Dock Dogs, Splash Dogs, Dock Jumping - What Is It? The Fastest Growing Dog Sport
Dog competitions are great fun to observe, or even take part, if you have a pup that is up for the challenge. You've probably seen agility courses or Frisbee competitions for dogs, at least on television. Newer to the canine competitions is dock jumping. Two of the prominent entities of this sport are Dock Dogs and Spash Dogs. We had the opportunity to go to a Splash Dog event, but since the breeds in our home are White Shepherd and Siberian Husky, we will be content to just watch. We will have another chance in June when Dock Dogs comes to Houston for a national event.
Dock jumping is just what the name implies. Dogs, one at a time along with their handlers, climb onto a dock and on cue, the dog runs the length of the dock, jumps into the water and retreives the chase object tossed into the water by the handler. The handler then meets the dog at an exit ramp and helps the pup out of the pool. The pool's sides have measurements The event is one of ESPN's Great Outdoor Games and there are Dock Dogs and Splash Dogs chapters throughout the US.
A jump is measured from the edge of the dock to the point at which any part of the dog breaks the water. The distance is measured using digital freeze frame technology or in some cases the judges just "eyeball" it.
Divisions are set according to breed and distance. Smaller dogs, of course, have their own division, as do " senior " dogs; those over 8 years old.
Dogs...how far can one jump? Farther than you may think. The record for dock jumping is 28 feet, 10 inches by Kevin Meese and his dog, Country set in October 2005.
Last year, we attended our first Splash Dogs event and were thoroughly entertained and impressed. In a few weeks we will be attending a Dock Dogs event. If you love dogs, look for one of these events near you. It will be an enjoyable day for your whole family.
http://www.dockdogs.com
http://www.splashdogs.com
Article submitted Tuesday, May 19, 2009 & read 159 times.
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