Quote:
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
