How to Get Your Dog Started in Dock Diving

You’ve probably seen dogs jumping amazing distances into pools of water. But did you know it’s a sport? Dogs compete and earn titles through one of the various organizations that sanction dock diving events. Yet, one of the best parts about dock diving is it’s easy to get your dog started — in addition to the camaraderie between the human handlers and confidence the dogs develop.

What Is Dock Diving

Dock diving is an exciting sport with multiple disciplines — dogs that love water and retrieving toys are a natural fit. But with practice, even dogs that are less confident around the water but love toys can enjoy dock diving. 

The first dock diving competitions began in the early 2000s. At the time, the only event available was the long jump, but as dock diving grows, so do the events!

Distance Jumping

This discipline comes with slightly different names, depending on which organization. Regardless, it’s the dock diving equivalent of a human long-jumping event. In distance jumps, dogs are competing for distance – how far did they jump off the end of the dock? 

You may be wondering how they measure the distance. To keep it fair and consistent, competition judges measure the dog’s jumping distance by where the base of their tail hits the water. 

Organizations group the dogs into various divisions based on how far they jump; the current distance record is over 35 feet off the edge of the dock. You may hear this event called Big Air or Distance Jump. It is the most common discipline and the one all organizations use in some form. 

Air Retrieve

The Air Retrieve involves distance and a toy target. Dogs try to jump far enough to knock their bumper toy off an apparatus. After each successful jump, the bumper apparatus moves farther away.

Speed Retrieve

In this event, the dog’s favorite dock diving toy is placed in the pool a set distance from the end of the dock. Dogs jump from the dock, swim to the toy, and bring it back to the exit ramp as fast as possible. 

High Jump

Much like human high jumpers, dogs compete to see how high each can jump, using their toy as a lure. Dogs’ bumper toys are suspended above the pool, encouraging them to jump as high as they can. 

What Breeds Are Best for Dock Diving?

You’ve got a dog that spends its time finding every puddle to play in? Dock diving may be a good option. Like agility and flyball, dock diving is open to all breeds and mixed breeds. Your dog needs to be in good physical condition, like the water, and have a strong desire to retrieve. 

Although you may think Labrador retrievers and other water-loving breeds would do best, you might be surprised. According to the Guiness Book of World Records, a whippet named Sounders holds the current record. In 2022, then seven-year-old Sounders leapt 36 feet, 6 inches into the diving pool — as verified by NADD judges, who officiated the event.

The only dogs who can’t dock dive are those that just don’t want to be in the water. Even dogs like pugs might be able to dive in with a life jacket! 

As much as most dogs love dock diving once they get going, some dogs won’t do well. For example, if your dog is overly fearful or reactive, a less-intense sport may be better. Rally obedience and agility are great sports for less confident dogs because they build gradually on skills, rather than diving straight into the deep end. After they develop more confidence, you can always come back and try dock diving again.

Join a Dock Diving Club or Find a Class

The best way to get your dog started in dock diving is to find a local club. Most of them offer classes and training, and they can help you connect with other diving dog handlers. They are in the best position to help you, plus the social aspect is a huge draw. Also, clubs will be one of the best ways to hear about and enter upcoming competitions.

Each organization listed below can help you — they have all the contact information you’ll need to find a local club or instructor to help you start your dog’s dock diving career.

Dock Diving Organizations

Each dock diving sanctioning organization has slightly different rules, and some have different games within, called disciplines. Not all organizations have all disciplines, but they all start with the core distance jump. Here are the primary North American dock diving organizations.

• North American Diving Dogs (NADD)
• Dock Dogs
• Ultimate Air Dogs

Train Your Dog for Dock Diving

All diving dogs need a few basic skills — one of them is basic obedience. They’ll be easier to handle and have more fun if they know how to behave well around other dogs and people. Not to mention, you’ll be more relaxed too! 

Here’s what your dog will need to know to successfully get started in dock diving.

Fetch: It may seem obvious, given the game. But, it’s important enough for us to mention that if your dog doesn’t care to return a toy to you, dock diving may not be your sport. 

Recall: Although your furry, four-legged fish will be on leash until you get to the dock, good recall is a must. One of the disciplines involves retrieving a toy as fast as possible from the other end of the pool. 

Leash Manners: Often, the dog and handler teams line up outside the dock, waiting their turn. Most handlers try to give each other some space, but it’s not always possible. So, having your dog comfortable with sitting quietly next to you while leashed will make things easier. 

Building Toy Drive

If your dog likes toys but doesn’t love them, you can build toy drive. It takes treats, patience, and the right toy. Building toy drive in younger dogs is much easier than in mature dogs — but even older dogs may learn to play with a toy with you with some practice. 

Even mild interest in your pup’s new toy can be built into drive.

Find a toy that floats, preferably some sort of floating tug. Put all other toys and chews away and only bring out a toy when you’re playing with your dog. Start by rewarding even a small amount of interest in the toy with a ridiculous amount of excitement. As your dog gets the hang of it, keep encouraging them — before you you know it, your pup will be thrilled to play and you can use it for a reward.

Remember, it doesn’t matter which toy you use to help build your dog’s toy drive. But diving dogs must use a floating toy for practice and competition. Most of them use special floating bumpers that have tuggable streamers on each end. So, if your goal is dock diving, start with something you can use in the future.

Swimming

Dock is a swimming sport, so if your dog isn’t already in love with the water, you have some work to do. Start simple by playing in a kiddie pool or go to the beach. Take that special floating tug toy or bumper to the beach too — you can play in the water while your pooch gets used to being in the water. 

Of course, if your dog loves the water already, you’re already on the way to dock diving success!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © GoDog Photo/Shutterstock.com