Dock diving is rapidly becoming a very popular sport for dogs. In dock diving, the dogs run down a 40 ft long dock and jump in the water. There are different goals for the dog when they jump. One is to go for distance. Distance is measured from the end of the dock to where the base of the dog's tail breaks the water. Another goal is in mid-air grab. This is done by hanging a target toy over the water, and the dog jumps and tries to grab the toy down. Whatever the reason your dog is diving off the dock, you need to ensure that they have the proper training to do it safely. Training your dog for dock diving can be relatively easy.

Dog Breeds

All dog breeds are welcome in dock diving competitions. They don't have to be a purebred dog to participate, they have to be six months old or older, and females have to be not in season. Some breeds will do better than other breeds. Some dog breeds were bred to be in the water, and they still enjoy it. Dog breeds such as retrievers, water dogs, and poodles all enjoy being in the water. That doesn't mean dogs like chihuahuas and Lhasa Apsos can't participate in the events. Brachiocephalic and heavy-boned dogs can also participate, but you might want to talk to your vet about it before you start training them.

Training

Before you can start training your dog to dock dive, you need to make sure of two things. One is that they have obedience training, which means they'll follow your commands to sit, stay, and down, as well as all other basic obedience commands. The other thing you need to ensure is that your dog is comfortable with the water and knows how to swim. If your dog plays in ponds, rivers, lakes, or oceans, it's a good sign that they like the water. If they frequently venture out into deeper water and can swim back, then you're ready to work with them on dock diving. Otherwise, you will have to spend some time ensuring they can swim.

If you have a water-loving dog, dock diving can be a great sport to get involved in. It will give your dog something to do, and you're taking advantage of their instincts to play in the water. Any dog in any breed can dock dive. For more information on dog dock diving, contact a company near you.