Any adult dog is qualified to participate in Dock Jumping. There are no breed restrictions. There are separate events for the small dog, as well as the senior dog. One of the great things about Dock Jumping is there is not a great deal of training involved. It is different from Agility or Obedience where there are numerous things to learn and remember.
Dock Jumping is, however, a demanding physical activity. Before beginning to train for Dock Jumping, it is a good idea to have a thorough vet check up. Be sure to tell your vet that you plan to begin training for Dock Jumping.
Beginning Training Method for Dock Jumping
To begin training your dog for Dock Jumping, start with your dog and his favorite retrieving toy (floatable) on dry land first. Then, gradually move to a shallow body of water. Keep the training session upbeat and energetic. Make a lot of splash with your dog in the shallow body of water. Run and play, throw your dog’s toy for him/her to retrieve. Remember to reward when the toy is retrieved.
Do not force your dog into the water. If your dog is timid about going into the water, sometimes it helps if you go into the water and lure your dog into the water with the toy. Let your dog go into the water only when s/he is interested enough in the toy to go in the water after it.
Once your dog is confident in the shallow water, you can move into a little deeper water and gradually introduce your dog to having to swim for the toy. Don’t be discouraged if your dog doesn’t swim to retrieve the first time. Go back to your last successful section of training and end the training session on a positive note.
Getting Ready for Competition
Once your dog is confident swimming to retrieve a toy, you should be able to introduce him/her to the dock. Although Dock Jumping is an excellent informal recreational activity, if you choose to enter Dock Jumping competitions, you would want to choose which type of competition for which your dog is more qualified.
Some competitions are for distance and some are for height. There are events in swimming pools in a closed building, or in the open air. There are competitions in an open body of water such as a lake.
There are also different elements at each event. Make sure your dog is able to adjust to different environments. The competitions are held in different places, with different sounds and smells. There are different crowd levels (both people and other dogs) at each competition.
It is a good idea to practice with your dog in the environment that he/she will be competing to make sure that Dock Jumping remains the focus.
Dock Jumping is a great summer time recreational activity for all the family, and it is the ultimate joy for the dog that loves the water and has a strong toy drive.
Cheryl Spencer - I am Dog Trainer interested in positive training methods and responsible dog ownership. I learn and research all dog activities and ...
