Dock Dog Diving
A water agility dog sport where dogs compete jumping for height, speed, or length being launched of a dock towards a pool or lake. The sport features replicas or mimicking of natural imprinted hunting and herding patterns of the exhibiting dog by triggering behavioral displays using an artificial toy and set up. Correctly done, it does benefit the psychological and physical well being of the animal by providing energetic outlets and solvable mental challenges a dog would apply in a fully natural environment. Lots of the required patterns can be found in dogs used for hunting work.
Also known as: Dock Jumping, Water Jumping, Diving Dogs

History
Competitive dock jumping first appeared in 1998 at the Incredible Dog Challenge. This event is an invitation-only national competition is produced and sponsored by the pet food manufacturer Purina. Since its inception, it has run annually. Dock Dogs was the first organization to be established as an event hosting body in 2000, that same year the Super Retriever Series was started. Other organizations that followed were Splash Dogs (2003), Ultimate Air Dogs (2005), the North American Diving Dogs (2014). The rules, regulations, venues, and settings between these organizations have a few very different approaches and it is important to go through the individual requirements and rule books of the organization as a review.

Docks & Setups
There are two forms of standard dock settings and one unique lake venue used to host competitions. Mobile docks are usually directly operated through the organization itself, primarily present in conjunction with the respective event: AKC cluster shows, local club outings, sponsored signature series. They exhibit on fairgrounds and some are for hire to host any other form of an event. The pool and dock are set out of a trailer and the water is filled from fire hydrants. The operating crew is usually strictly event focused.

Stationary docks are privately owned local institutions, almost all are affiliated with or sanctioned by one of the governing organizations (mentioned earlier). A typical competition is generously staffed by their owners, trainers, and other volunteers. Most are outdoors, however there are a small number of indoor facilities available as well. Due to the demand in the number of working staff during competitions, I have found the outdoor setting to be more advisable for novice dog owners transitioning into the sport showing the very first time.

The one single unique lake facility is Cross Creek Farm where the dock runs of the shore into a large 1 1/4 pond. It was one of the very first docks we visited due to the stunning fact that early on in Bernhardt’s career, he had not seen a commercial dock of any form. He is and was a purely pond/lake trained dog and the first time he ever jumped of a real show dock was at his very first competition at Ridgeville, Ohio in August of 2018. To create a logical gradually increase in his training and with the help of Google, we came to Cross Creek Farm. The set up is as natural as possible which I much prefer for training. The owners belong to a group of best diving trainers with exceptional skill in teaching the Air Retrieve discipline. Needless to say, we are big fans. You can find more detailed information regarding all docks and setups,what to expect from either venue, our experiences, the challenges we faced, and some personal recommendations in the designated blog posts.

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THE DISCIPLINES

Distance Jump
The dog jumps off of a 40-foot-long dock triggered by a toy of choice that can either be thrown into the water while the dog is already in motion or placed on the water the handler still holding on to the animal to then release after having set it at a starting point. Performances count on a very simple basic instinct level, so even low-skilled handlers can enjoy competitions and start their own fascinating journey and may even, like us, end up in a World Championship final one day.
Also known as: Big Air

Seed Retrieve
A standard bumper is suspended at the end of the pool and the dog will be launched from a designated line or starting square. The starting distance varies by organization and while one clocks the time from launch to taking the toy completely of the contraption, the other includes the return time to the exit ramp into their total. One measures mostly electronically, the other only hand stops. Breaking signal is an ample light or voice command. I find this discipline very dog-friendly due to low impact and guaranteed reward of pursuing the target.
Also known as: Hydro Dash

Air Retrieve
A standard bumper is suspended between two and four feet above the water surface, depending on the organization. One organization will move the toy in a minimum of one foot increments further off of the dock, while another organization will have it set at a standard eight feet off of the edge and raise it in height.
Also known as: Extreme Vertical