Questions for a 1st timer!

[SchoggisFmly]

So splash dogs is coming to utah! Woohoo! I have wanted to get Schoggi involved with dock diving, but I haven't been able to find any local clubs or training facilities.

Schoggi loves the water, and I think it would be fun for her to go. Would it be bad for us to register and go if we have never done anything more than play around in a lake??

I don't want her to have a poor experience just because I don't know what I am doing. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

[ChocolateDawg]

They will have an open dock practice time for your to try it out. There should also be people there to help you and show you how. (I'm not actually sure about how Splash Dogs does this, but the other two organizations do it this way, so Splash Dogs probably does also.)

So definitely go and give it a try. Good luck!

[Jake&Tex]

This might be a good link for you to read: http://www.splashdogs.com/events/Newcomers.php

We did a Splash Dogs event last month and it was a BLAST!! They had a competition dock and a practice pool that had 2 docks (one at competition height and the other a "puppy dock" that is lower to the water for beginners). They were really good about encouraging and giving space for people to introduce their dogs to the pool by taking them up the exit ramp and get their paws wet just to get used to it before trying to have them jump off of the docks. Some of the dogs were hesitant to jump in at first - the clear water of the pool looks a lot different than the murky water of a lake! Just have patience with it - and when she gets comfortable with it, wear her out!!

[Major]

Definitely do it! Major's first time ever on a dock was at a DockDogs event. He never really jumped, but just stuck his butt high into the air and kind of plopped in, but he absolutely loved it as did the audience!! They loved seeing a big ole lab looking so pitiful. And it's just $20 and you can practice all day. You will be able to tell if she likes it or not, and if she doesn't you don't have to push her, just let her go in on the exit ramp and praise her for retrieving. I will forever remember this event and this will always be my most favorite dock diving pic of him!


Major loves the water as well and gets so excited about just getting to be in the water he will take a few laps before coming in, but we went again and he is jumping now, just 7-8 feet but he's jumping! Just be patient and positive.

[diver03]

Our group had a fun day where beginners could just go to practice - email your local group and ask!

[Maxs Mom]

I have been to a couple Splash Dogs events. Tony is REALLY nice! I would think there will be open dock time if there is time. Usually there is. It is all fun, I think you should go. Don't have huge expectations, sometime they get confused by the pool over a lake or pond. However some dogs pleasantly surprise handlers too.

Go have a great time!

[Bailey's Mommy]

Originally Posted by SchoggisFmly

So splash dogs is coming to utah! Woohoo! I have wanted to get Schoggi involved with dock diving, but I haven't been able to find any local clubs or training facilities.

Schoggi loves the water, and I think it would be fun for her to go. Would it be bad for us to register and go if we have never done anything more than play around in a lake??

I don't want her to have a poor experience just because I don't know what I am doing. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated!

We are going to the event in Utah and are first timers. I called and they do have practice dives so it should be a lot of fun. I was worried about her only jumping in lake water so far so a few weeks ago we went to a friends pool and she flew right in.