What is DockDogs?
Dockdogs is a dock jumping and dock diving sport for dogs. It is a fast growing and very popular sport in the United
States and Canada which has been featured on ESPN and The Outdoor Channel. DockDogs is open to dogs of all sizes,
breeds, and the only age requirement is dogs must be 6 months old. The sport is comprised of the three disciplines
below.
Big Air (BA)
This is the event that most often comes to mind when people
think DockDogs. Best described as a long jump for dogs, it is the
most popular of the three disciplines, and dogs are judged based
on how far they jump. A floatable toy or object is thrown into
the water and the dogs may use the entire 40 feet of dock to run
and jump in the pool. You may NOT push or throw your dog into
the pool. Handlers and dogs are given 90 seconds on the dock.
Distance is measured from the end of the dock to where the base
of the dogs' tail enters the water.
Extreme Vertical (EV)
Extreme Vertical is the high jump of DockDogs competition. First introduced as a training
tool for Big Air to teach dogs to jump upward for their toys in order to gain greater distance,
it became a competitive discipline in 2005. An "EV Rig" is used to suspend a floatable
bumper in the air. The bumper is extended 8' out from the edge of the dock and beginning
height for competition is 4'6". Dogs may enter the competition at any height after this, but
in order to advance to the next round, they must get the bumper to release from the "EV
Rig" in their 2 attempts. The bumper is raised in 2" increments until there is only one dog
remaining. During this event, you have 60 seconds for the jump to be executed and the
handler may place the dog anywhere in front of the 20ft. line on the dock.
Speed Retrieve (SR)
The latest discipline to be added, Speed Retrieve involves running, jumping
and swimming. A dead fowl trainer (DFT) is hung at the end of the pool or
38' from the dock in lake/pond events. The handler places the dog at the
20ft. mark on the dock, once set, the handler notifies that they are ready.
When given the signal (lights or "Go" command), the handler releases the
dog, who runs, jumps from the dock, and swims and grabs the DFT.
Retrieving the DFT is not a requirement, but the DFT must be cleanly
released from the extender.
Time is recorded from the signal to when the
DFT is completely released from the hanging apparatus.
Iron Dog
An Iron Dog is one who competes in all 3 disciplines above. Points are awarded based on scores achieved. You must
enter at least one wave in all three disciplines to qualify and must register as an Iron Dog.
"Who We Are"
Carolina DockDogs is a non-profit 501(c)3 club. Membership consists of pet owners who adore their dogs and
appreciate doing constructive activities with them. We are an inclusive club that welcomes pet owners of any breed
type.
"Mission Statement"
Carolina DockDogs strives to be a model and educate the public to the importance of proper care, health, and safety
of responsible pet ownership. It is our intent to use the opportunity to promote the sport to support local causes.
One of the major causes Carolina DockDogs supports is “CHASE AWAY
K9 CANCER”. As with humans, Cancer is a leading cause of canine
deaths. Carolina DockDogs donates a portion of all proceeds from
each event to this cause. To date we have donated over $15,000.