You have probably caught, at one time or another, a dock diving competition on ESPN. These high flying pooches are Dock Dogs. Dock dogs are the pure atheletes of the game of fetch. There are several different challenges in Dock Dog competitions.
* Big Air - This is where the dogs compete to see who can jump the farthest. The edge of the pool has measurements and the dog is allowed to run down the dock to gain momentum before the leap. The measurements start from the edge of the dock and ends where the base of the dog's tail hits the water. There are different divisions for different sizes of dogs to compete. The dog does not have to retrieve a toy to complete this course.
*Extreme Vertical (EV) - this is how high a dog can jump off of the dock. The dog must jump upwards to retrieve an official DockDogs Flappy toy and land in the water. The toy is suspended and is required to be held out 8" from the dock and the dog must jump and successfully grab the toy for the jump to count.
*Speed Retrieve - This is a timed challenge on who can fetch the toy the quickest. Time starts when the dog leaves the starting line on the dock and ends when the dog retrieves the toy at the end of the pool. **If a dog is released before the start of the competition, a premature release, the dog is disqualified
*Iron Dog - This is the newest addition to Dock Dog competitions and it involves all three areas.
How to get involved
Find a local group to get in contact with and go to practices. http://www.dockdogs.com
You're dog will need to know basic commands before letting the dog off lead during a run. (when not in competition or on a practice jump dogs are kept on a lead)
Not all dogs are confident about jumping off a dock and into a pool of water. The more you and your dog practice the more comfortable your dog becomes.
Equipment
Collar with proper identification
4' lead
Favorite toy that floats (nothing edible allowed)
Crate
(certain groups may call for additional or specific equipment items)
Getting Started
1.Select a pond or lake that is deep enough for your dog to land safely in and is free of obstructions or underwater hazards.
2. Toss her favorite toy in a couple of times and watch to assure she goes in after it with joy and enthusiasm. A dog that enjoys the water will be much more successful in dock diving than one who doesn’t.
3. Find a toy that your dog is absolutely crazy about. (needs to float)
4. Get the dog excited about the toy (it needs to be the best thing ever!) Then toss it in and encourage her to go after it.
5. Call your dog back to you and repeat the exercise until your dog is consistently jumping in after the toy with enthusiasm. Your dog will need to stay excited and motivated in order to achieve the most distance from his jumps.
6. Introduce your dog to the dock or ramp when he is consistently diving in after his toy. In competition the dog will dive from a raised platform into the water, so associating your dog with the raised platform early in training will avoid problems later.
7. Work with your dog on confidence before focusing on speed and distance. The dog should never hesitate.
8. once the dog is comfortable continue building your dog’s speed to the end of the dock until she is running at his maximum speed when she jumps into the water. Make sure she is jumping from the end with enough speed that she is getting good distance before she enters the water.
9. Always keep practice session short, sweet and frequent!
Great toys for Dock Dogs
Hunting dummies
Bumpers
Dock Dogs Official Gear (Flappy)
West Paws Hurley
Kong Water Wubba
Chuck-it Amphibious
