Dock Jumping

There are four categories of dock jumping, Big Air, Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve and Iron Dog.

Photo of Big Air	Big Air Big Air is the most popular discipline, as this is what most people think of when they hear the term dock diving. In Big Air, the dog runs down the dock and jumps out for a toy that has been thrown into or out over the water. The measurement is taken at the point at which the tail set (where the tail meets the body) intersects with the water. With 90 seconds to execute each jump, the team is given two jumps in each wave with the longer of the jumps being their official score for that wave. There are two methods of jumping your dog in Big Air. These two methods, known as The Chase Technique and The Place and Send. Dogs compete in divisions from Novice to Super Elite, so everyone has a chance. Read more about Big Air divisions and rules at dockdogs.com
Photo of EV	Extreme Vertical Extreme Vertical is an exciting discipline that has the dog jumping up to grab a bumper. In Extreme Vertical, a DockDogs bumper is suspended from an extender 8 ft. out from the dock and at heights ranging from 4'6" up to as high as a dog can jump. (The current record is 8 ft.) The bumper is moved up in increments as the participating dogs execute the jumps. The dog begins his run anywhere in front of the 20 ft. line on the dock and has 60 seconds to complete each jump. The bumper must be either snatched cleanly or completely knocked down into the water by the dog in order for the jump to be scored as a make. Each dog is given two chances to execute the jump at each height. Read more about Extreme Vertical divisions and rules at dockdogs.com
Photo of Speed Retrieve	Speed Retreive Speed Retrieve is the newest of the dock diving disciplines and has been described as ‘Doggy Drag Racing’. A DockDogs Flappy (type of bumper) is hung at the end of the pool (or 38' from the dock in a body of water). The dog is set by the handler at the 20 ft. mark on the dock. When the signal is given, the timer starts and the dog is released. The dog runs down the dock, jumps into the water, and swims down to the Flappy. When the dog grabs the Flappy and pulls it down, the timer stops. If the dog begins his run and crosses the 20 ft. line before the signal is given, it is considered a false start and the run does not count. The handler has 90 seconds to execute the run. Each team is given two runs in each heat with the faster of the two runs being the official score for that heat. Read more about Speed Retrieve divisions and rules at dockdogs.com
	Iron Dog DockDogs Iron Dog competition is the newest DockDogs Sport. It combines all of the above three competitions and your dog competes for points. The best Iron Dogs are the dogs that are consistent and do well in all three sports. Many of the dogs that are strong in one area, but weak in other areas do not make strong iron dogs. To register your dog for Iron Dog, you will need to compete them in Big Air, Speed Retrieve and Extreme Vertical but be sure to register for the Iron Dog so you earn points that go towards the Iron Dog scoring. Read more about Iron Dog and rules at dockdogs.com

What should I bring to a competition?

Some suggestions...

For the Dog

• Handler
• Floatable toys to Retrieve
• Crate
• Towels/Chamois
• Blankets for bottom of crate
Food & Treats
• Water
• 4ft Leash
• Poop Bags
• Coat for Dog

For the Handler

• Dog
• Food & Treats
• Beverages
• Fold up chair
• Change of Clothes
• Extra Socks & Shoes
• Vehicle with lots of space
• Camera
• Pre-registration information
• Fun Money
• Sense of humor!

If Venue is outside

• Shade canopy
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Cascade DockDogs Hat
• Sunglasses