The Sport of Dock Diving - Labrador Retriever Dogs Chat Forum Board - Dogs, Puppies, Photos, Training, Pictures, Rescue Forums

FG167 · 05-21-2008, 09:40 AM

What is Dock Diving/Jumping?
Dock jumping is a sport for dogs that love the water. It involves a dock with a pool full of about 28,000 gallons of water. It is addicting and it is a blast. There are several different types of dock jumping.

One is based on distance, you want your dog to bolt down the dock as fast as he can and leap as far as he can into the pool of water. The distance is determined by where the base of the tail hits the water (in most organizations). You get two jumps.

Another is based on height. There is a toy hanging out over the water and it is raised by increments, the dog that can jump the highest to get that toy is the winner.

Catch-It is for those whose dogs can catch the toy as it's being thrown. Each handler/dog team gets two jumps and the combined distances determine the winner.

Speed Retrieve is for those that think their dogs are the fastest swimmer. It is a race against time for a dog to run, jump and swim to get the object in the fastest time possible.

Where Can I Get More Information?

There are multiple organizations that are involved in the sport of dock jumping and from there, multiple clubs. These places include:

Ultimate Air Dogs and the Ultimate Air Dog Forum

The United Kennel Club now includes dock jumping in their list of sports, so you can get your dog titled if you wish. They have many helpful articles as well, such as:

Dock Dogs

Whose Rules are listed HERE.

Splash Dogs

Sport Mutt has a great article on how to get your dog jumping further:

Understanding and Working "The Chase"
Along with many other very helpful and informational articles that can be found HERE

What Do I Bring to an Event?

Following is a list of things I suggest you bring to at least your first event, afterwards you'll know more what to expect and can modify to suit yourself

Crate
Water Dish
Water for you and your dog
Towels
Chairs
Floating, non-food toy
Dog treats
Flat collar, with no tags
Change of clothes
Tent for outdoor events (and sunscreen!)
Coat for your dog for chilly or indoor events
Leash
Dog's shot records (I've never needed them but I bring them just in case)
Change of clothes (I've personally fallen in...and didn't have them )
Cooler with food for you if it's an all day event

What Should I Expect at My First Event?

For the most part, these events are busy, busy places. Expect a lot of noise, a lot of dogs, a lot of people, and to get wet. When you get to your event, you'll want to stake out your "place" and get everything set up (usually need to park away from the pool) and go park. Then you'll go to the registration tent to sign you and your dog in and sign a waiver. At this time, there is usually open dock practice for the upcoming jump. Get in line with your dog and try it out.

Frequently, a newbie (or even an experienced dog) will refuse to jump. This can be attributed to any number of things: noise, crowd, dogs but a big deal is that the water is clear and it is 2' lower than the dock. Most dogs aren't used to that. One way to try out a newbie is to let them get wet off the exit ramp, so they know there's water in there, and then try them again on the dock. Only throw the toy a very short distance, so it's essentially just out of reach and your dog just needs to get it. Have fun, don't get mad and be encouraging! If your dog goes in, you know you're doing it right if you make a giant fool of yourself cheering

(but don't forget to go get your dog from the exit ramp

). If your dog doesn't go in, be patient, some dogs take more time than others. Some people swear by jumping in themselves and frequently their dogs will follow suit!

When it's time for the official jumping to start, find out what order you are in and get ready. If ever you are confused, lost or just need a hand - always ask - this is a very, very friendly community and just a great time in general with fantastic and nice people.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

Major · 05-21-2008, 09:50 AM

Thank you Falon, excellent information!!

CaraBella · 05-21-2008, 10:04 AM

Great info Falon

...thanks for posting.

Mom2labs · 05-21-2008, 10:07 AM

Awesome job, Falon!! Thanks for the info!!

Maxs Mom · 05-21-2008, 12:07 PM

Great Job Falon!

livingfree13 · 05-27-2008, 09:55 AM

Lol I was wondering what to bring - now I know - thanks Falon for the great info! I can't wait for our event Team Adialus is excited!!

FG167 · 05-27-2008, 10:07 AM

You're welcome guys!

Just noticed I listed change of clothes twice in the What to Bring list LOL. Can you tell falling in left a lasting impression on me???

livingfree13 · 05-29-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FG167

Just noticed I listed change of clothes twice in the What to Bring list LOL. Can you tell falling in left a lasting impression on me???

Yeah I was lol when I saw the clothes on their twice - thinking man she's really empahsizing that

- here's to falling in

cause I'm sure I will be going in the water too -

Charlotte

Rumble · 06-03-2008, 05:31 AM

I'm going to print this out and put in my Dock info notebook! Thanks, great help!

kcrumpy9 · 06-12-2008, 06:51 PM

Thanks for the info, I've been looking to get into the sport for some time now

Sablepup · 08-05-2008, 10:01 PM

Is a crate mandatory? I'd like to get Sable into to Dock diving once she gets old enough, but we don't have enough money for a crate, and she's never been, and probably never will be crate trained....

ChocolateDawg · 08-06-2008, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sablepup

Is a crate mandatory? I'd like to get Sable into to Dock diving once she gets old enough, but we don't have enough money for a crate, and she's never been, and probably never will be crate trained....

No, you can keep your dog on a leash. That's fine. Just be aware that often the staging area (where we keep the dogs between jumps) is very often right out in the hot sun, like in an open field. If that's the case, you might want to bring something to rig up some shade for the dog.

MollyBGoode · 11-05-2008, 08:40 PM

Very informative post....well done !!

LuvChoclates · 11-18-2008, 10:07 PM

I have heard of this and would like to try it with my lab Hershey. She loves to swin and dive off the boat or ridge or whatever she can find. I live in Calgary, AB, Canada and am interested in finding a local chapter. Do you know of one?

It looks like so much fun!

ChocolateDawg · 11-19-2008, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvChoclates

I have heard of this and would like to try it with my lab Hershey. She loves to swin and dive off the boat or ridge or whatever she can find. I live in Calgary, AB, Canada and am interested in finding a local chapter. Do you know of one?

It looks like so much fun!

Check the DockDogs website. They have local clubs. I'm not sure if you're close to one or not.

Ultimate Air Dogs does not have local clubs. They are just one national organization.

Splash Dogs has a few local clubs, but I think they are all in the western US.

05-21-2008, 09:40 AM	#1
FG167 Home is where my dogs are Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: MI Posts: 3,116	The Sport of Dock Diving What is Dock Diving/Jumping? Dock jumping is a sport for dogs that love the water. It involves a dock with a pool full of about 28,000 gallons of water. It is addicting and it is a blast. There are several different types of dock jumping. One is based on distance, you want your dog to bolt down the dock as fast as he can and leap as far as he can into the pool of water. The distance is determined by where the base of the tail hits the water (in most organizations). You get two jumps. Another is based on height. There is a toy hanging out over the water and it is raised by increments, the dog that can jump the highest to get that toy is the winner. Catch-It is for those whose dogs can catch the toy as it's being thrown. Each handler/dog team gets two jumps and the combined distances determine the winner. Speed Retrieve is for those that think their dogs are the fastest swimmer. It is a race against time for a dog to run, jump and swim to get the object in the fastest time possible. Where Can I Get More Information? There are multiple organizations that are involved in the sport of dock jumping and from there, multiple clubs. These places include: Ultimate Air Dogs and the Ultimate Air Dog Forum The United Kennel Club now includes dock jumping in their list of sports, so you can get your dog titled if you wish. They have many helpful articles as well, such as: Dock Jumping Getting Your Dog Started in Dock Jumping Dock Jumping Rules Dock Dogs Whose Rules are listed HERE. Splash Dogs Sport Mutt has a great article on how to get your dog jumping further: Understanding and Working "The Chase" Along with many other very helpful and informational articles that can be found HERE What Do I Bring to an Event? Following is a list of things I suggest you bring to at least your first event, afterwards you'll know more what to expect and can modify to suit yourself Crate Water Dish Water for you and your dog Towels Chairs Floating, non-food toy Dog treats Flat collar, with no tags Change of clothes Tent for outdoor events (and sunscreen!) Coat for your dog for chilly or indoor events Leash Dog's shot records (I've never needed them but I bring them just in case) Change of clothes (I've personally fallen in...and didn't have them ) Cooler with food for you if it's an all day event What Should I Expect at My First Event? For the most part, these events are busy, busy places. Expect a lot of noise, a lot of dogs, a lot of people, and to get wet. When you get to your event, you'll want to stake out your "place" and get everything set up (usually need to park away from the pool) and go park. Then you'll go to the registration tent to sign you and your dog in and sign a waiver. At this time, there is usually open dock practice for the upcoming jump. Get in line with your dog and try it out. Frequently, a newbie (or even an experienced dog) will refuse to jump. This can be attributed to any number of things: noise, crowd, dogs but a big deal is that the water is clear and it is 2' lower than the dock. Most dogs aren't used to that. One way to try out a newbie is to let them get wet off the exit ramp, so they know there's water in there, and then try them again on the dock. Only throw the toy a very short distance, so it's essentially just out of reach and your dog just needs to get it. Have fun, don't get mad and be encouraging! If your dog goes in, you know you're doing it right if you make a giant fool of yourself cheering (but don't forget to go get your dog from the exit ramp ). If your dog doesn't go in, be patient, some dogs take more time than others. Some people swear by jumping in themselves and frequently their dogs will follow suit! When it's time for the official jumping to start, find out what order you are in and get ready. If ever you are confused, lost or just need a hand - always ask - this is a very, very friendly community and just a great time in general with fantastic and nice people. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

05-21-2008, 09:50 AM	#2
Major is a swamp donkey! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central Texas Posts: 4,274 My Mood:	Thank you Falon, excellent information!! __________________ It just makes me smile. Major, CGC - DOB 07/15/07 Spoiled Rotten Dog of Adrienne

05-21-2008, 10:04 AM	#3
CaraBella and Ali Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NC Posts: 19,064	Great info Falon ...thanks for posting. __________________ Thank you Karen!!!

05-21-2008, 10:07 AM	#4
Mom2labs Brrrrrr! Already!! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Beautiful Illinois Posts: 27,233 My Mood:	Awesome job, Falon!! Thanks for the info!! __________________ Jill I love cooking with wine. Someday,I may even add it to the food. www.facebook.com/mom2labs Three colors, one breed, countless personalities -- Steve Smith, Just Labs Happiness is a voyage, not a destination, There is no better time to be happy than... NOW RainyDays Demon Finnegan CD,RE,CGC 11-3-03 blk RainyDays Walleye Fischerman CD, RE,CGC 3-10-05 ylw yes he finally got it!

05-21-2008, 12:07 PM	#5
Maxs Mom Senior Dog Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Livonia MI Posts: 820	Great Job Falon! __________________ Ann Maxine CGC, UADNJIII, DDNJ-r, 12 yr Golden Retriever Belle NJP, NAP, OJP, OAP, AXP, AJP, CGC, UAGI, UAGII, UACH, UADSJ, UADJJ, 6 Black Lab Teddi CGC, UADJJ, UJJ 2 yr Golden Retriever Pete 15 TB

05-27-2008, 09:55 AM	#6
livingfree13 House Broken Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: TX Posts: 214	Lol I was wondering what to bring - now I know - thanks Falon for the great info! I can't wait for our event Team Adialus is excited!! __________________ Charlotte Mom to Kirin & Lucas

05-27-2008, 10:07 AM	#7
FG167 Home is where my dogs are Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: MI Posts: 3,116	You're welcome guys! Just noticed I listed change of clothes twice in the What to Bring list LOL. Can you tell falling in left a lasting impression on me??? __________________ Midas, Mason, Madix

06-03-2008, 05:31 AM	#9
Rumble Retriever Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 436	I'm going to print this out and put in my Dock info notebook! Thanks, great help!

06-12-2008, 06:51 PM	#10
kcrumpy9 Retriever Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bowling Green, Ohio Posts: 266	Thanks for the info, I've been looking to get into the sport for some time now

08-05-2008, 10:01 PM	#11
Sablepup House Broken Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: waco Posts: 22	Is a crate mandatory? I'd like to get Sable into to Dock diving once she gets old enough, but we don't have enough money for a crate, and she's never been, and probably never will be crate trained.... __________________ please help my eggs hatch check out this awesome painter on Deviant art! She did a portrait of my Sable, and it is totally Awesome! http://phatpuppy.deviantart.com/art/Sable-94324888

11-05-2008, 08:40 PM	#13
MollyBGoode House Broken Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 10	Very informative post....well done !! __________________ Marty, Marge, Rebel & Molly +5 's

11-18-2008, 10:07 PM	#14
LuvChoclates House Broken Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 28	I have heard of this and would like to try it with my lab Hershey. She loves to swin and dive off the boat or ridge or whatever she can find. I live in Calgary, AB, Canada and am interested in finding a local chapter. Do you know of one? It looks like so much fun!

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