How much do you train and how long do you spend at each session? Describe a normal training session. I.e.. How much time spent on Distance-Accuracy vs. Freestyle?

Bob - In preparing for a Regional competition I usually do a workout every day to every other day for a total of about 1 hour. I begin with about 5 to 15 minutes of throwing. Part of the throwing is practicing various Freestyle throws with the balance concentrating on Distance-Accuracy throws. Total number of throws will typically be about 50 to 100. I then usually begin with a 90 second Freestyle workout followed immediately with one to two more of the same. I then allow the dog to get a drink of water while I select a good set of discs. After about a 2 to 3 minute rest, I usually do another 90 second routine or two. After allowing the dog to get a drink and rest for 3 to 5 minutes, I then do 2 to 3 minutes of Distance-Accuracy practice. After a rest of 5 to 10 minutes we may do another 90 second Freestyle followed by another 60 second to 90 second Distance-Accuracy. Don't try to over do what you and/or your dog are capable of doing.

SPECIAL NOTES: Warm up yourself and your dog before a workout. Do not feed your dog for 3 hours before workout or until a minimum of 1 hour after workout. Be careful of your dog drinking too much water. Watch out for the heat and your dog becoming overheated. Gradually strengthen your “little athlete as opposed of trying to win an endurance marathon all at one time.

Chuck - Serious workouts in preparation for a Regional Competition began in mid-April. At Boss' age and level of development, we rarely workout two days in a row.  If I were preparing FlyGirl for the regional, we would be training 5-6 days a week, and our time at the park would be much different consisting of much more casual fun aimed at trying to develop new tricks and throws and a set 90 second routine. Boss' workouts are generally 30-40 minutes long (including rest periods). My routine is split into 4 sections, and we will generally work on only one or two sections per workout with additional work on individual throws and catches that lack consistency. There are days when our entire practice may consist of nothing more than Distance-Accuracy. Two weeks prior to a Regional Competition, I will start practicing the entire routine, check it against the stop watch, and work on disc management. Regarding Distance-Accuracy, do not neglect this part of your training. If your dogs are like mine, this is what they enjoy most, plus there are great benefits – it's great conditioning, and with regular practice you will dramatically improve your throwing ability and your dog's eye/mouth coordination.

Ron - My training regimen depends on the magnitude of the event for which I'm preparing. On average I train 3 or 4 days a week, about an hour each session. During that hour I'll run my dog through a couple of Freestyle rounds and a couple of Distance-Accuracy rounds. I rest and water my dog for about 5 to 10 minutes between each round. I'll sometimes spend a few minutes here and there working on new tricks. I always reserve 10 or 15 minutes to practice throwing without the dog. On days I don't practice with my dog I still practice by myself. I also try to never play with my dog the day before an event.