Dock Diving

  • Dock diving, as a competitive dog sport, started in 1997 at the Incredible Dog Challenge, an event that was sponsored and produced by Purina. There are now a number of organizations that run dock diving competitions in different countries.
  • The dock is typically 30′ long. It is covered in artificial turf, carpet or rubber matting to prevent slipping.
  • Dogs compete for longest distance and greatest height.
  • Long jump distance is measured, by most organizations, from the lateral midpoint of the end of the dock to the point at which the base of the dog’s tail (where the tail meets the body) breaks the water’s surface.
  • High jump is where the dog jumps up to a bumper toy extended out from the end of the dock over the water. The starting height goes up in increments as competition progresses.
  • Place and Send: In this technique you walk the dog to the end of the dock and or, hold the dog back while throwing the toy into the water. Then you walk the dog back to the starting point, place the dog, then release or send the dog to go get the toy.
  • Chase: In this technique you place your dog at the starting position on the dock. Then you walk to the end of the dock holding the toy. You call the dog and trow the toy, trying to keep the toy in front of the dog’s nose so they chase it into the water.
  • Notable dock diving organizations in the United States are Dock DogsSplash Dogs and Ultimate Air Dogs.
  • North America Diving Dogs (NADD) is in cooperation with the AKC. NADD trials are pass or fail. As your dog achieves NADD titles, they can be added to the list of your dog’s AKC titles. Check their website for upcoming events.