Dock Diving

[Britster]

I thought I'd start it's own thread

Gemy has inspired me to look into dock diving... I just know Jackson will LOVE it, as much of a water/diving freak he is!!!

I really don't know anything about any rules but it seems pretty laid back and mostly for fun (which is what I want anyways! )

I found an event right here in MD that is like 30 minutes away from me near my grandma's house April 29-May 1. DockDogs.com so I emailed the email associated with it and hope to find out more info.

So, no prior experience necessary? I can just pre-register him, go to the event, and we just... do it?

Gemy, hoping you chime in

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Britster

I thought I'd start it's own thread

Gemy has inspired me to look into dock diving... I just know Jackson will LOVE it, as much of a water/diving freak he is!!!

I really don't know anything about any rules but it seems pretty laid back and mostly for fun (which is what I want anyways! )

I found an event right here in MD that is like 30 minutes away from me near my grandma's house April 29-May 1. DockDogs.com so I emailed the email associated with it and hope to find out more info.

So, no prior experience necessary? I can just pre-register him, go to the event, and we just... do it?

Gemy, hoping you chime in

Woohoo I sent you a pm. But to answer your question no experience necessary is usually the rule.

They will take the newbies aside, and usually in a smaller pool, will help you and your boy get "trained".
Now the smaller pool usually has a lower height of dock to jump off of. Maybe 12 inches versus 24" and pool maybe 12-15 long versus 40 feet.

They will show you how to guide your boy to the exit of the pool. They usually swim up to a ramp and eventually can put their feet down to walk out of the pool.

Ps; wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. I usually have a couple of pair of shoes. One some water togs. Trust me if my boy was in trouble in the water I'm going in after him

Now if Jackson has a good sit/stand/stay, then one method you can use is to sit him at the end of the dock, while you advance to other water end. You use your command of fetch or get it, and as the dog begins to leave the dock you throw the toy.

You can practice at home as the "thrower". Try on your own a high "lob" of toy see how far you go. Try a lower angle throw. Aim your high lob for about 10" or so above your dog's nose. This is because a high toy drive dog is going to stretch and reach out for that toy, which carries them further in the water. Once you get your arm, bring Jackson at home into play .. practice having him sit/stand stay, and do your command to fetch, as he reaches just to your heels lob the toy! It is excellent fun

My forecast is at the most you will need two or three times in the mini pool, before you go out to the big pool.

Ooohwee can't wait to see pics. Yorkies dock diving!!!! Got to love them.

Oh yes trim his nails before event. Oh I forgot about clear eye wash in my pm, bring that too.

What can I say, I'm anal retentive, do ears and eyes after dock event. Check out his pads. I always travel with first aid kit that includes a saline wash for pad mishaps

Check out my video on my profile, that dock was about 12" above water, and Razz went into water with wraps and lifejacket et al. If they love the toy and you in they go. Look at how I walked back along the dock with him to guide him out of water.

Have fun Brit (I'm so jealous) you will get to officially compete before us

[yorkietalkjilly]

Oh, that sounds so exciting and will be such fun for your lovely Jackson! I'll bet he will love it and become a real star. He is so smart he will probably pick it up very fast. Think of the fun you will have just watching all those wonderful dogs have the time of their lives. Could you take a bit of video of little Mr. Jackson's diving for those who can't attend? I'll bet there are many of us here who would love to see that!

[Britster]

Thanks Gemy!!! You've been a HUGE help PS- I love Razz and hope to meet him someday. What a little guy.

VP of Delmarva Dock Dogs is sooo super sweet.

She told me that he will, without a doubt, be a hit with the spectators. They have a Pomeranian that jumps and several Jack Russell terriers, but have never seen Yorkie. They even have a "lap dog" category for small dogs. He will get to jump with the big dogs but has a category all his own.

I'm going to go on Friday morning, I think, when it's less crowded as we will have more time to practice.

And don't worry -pics/videos will definitely be in place.

[midnightmist]

Ellie loves to watch dock dogs.It has been over here for the last 2 years.She wouldn't do it but loves to watch and makes funny little wimpering noises at the dogsOnly ever seen big dogs do it here.

[Britster]

Yay! My dad opened his pool yesterday and had a heater installed (I had no idea he was doing this). Meaning that hopefully by next weekend (or at least before the event takes place) we will be able to practice. I think I'm going to practice on the diving board since he's never jumped off that before and it's closest thing we have to a 'dock'.

Now, I've gotta get some fun water toys and see which he likes best! Last year, he really enjoyed fetching his Kong Wubba. I'll have to make a stop at the pet store today.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Britster

Yay! My dad opened his pool yesterday and had a heater installed (I had no idea he was doing this). Meaning that hopefully by next weekend (or at least before the event takes place) we will be able to practice. I think I'm going to practice on the diving board since he's never jumped off that before and it's closest thing we have to a 'dock'.

Now, I've gotta get some fun water toys and see which he likes best! Last year, he really enjoyed fetching his Kong Wubba. I'll have to make a stop at the pet store today.

That is great news Brit about the pool. At the toy store see if you can get a water toy with a rope on the end; I find those really easy to throw. Also not if you can help it the official retreiver water orange cylinders...they have way too long a rope on them.

[gemy]

Brit have you taken Jackson into the pool yet? Wondering how he did jumping off diving board?

[Britster]

Not yet! It wasn't warm enough yet. But this weekend, we will

[alaskayorkie]

Can't wait to see pics and vids of this! I'd do it in a second if Eddie liked to swim, but he sadly has little experience. Dock diving is popular up here -- for big dogs anyway.

[lovespandp]

I can't wait to see Mr Jackson do this! He is going to be great at it!! Jackson is one active yorkie!! You and Jackson make an awesome team!! He is lucky to have you as a Momma, I don't think any other person would be able to give him everything you have, along with the training!!

To you!

[CouversMom]

How cool Brittany!! I bet Jackson will LOVE it! This is something that Couver would enjoy... He would totally chase a toy or me into the pool. I want to see vids when you get Jackson in the water. I bet people will love him!

[Belle Noir]

I am glad I am not the only one with the crazy idea of dock diving yorkies!
I want to do EVERYTHING with Pixie, and dock dog competition is one of them... even if it's just for the laugh factor, lolol.
I hope you get around to posting more about your experience with this, because I have a couple years before we can try this, and I'm looking forward to gleaning a bit from you, lol.
And PICS!!!

[gidget529]

Originally Posted by Britster

Thanks Gemy!!! You've been a HUGE help PS- I love Razz and hope to meet him someday. What a little guy.

VP of Delmarva Dock Dogs is sooo super sweet.

She told me that he will, without a doubt, be a hit with the spectators. They have a Pomeranian that jumps and several Jack Russell terriers, but have never seen Yorkie. They even have a "lap dog" category for small dogs. He will get to jump with the big dogs but has a category all his own.

I'm going to go on Friday morning, I think, when it's less crowded as we will have more time to practice.

And don't worry -pics/videos will definitely be in place.

DH and I will be anxiously awaiting the pics! We LOVE to watch dock diving comps and had no idea they had smaller dog categories - yay!!! Go Jackson!!

[gemy]

We are going to Missouri, and we shall do dock diving after Razz competes in conformation. As soon as I can get the videos uploaded I will from our vacation and you can see Razz dock diving at the cottage! So excited he will be in the pool with all BRT's. Zoey and Magic will be dock diving too. teehee