rest period is a safe and comfortable place is the best you can offer. The rest is up to your furry friend. 🛋️🛏️
Apart from a decent resting spot, also proper sporting equipment is essential for those active periods. You can find some on www.k9-disc.com. 🥏🥏🥏
DYKT 30/08/2021 – Did you know that there are two types of hair in the picture? ✌️✌️
The first type is easy, it's called fur, and the principal function is to keep the body warm (aka insulation) and protecting the more fragile skin from burning or freezing. 🥶🥵
The use is to cover it in all kinds of substances, found on the ground like dead animals and other nasty stuff. 💩💩
You can find the second type around the gorgeous face of our model. They are called whiskers. The primary use is categorized under tactile communication and will prevent your best friend from hitting the coffee table face first. You could only wish the tail had them as well. 🐶🤔
A more subtile body part that has the same type of sensitive hair is the paw, in between the cushions to be more precise. These hairs can pick up the vibrations that transfer through the ground. 🐾🐾
You can use those vibrations to your benefit. They are beneficial to train a deaf dog's recall as the ears won't work. (not only an issue with deaf dogs, they just have a valid excuse) 🦻👂👋
Go for a walk with a friend and let him trail by a good 30-50m. Then, unexpectedly, let him stamp his feet. Nine out of ten dogs will turn around and watch in the direction of your trailing friend. 🦶🦶
Another way to have fun with your dog is to go to www.k9-disc.com. 🤐🥏
DYKT 05/10/2021 – Did you know that there is a relation between discs and freezers? 🥶🥏
What do I do now winter is coming? Please don't tell me I have to stop playing with my favorite piece of plastic? 😨😳
Don't be a drama queen! First, Fall has just started, so you have a few more months. But to reply to your question: sure, you can play during the wintertime. At least with the K9-DISC C-Zenith. 😱👸
As you can see in the clip, we tested that disc in a freezer at -22°C (-7.6°F), and there was no problem. ❄️⛄️
The material can handle it, no doubt about that. However, the main question is if it's wise to play with a dog at those temperatures if it isn't an Alaskan Malamuth or Husky? 🐕🐾
If you didn't have any extra treats or goodies for your best friend on World Animal Day, there is always www.k9-disc.com to redeem yourself and spoil your pup anyway. That way, every day is the best day in your dogs' life. 😇📦🎉
DYKT 07/10/2021 – Did you know that morning dew and rain are an extra incentive for your dog to roll in the grass. 🌧️💦
I bet you were expecting something else when you read the word "rolling," you dirty mind. That type of rolling has an entirely different meaning. 💩😬
Let's take a look at morning rituals. You'll notice that dogs and humans are mammals and have some corresponding behavior. Sorry to shock you, but it's a biological and scientific fact, not an assumption. 😲👨🔬
What's the first thing most people do when they climb out of their crate? They go to the bathroom to wash their face, clean their teeth and comb their hair to finish by covering themselves in a lovely scent. 🧼👩🦱👃
Guess what Fido's doing? Right! Combing his hair, cleaning his fur, and for the dirty minds, covering themselves in a different scent to be less suspicious when out hunting. At least that's what it used to do. For some reason, dogs haven't figured out the couch isn't the same as hunting territory. 🛋️📯
To refine your dog's hunting skills, you may want to look at www.k9-disc.com and find some objects specifically designed to satisfy their hunting needs. 🥏😋
DYKT 12/10/2021 – Did you know that there are two reasons and one significant benefit you get when your dog is kissing you? 👅💋
The first reason is as simple as two humans kissing each other. You may want to argue them, but behaviorists agree on it, so it's the truth. They explain it as a profound sign of affection. In other words, you're doing something right. 💓💌
The other reason is less romantic, as kissing the lips of another dog is also a sign of submission. And maybe also a sneaky way to get some information on health and breeding options. In the latter case, the nose will disappear under the lip of the other dog involved. 👄💋
There is one huge benefit that humans can get, apart from the release of oxytocin. Your immune system will thank you a lot for all the new information received. 🤧🤒
The white blood cells in your body will be enriched with newly coded antibodies, making you stronger and more resistant to future attacks of diseases. 🧛♂️🧛♀️
Studies prove that kids who grow up with dogs (OK, fair is fair, cats as well) have 50% less chance of asthma or allergies, and the above statement is part of the reason. 🥴😵
I wouldn't suggest that you start mimicking this behavior, but you can always show your affection by rubbing his belly and buying him a nice gift at www.k9-disc.com. Your best kisser will enjoy both of them. 🥏🥰
DYKT 14/10/2021 – Did you know that merry-go-arounds and discs have certain things in common? 🎠🤮
The science is the same, but they serve a different purpose. One is to defy centrifugal forces, the other to defy gravitational pull. (F = G m1m2/r² or you can read the entire work of Newton) 🍏🍎
The bottom line is that you will need the rotation part called spin to have fun with a disc. 🥏👀
The fact of the day is that with K9-DISC C-model, you'll need less of it than with other discs to get the same effect, and that's also a scientific fact. 🤯🤫
On a side note, the above formula is the same one you use to calculate the landing force working on your dogs' joints if you send them up in the air. Be amazed how fast the numbers go up. 🚀😱
Before you get hypnotized by these posts or start singing Bonny Tyler's "Turn Around" spontaneously, visit www.k9-disc.com and save your wrist while making your best friend happier and healthier. 😵💫🎙️
DYKT 19/10/2021 – Did you know that a select group of breeders prepare their puppies to play disc dog from the age of 3 days? Interesting or science fiction? 🛸👽
Without going too much into detail (the truth is out there, and it's called ENS), there is a way the breeder of your newborn star can help the dogs to become more confident and open-minded in the later stages of their life. 🍼💫
I know only a handful of people who have applied this system, all with fantastic results. There are significant differences, not only in disc dogs but also in obedience, agility, and life in general. 🤩💪
It's not much work, but it does wake up some neurological pathways that stay unexplored if you don't apply this technique. You do have to follow the guidelines pretty strictly (especially in duration). More or less and the effect won't be the same. 🧠⏱️
Later in life, there is another way to help your dog become happy and healthy without spending hours a day. You can find that solution on www.k9-disc.com, and it's certainly not science fiction. 🥏🤫
Special thanks to Of Fairy Arrow for the fantastic picture.
DYKT 21/10/2021 – Did you know that musicians are experts in disc handling. 🎶🎵🎼
I've met many pianists, drummers, guitarists, trumpetists, violinists, and even conductors who attended seminars in my years traveling around the globe. They didn't only rock the stage but also were masters on the field. 👩🎤👨🎤🎸🎺🥁🎹
One of the main reasons they have an advantage is the skill to master different actions of different limbs simultaneously, and most of them have very agile fingers. 🤘✋🦵
In one of two videos, I'll show you my two favorite so-called 'fidgets.' an excellent way to boost your agility in disc handling without having to test the eardrums of your coinhabitants. 🧏🙉
This one is also actually useful. When you pick up a disc that is upside down on the ground, you can use this fidget to get it upright without using two hands. 🤲🙏
We reduced the speed has for you to try and learn it yourself. The other benefit will become clear next Tuesday. 🎚️⏳
Instead of surfing to the music store, have a look at these ear-saving instruments available on www.k9-disc.com and make your doggy happy and healthy in under 5 minutes a day. 🥏⏱️
Your friends, family and furry friend will thank me later. 🤗
DYKT 26/10/2021 – Did you know that I tend to keep my word when I make a promise. 🤞😒
As promised, an elaboration on last week's Thursday post on fidgets. I hope you had a good time getting around the first one and that you are already trying to figure out how to do this one. 🤨🧐😨
It's a bit more challenging but just as much fun. And this one is an incredible show element when performing. (for your dog, loved ones, or a huge crowd, doesn't matter) 🤯😉
Apart from agility, fidgets are also the best way to warm up your fingers before starting any practice session or competing. It can also calm you down in stressful moments (the minutes before going to the field at a competition). 😳😵💫
Get your hands on one of our discs, which are easy to find on www.k9-disc.com, and enjoy the fun of learning these fidgets. After the fidgets, you'll have more fun making your dog happier and healthier in less than 5 minutes a day. 🥏⏱️
DYKT 28/10/2021 – Did you know that I always try to overdeliver? So here is a third one in the series of fidgets you should try. 👀🤚
You can consider the first two as a warm-up compared to this one. But don't worry, you can accomplish almost everything with practice. And failure is the path to victory. 🦾💪
We slowed down the video a bit more than the previous ones, so you can see what the heck is going on with that disc and what your hand should be doing. 🤪🤫😵💫
This one also isn't for practical use, as the disc ends the same way it started, but you have to admit that it looks fancy. 🙏🥺🙏
I'm very interested in your end product and feel free to drop it under this post. 😏🤩
Suppose you need more discs to practice, then know that they are available on www.k9-disc.com, and you can use them afterward to make your dog happier and healthier. Nothing but benefits! 🤗🥏
DYKT 02/11/2021 – Did you know that buying two discs instead of one isn't a commercial trick? 🧙♂️🧙♂️
You probably think I'm just trying to double my sales, but I assure you that this isn't the purpose of my writings. 💸💸
Getting two discs will make a massive difference in the eyes of your best friend. It may dazzle you but let me quickly explain. 🤯🤯
In your dogs' minds, there's a big difference between handing over a disc and getting that same disc back again and trading dead prey for a much more interesting live one. ☠️☠️
If you didn't catch it, let me elaborate just a little bit without boring you. How would you feel if you just conquered a trophy and had to hand it over only seconds later? For most canine breeds, it will prove to be very difficult. They can't all be Retrievers. 🤪🤪
However, with most of our furry friends, it can help when you wave the second disc in front of them. It makes it more exciting, and they will release the first disc faster and go after this new living prey. 🥏🥏
When you are an expert in your breed, and you know what type of prey they genetically are programmed to catch, you can always mimic the behavior of that prey with a disc to trigger the instinct even more. 🐀🐀🐇🐇🐘🐘
If vertigo from reading this truth is over, go to www.k9-disc.com and choose the two discs of your liking. 😵
DYKT 04/11/2021 – Did you know that the image isn't about infusions for your high tea? 🍵
This post is about the underground you should be looking for when tossing a disc for your favorite friend. 🏖️🌋🗻🦸♀️🦸♂️"
At a second glance, however, you may notice that the top layer is dolomite—a rock-like substance with some pretty sharp edges and somewhat slippery. 🗿
So not only is there a massive risk for tearing up the cushions, but the ligaments and joints are under severe stress when playing on this underground. And if you are more advanced, there is pretty much no absorption when landing vaults or flips. 🤕😱
It's also very abrasive for the bottom part of the chin when your four-legged friend, by exception, didn't catch the disk and needs to scrape it from the ground. 🩸⚕️
On the other side of the picture, you can see a place with freshly cut grass and as flat as a pool table. This underground is like a dream come true for your dog. 🎱🏕️🏖️
I admit that this will be hard to find in a public place, but you get the point. Look for a spot with a soft underground, avoid potholes, concrete, or another hard underground, and always check for litter when you play in a public park. 🚮🥤🚬🍾
Apart from keeping your dog safe, we also provide the equipment on www.k9-disc.com needed to make your dog happier and healthier in less than 5 minutes a day. Make him dream of that right part of the picture. 💭🥏
DYKT 9/11/2021 – Did you know that there are still some things we can't control as human beings? 😱🥺
Shocking, isn't it in this day and age? Well, Mother Nature still has her way of doing things without any apps or aids. She calls the shots' old school'. 🤳📴
One of the elements she still has under her wings is the weather. And let that be one of disc dogging's worst nightmares. 😨😨
Playing safely with your dog is only possible if the conditions are right. Too much sun (or in the wrong place) and your dog will overheat or get blinded. ☀️😎🌊
Too much snow, and you won't see your dog. Digging is also slower than running, so your best friend will probably miss out on catching the disc every throw. If the snow is fresh and not too excessive, you could have a go, but when the snow is compact and icy, it's a no-go as well. ☃️❄️
Too much wind, and you won't control your disc, making it unpredictable and unsafe for your dog to go after it, except for tornados as they follow a predictable path, so feel free to go out and play then if you dare. (please don't and make sure you are as safe as possible) 🌬️🌪️
As you can see, 'too' is, most of the time, something pretty lousy. The message is again the same, adapt to your dog and his abilities. Don't let the dog adjust to your schedule, whatever the weather may be. 📆⏳
If one of the above conditions occurs, try to train inside and practice whatever is possible indoors. Worst case scenario, you go to www.k9-disc.com and check out our discs until the weather has cleared. 🥏🌤️
DYKT 11/11/2021 – Did you know that dropping a disc or getting a disc back from your dog is probably the most challenging part of the entire game? 😥😧
In the clip, you can see an example of two canines that spit out the disc at my feet. Is this a miracle or the work of a magician? 🧙♂️
Your mind may let you believe it is, but the truth is similar to most things in life. It's a question of training. 🏋️🦾
Probably the least sexy and magical reply of all, but the truth and nothing but the truth. I have to admit that genetically Labrador Retrievers tend to, right, retrieve things and spit them out at your feet. 🦆
So maybe, possibly, it was a little easier than with a Malinois or Cattle Dog, but it's still a skill that needs to be thought and maintained. 🧹🧽
Just like sitting down at your foot for a Malinois, shaking a prey for a Cattle dog, and barking for a terrier needs to be maintained. 😂🤣
There are more than enough techniques you can use to train a dog. I used my good friend Pavlov's way and rang a bell every time they needed to release it. Just kidding, I used positive reinforcement. 🤤🔔🛎️
I hope this post also works as a positive reinforcement to go to www.k9-disc.com and get the gear to start practicing that d-r-o-p. 🥏😉
DYKT 16/11/2021 – Did you know that Dogs are like the animal kingdom's Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire? Have you noticed how they are dancing from excitement when they see the discs come out of the bag or preparing to go and catch that next disc? 💃🕺
I know not all breeds will do this. Terriers will continue barking, and Malinois will start acting like a crocodile, but there are a lot of dogs who will show this behavior when they are excited. 🐊
Probably you noticed the same when you have a Labrador Retriever when you prepare their food, often in combination with drooling. Or when you walk towards the door leading to the garden, you get distracted and haven't opened it yet. 🤤🚪
Enjoy these tiny moments of communication with your best friend. It's a sign that they are delighted with the behavior you are presenting and think they have trained you well. 👍👍
Dogs that have reached the ultimate level of training their humans will guide you to www.k9-disc.com and show you the way to get their favorite discs. 🥇🥏
DYKT 18/11/2021 – Did you know that it's better to play with two discs and one dog than playing with two dogs and one disc? 🐕🥏🐩
I always advise against this. But my actions contradict my words, so there has to be a way to do this without having issues. 😲🤨
Let me first make it very clear that the dogs in the clip are my dogs and that I observe them every day. They have been together for six years and are aged 6 and 11 years old. Be careful with dogs in their puberty and also when you introduce a new pup to the pack. 👁️🧠
An advantage could be that one is male and the other female and they established the hierarchy years ago, so there isn't any hostility or jealousy between them. The moment I witness any animosity over anything (food, toy, attention, etc.) between the both of them, I'll no longer do this. 😡😤😺
If you look very closely (and you know them apart), you'll see that Rea, the female dog, gets the reward when there could be competition. When you have a fast and a slow dog (age, breed, physiology, history, etc.), make sure it doesn't become too frustrating for the dog that doesn't catch the discs, it's just a hint. 🚺🦹♀️
Never exclude the possibility that they run into each other and injure themselves, so there is always a risk left to deal with and which you need to be prepared to take. 🤕😮
So the general advice remains not to do it, and I strongly prefer you take the time to play with your dogs separately after selecting a different color of discs on www.k9-disc.com for each of your dogs. 🎨🥏
(Disclaimer: I again specifically advise against playing with two dogs and one disc. Playing one-on-one with each dog is the only way to prevent any physical and behavioral issues. Hopefully, we are on the same page.) 📃‼️
DYKT 23/11/2021 – Did you know that the way you grab a disc and hold on to it for dear life is the first step in the process of making that perfect throw. 🦌🥺
Although it's not rocket science, there are a few things you want to look at when getting this round plastic plate in your hands. 🚀🍽️
Let me start by saying that a grip and any throw are as personal as a handshake. 🤝
Everybody has a way to create their perfect feeling. So I'll already spoil you with my best advice, and that's to go out and try to find your own best grip. 😱THROW 404😱
What is most comfortable for you will work best. There are, however, some basics that can help you with this quest. 🧦👟👠
The first part is the grip itself. Should it be hard, soft, and how do I know it's good? 😰
If your grip is too hard, it will deform the disc and spoil the throw before it has even left your hand. 😭😣
Too loose, and the disc will slide out of your hand before you planned. 😧😲
So the optimal way is, as often, the middle way. Impossible to demonstrate on video, but that's why practice makes perfect. ⬅️↔️➡️
The second part is finger placement. The least practical is to put all fingers on top of the disc or at the bottom. ✋🤚👐
So get your thumb on top, one finger wrapped around the edge. A lot of people will put their index finger instinctively across the rim. It's not optimal, but it will work. All other fingers are resting on the bottom side of the disc. 👌👍👎
A final note before I leave you with a cunning comment on why you need to visit the shop is the power (or distance) to precision ratio. Look at the placement of the fingers at the bottom of the disc. 👁️👁️
When you want more power, I advise you to tuck all your remaining fingers inside the rim of the disc. If you are looking for more control, you want to spread your fingers as far as possible, as shown. 💪🦾
Play around with the stance of those bottom fingers and find your way (thank you, Frank Sinatra), I've shown what the most natural way for me is, but again, it's not a dogma. 🛣️
What goes for the grip, also goes for the other elements, they are all personal, and there is no perfect way to copy-paste. ©️
However, there is a relation between all of them, and they are all equally important, as you'll discover in the next couple of DYKT-posts. 🤪🤨
And now for that cunning comment. Relax the muscles in your hand by grabbing your mouse or resting them on your touchpad. You can now navigate to www.k9-disc.com. 🥏😉
DYKT 25/11/2021 – Did you know that the rest is easy to build up with the grip in place? 🤥😲
It's just a question of letting go of the disc with the most stable stance, at the best height, the right moment, the correct angle, and the proper rotation, easy! 🥴
All you need, addressed in one sentence, isn't that great. But let's make it even easier and cut it down into chewable pieces. ✂️
One of the secrets in throwing any disc is called wrist snap. It's a bit like shaking droplets from your hand or trying to make a whip snap. 💦
Don't try to pull the tablecloth from underneath the dishes until you have mastered this part. I clearly said don't! 🎄💡
The mechanical movement is first to extend your wrist and then quickly retract it again. 🐍
You will notice that your hand will open as well in a natural reflex, and thus the disc will evacuate your hand, depending on the firmness of our grip. 🤚
The sequence in the video first shows a warm-up exercise for your hand (fully open your hand until all digits extend), followed by an excellent way to practice control on this release (snap without release). 🎬🎥
One of the best places to try this mini workout would be the 'smallest chamber' in the house. That way, you don't have too far to pick up your disc if it does slip. 🚽🚾
When you release a disc with enough snap, it will make a very recognizable sound. It's hard to describe, but you'll know when you hear it. 🧏👂
We leave you with one extra pro tip before leading you shamelessly to the shop. When you go out and throw discs, the palm of your hand should point down at the end of your throw. Have fun with that one! 🌴👇
We already discussed that rest is an essential part of training, and to rest your hand, you are best off by putting it on a mouse and surfing to www.k9-disc.com. You can relax as long as you want, browsing through the website and concluding with the checkout procedure. 🥏🤣
DYKT 30/11/2021 - Did you know that reggae music has a significant influence on throwing discs? 💚💛❤️
Get up, stand up! Let's first tackle the stance. You want your feet to be at shoulder level and firmly on the ground. Don't try actually to stretch them to reach your shoulder. 🦶
Pro tip: if you put your feet perpendicular to the direction you want to throw, chances have now dramatically increased that you will throw in that direction as well, provided your release point, which we will discuss in the next post. ➡️⬅️⬆️⬇️↗️↘️↙️↖️
Make sure your knees are not locked and flexible to move, a bit like a boxer (the sport, not the breed - the title on the thumbnail refers to Muhammad Ali). 🥊
You will need the rotation in your knees at a later point in time, but for the moment, keep them at the same place. 🌪️⛄
The second part is to determine the desired height from which you want to release the disc. You can already eliminate your toes and the top of your head from the start. 🧢👟
The best altitude to execute a standard backhand throw varies between your hips and your chest. It still works if you have a tiny dog and sit down on your knees. 🧎♂️🧎♀️
Some prefer to throw from the hip, some from the chest, and most somewhere in between. But everybody needs practice! 🦸♂️🦸♀️
To finish strong, sit down on a chair near your device of preference and surf to www.k9-disc.com. Go to the disc section and order a set of your preferred discs. 🥏🌊