How to Teach Your Dog to Dock Dive

Dock diving competitions are popping up all over, and your dog would love to get in on the action!

Dock diving is a fairly new competitive sport for any dog that loves water, and any owner who loves to watch their dog soar through the air like an Olympic champion.

What Is Dock Diving?

Dog Diving, also known as Dock Jumping or Splash Dogs (depending upon the club hosting the event), appeared on the canine competition circuit in 1997 and has continued to gain popularity amongst dog lovers.

In order to win a dock diving competition, dogs must either leap the farthest, highest, or retrieve their favorite toy the fastest.

Docks are usually about 30 to 40 feet long and covered in fake grass, rubber mats, or grippy carpets. Competitors take a running start, speed down the dock, and take a leap of faith, soaring to impressive heights, and lengths, to retrieve a toy.

Dock Diving competitions are held by the AKC, UKC, all over Europe, Canada, and the USA. Since popularity and demand has increased, more and more local clubs are hosting events.

Some kennel clubs record titles and hand out awards for the top achievers, if that’s your thing.