Hearts and Paws

Hours         

History of the Sport of Dock Diving

It’s rumored that dock diving began when two duck hunters, between hunts, bored (and probably drinking beer), challenged each other. “I bet my dog can jump farther than yours!” “Shoot, bet he can’t!” fired back the other. It didn’t take long before retrievers were happily flying off the end of the dock and catching “big air.”

In 1999, ESPN hired Shadd Field of Medina, Ohio, to develop a new “dog jumping” sport for the ESPN Great Outdoor Games. After the success of that event, a sanctioning body, DockDogs, was born in 2001 to run things, book events and keep the records straight. The first competition was in 2000, and this year DockDogs will put on hundreds of events.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Simply put, a dog and handler team work together to jump the greatest distance. The handler throws a retrieve object into a pool or pond and the dog runs down a 40’ dock that stands 24” above the water and leaps out as far as he can. Dock diving is different from other dog sports. Agility, obedience, hunt tests, etc., are all about control. Dock diving is about fun!

DockDogs has worked hard to keep the sport as simple and fun as possible, and the people, from elite competitors to junior handlers are the nicest people around. Although the sport has been dominated so far by Labrador Retrievers, a Greyhound named “Country” is the current World Record Holder with a jump of 28’10”. "Anybody with a dog and a ball can participate," goes the DockDog motto. The organization also awards titles, such as “Junior Jumper,” “Senior Jumper,” and “Master Jumper” depending on how far your dog can jump. And just to make things even more interesting, the owner of the first dog to jump more than 30 feet in televised competition will pick up a check for $30,000.

WHAT IS YOUR SKILL LEVEL?
"Introduction to the Sport"
Skill Level: Beginners
Prerequisites: none
1/2 day seminar: Cost: $35.00

This class is for beginners. If your dog has never jumped off a dock into water or if you're not sure if your dog will even swim or retrieve, this class is for you. We'll give you the tools you need to get started in the sport:
-We'll gently introduce your dog to water
-We'll show you how to select a retrieve object
-We'll teach you games you can play with your dog that build drive for the retrieve object
-We'll teach you how to keep control of your dog on the dock
-We'll teach you techniques for building your dog's rear muscles
-We'll go over the dock diving rules (according to the DockDogs sanctioning body)

"Basic Dock Diving"
Skill Level: Beginners
Prerequisites: must pass swim test and retrieve test *or* must have attended "Introduction to the Sport" seminar.
Six sessions: Cost: $135.00

This class is for those folks whose dogs LOVE water and LOVE to retrieve but who need the tools and techniques to make their dogs into a dock diver. You'll learn:
-How to build up drive to the chase object
-How to build your dog's strength
-How to make the introduction to the dock
-How to control your dog while on the dock
-Retrieve object throwing techniques
-Dock diving rules (according to the DockDogs sanctioning body)

"Dock Diving: The Competitive Edge"
Skill Level: Experienced teams planning to participate in dock diving at a competitve level
Prerequisites: must pass jump test *or* must have attended "Basic Dock Diving" class.
Six sessions: Cost: $135.00

You now have a dog that jumps off docks but to be competitive, he needs to *fly* off the end of the dock. This class gives you the tips you need to have a "big air" dog. You'll learn:
-How to increase your dog's "lift"
-Conditioning for competition
-How to develop a routine
-Dock diving rules (according to the DockDogs sanctioning body)

For more information, call:   512-249-7255 X1

If you would like to insure your place in one of the these classes, fill out and send the registration form below (check off which class date).  You will receive a conformation email with further instructions.  If you do not receive your confirmation within two business days, please call us at 512-249-7255X1.  After you receive your confirmation email, a non-refundable $50 deposit is required to secure your space in the class.