WHAT IS DOCK DIVING?

Dock diving, also known as dock jumping, is a canine water sport where dogs leap from a dock into a body of water in pursuit of catching a toy or other object thrown by their handler. It’s a thrilling and exciting activity that showcases the athleticism, agility, and enthusiasm of participating dogs. Here’s an in-depth description of what dock diving entails.

Dock diving usually occurs at specially designed facilities such as Brown Dog University or on a mobile dock at dog shows, fairs, and festivals. Each facility is equipped with a 40-foot dock extending over a pool or body of water. The dock typically features an astroturf surface, providing traction for dogs as they propel themselves into the water. The pool is a  regulation size (40+ feet) with clear water, enabling judges and spectators to easily observe the dogs movements as they enter the pool.

During competitions, event organizers may utilize music and announcers over a loudspeaker to enhance the atmosphere. Specialized equipment, including large nets, overhead equipment, measuring devices, timing equipment, and poolside judges, are typically employed to during  every events. Ensuring that all equipment is in good condition and properly set up is essential for the safety, accuracy, and enjoyment of both dogs and handlers during dock diving activities.

Dock diving events can include various competition games and formats that vary with the variety of  organizations throughout the world. 

• Distance Jump is the staple of dock diving where dogs compete to see how far they can jump horizontally into the water from the dock. The distance is measured from the end of the dock to where the base of the dog’s tail enters the water. This event tests a dog's speed, strength, and jumping ability, as well as their willingness to leap into the water.   DID YOU KNOW: The current Guinness Record for the longest jump is 36'6" set by a whippet named sounders at the Brown Dog University Pool!

• Air Retrieve is a distance-type jumping event where dogs leap to knock down a toy suspended 4 feet above the water. The distance of the toy is incrementally increased, and the dog's jump is measured based on the furthest point they reach. This challenging competition serves as a test of the dog's jumping ability, agility, and precision as they aim to snatch the toy from greater heights with each attempt.

• Hydro Dash Hydro Dash is a down-and-back speed swimming event where dogs race individually against each other's times to retrieve a tug-type toy suspended at the end of the pool. This event challenges the dogs' speed, retrieving skills, and swimming ability as they race to bring back their toy. Hydro Dash adds an exciting element to dock diving competitions, demonstrating the dogs' athleticism and enthusiasm for retrieving in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Vertical jump in dock diving is a height jump event where dogs leap vertically to retrieve a toy suspended above the water. The height of the toy is incrementally increased, and the dog's jump is measured based on the highest point they reach. This challenging competition tests the dog's vertical jumping ability, agility, and coordination.

Speed Retrieve is a fast-paced competition where dogs race against the clock to fetch toys from a pool's end. Dogs leap into the pool and have to pull off a suspended toy at the end of the pool. Time stops as soon as the toy is snatched from its suspending apparatus at the end of the pool.

Dueling Dogs is a competition where two dogs go head-to-head in a race to retrieve toys from the end of the pool simultaneously. Each dog has its own lane, and they leap off docks on cue to retrieve their respective toys. The competition tests their speed, agility, and retrieving skills, as they race to be the first to bring back the toy. 

• Dock: A sturdy and stable dock platform with a non-slip surface to ensure the safety of both dogs and handlers.
• A large pool or body of water is crucial for dock diving activities, ideally with a depth of at least 4 feet to safely accommodate the dogs' dives. Additionally, the water temperature should be warm enough to prevent muscle cramping and ensure the dogs' comfort during their time in the water. Regular monitoring of water quality is essential to maintain optimal conditions for canines, as dogs may drink or ingest water while swimming.
• Towels and a change of clothes are essentials for dock diving. Towels are necessary for drying excess water off handlers and their dogs after jumps. A change of clothes for handlers is important in case of inadvertent swim or being soaked by the dog shaking  gallons of water onto their handler.
• Dock Diving Toys should be buoyant and durable. High value toys are essential to entice dogs to jump off the dock and catch their toy in the air before landing in the water. They may not be edible.
• Short leash less than 6' provides better control over your dog, ensuring safety and focus during training and competition. A better grip during this intense activity, contributes to a positive experience for both you and your dog.

Life jackets are highly recommended for dogs new to dock diving or swimming. 

A flotation device will provide added buoyancy and confidence, particularly beneficial as dogs learn and develop their dock diving skills. Brachycephalic breeds, characterized by short noses like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, may face breathing and swimming challenges due to their anatomy. For these breeds, a life jacket serves as a valuable safety precaution during dock diving activities. Similarly, densely muscled breeds such as Bully Breeds and Rottweilers may tire quickly in the water due to their weight and muscle mass. A life jacket helps support them, preventing fatigue and potential sinking while dock diving. 

 Training for dock diving involves building a dog’s confidence in the water, teaching them to jump off the dock confidently, and improving their retrieving skills. Positive reinforcement techniques are commonly used to encourage and motivate the dogs during training sessions.

Prepare your dog for dock diving before stepping foot on the competition dock:

1. Retrieving: Practice retrieving toys or objects on land using a long lead or rope. Encourage your dog to chase and bring back the toy, gradually increasing the distance of the retrieve.
2. Water introduction: Introduce your dog to water gradually, starting with shallow areas like lakes, rivers, or even kiddie pools. Use positive reinforcement and encouragement to build their confidence in the water. Use a leash for guidance and get wet with your dog.
3. Jumping exercises: Set up hurdles or agility jumps to help your dog develop strength and coordination in their jumping. This can help prepare them for the explosive jumps needed in dock diving.
4. Distance training: Practice throwing toys or objects for your dog to retrieve over longer distances on land. This can help improve their retrieval skills and stamina, which are important for dock diving.
5.  Elevated platform: If available, you can use an low platform to simulate the height and jumping motion of a dock. This can help your dog get used to jumping from an elevated height.

While nothing fully substitutes for the experience of jumping off a dock into water, these exercises can help prepare your dog physically and mentally for dock diving competitions. Always prioritize safety and positive reinforcement during training sessions.