Throwing around a disc with your dog is a fun way to play with them, but for some handler teams, it’s more than fun: it’s games, and major competition! The 2025 AKC UpDog Invitational Presented by GEICO invited talented dog-handler teams to compete at top levels in disc dog events to crown top teams. These athletes took disc to new heights, competing on November 8-9 at the Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. The event aired on ESPN2 on November 23.
Disc Dog takes the game of fetch to another level. They’ve created fun mini games, including Freestyle and Far Out. See the winners in each game below!
2025 AKC UpDog Invitational Winners
Freestyle Winners
In Freestyle competitions, dogs are judged in four categories to make their total score: human, dog, team, and success. Macee Aumack and her dog “Hotshot” took home first place with a score of 160.25. They scored 24.5 for the Dog category, 23 for the Human category, 23.5 for Team, and 8.5 for success. In second place, Bonnie Scott and Belgian Malinois “Kiddo” scored a total score of 160. They scored 23.75 for the Dog category, 22.5 for the Human category, 24.5 for Team, and 8.75 for success. Aumack returned to take third place with “Riddle,” scoring a total score of 156.75. They scored 23 for the Dog category, 23.25 for the Human category, 22.75 for Team, and 7.75 for success.
Men’s Far Out Winners
The men’s Far Out competition also had 12 teams. Finn Proctor and “Figment” took home first place, with a score of 242 and a longest catch of 85.5 yards. In second place, Gary Dule and “Beep!” scored a total of 222.5, with a longest catch of 77.5 yards. Proctor also took third place, with his dog “Amadeus,” with a total score of 168.5, and a longest catch of 88.5 yards.
Women’s Far Out Winners
The women’s Far Out competition had 12 total competing teams, and crowned the top three, competing to see who could get the most distance. In first place, Macee Aumack with her dog “Hotshot” scored a total of 214.5, with the longest catch being 79 yards. Aumack also placed second with her dog “Jersey,” scoring a total of 194. Their longest catch was 65 yards. In third place, Barbara Reinhold and “Salty” scored a total of 166.5, with a longest catch of 58 yards.
Want to Get Involved in Disc Dog?
If you love throwing a disc with your dog, consider giving Disc Dog and its many games a try! The best way to get involved is to find clubs near you that offer classes, and try out each game to figure out what you like best. If you’re not ready to go to a class, many clubs host online classes and seminars, and you can try practicing throwing a disc at home. Who knows, you and your dog might be the next duo showcasing your skills on ESPN2!
For more information about UpDog and getting involved in your local area so your dog can be recognized, please visit UpDog Challenge. There you can learn more about events in your area, UpDog games, and more!
Don’t know if Disc Dog is for you? Don’t worry! There are many dog sports that are suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities.
Catch! The AKC UpDog Invitational Presented by GEICO will premiere on ESPN2 on Sunday, November 23 at 1PM ET. You won’t want to miss these high-flying dog teams in action.