Dock jumping
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dock Jumping is a dog sport in which dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water.
A team consists of one dog, of any type or size and usually one handler. Dogs must be over 6 months of age to compete. Handlers may utilize the use of a toy, also known as the chase object. The dogs are not required to chase or retrieve the toy.
The dock is usually 40 feet (12 m) long by 8 feet (2.4 m) wide and 24 inches (61 cm) above the water surface but may differ depending on the sanctioning organization. Any body of water or pool that is at least 4' (feet) in depth can be used. The dock is covered in turf type carpet for better traction and safety for the competitors. The handler may use any amount of the dock and they may start their dog from any point on the dock when competing.
The jump distance is measured from the end of the dock to the point at which the base of the dog’s tail breaks the water’s surface (the point where the dog’s tail meets the body). The jump distance is measured electronically using digital video freeze frame technology or in some cases measured manually by judges.
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[edit] Official Jump Distance
Each team shall take a total of two jumps in round robin format. The official jump distance will be measured from the lateral midpoint of the end of the dock to the point at which the base of the dog’s tail breaks the water’s surface, specifically, the point where the dog’s tail meets the body (the base of the tail). The longer of the two jumps will be that team's score for that competition.
A jump, (as sometimes happens) where the dog’s tail enters the water at a point further from the dock than another part of the dog’s body, will be scored using the point of the dog (i.e. using the head/nose) that breaks the surface of the water closest to the dock.
If the dog’s strides are off and they leave early, (did not hit the end of the dock) they LEAVE X number of feet before the end of the dock. This counts against their distance because it is judged from the edge of the dock, not where the dog leaves the dock.
[edit] Techniques
[edit] Place and Send
- Walk dog to the end of the dock and hold the dog back while you throw the toy into the water, walk the dog back to the starting point, place the dog, then release or send the dog to go get the toy.
- This is effective for dogs that are NOT trained to do a wait or stay on the dock, especially if they have a lot of speed and can compensate for the lack of lift at the end of the dock.
[edit] Chase Method
Definitely gives an advantage to the teams that can use this technique correctly.
- Place the dog in a stay or wait at his/her starting position on the dock.
- Walk to the end of the dock holding the toy.
- Call the dog from the end of the dock.
- Time the throw and throw trying to keep the toy just in front of the dogs nose so they literally chase it into the water.
The point is to use this method to get your dog at the optimum launch angle to increase distance by getting them to jump up instead of just out or Flat as with Place and Send. The Chase method is very difficult to master, however, if you have a toy driven dog you can train them to follow the toy.
A dog that jumps up at the end of the dock is said to have a good POP!
A dog that jumps straight out at the end of the dock is said to BE FLAT!
[edit] Divisions
UAD
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Splash Dogs
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Dock Dogs
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There are many divisions depending on the sanctioning organization. All teams are ranked according to how far they jump and are rated against teams within their own divisions for placements.
Even small dogs have their own division "Lap Dogs", along with older dogs ( 8 years & older) "Veteran".
[edit] Training
You start training by
[edit] Notable Competitions
[edit] History of Dock Jumping
The first event.
[edit] World Records
The first world record was set by.....The current world record is 28 feet 10 inches (8.8 m). [1]
[edit] United Kennel Club
In 2008 the United Kennel Club added dock jumping as the newest recognized United Kennel Club sport. Dogs can get UKC titles by competing in dock distance or height jumping like they can in Agility, Obedience, Weight Pulling, and others.
[edit] Dock Jumping World Wide
Dock Jumping is world wide. Great Britain, Japan, Australia and Germany also have events.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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