Dock diving

About dock diving

Dock diving is one of the most exciting water sports for dogs to watch. The dog runs along a raised dock and launches into a pool after a toy. It suits confident swimmers with a strong retrieve, and in the UK it is offered both as “have a go” sessions at shows and as a competitive sport. This page explains how dock jumping dogs compete, who runs events and what to ask a breeder.

What this work involves

There are three main ways to compete:

• Distance. The long jump for dogs. The handler throws a toy out over the pool and the dog’s jump is measured from the end of the dock.
• Height. The high jump for dogs. The dog leaps to knock or grab a toy hung above the water, and the toy is raised each round.
• Speed retrieve. The sprint for dogs. The dog is timed jumping in, swimming to a toy at the far end and grabbing it.

A good dock dog is confident around water, keen on toys and happy to run straight off an edge. Dogs build up gradually, often starting from a low platform or with short jumps, before being asked for full-speed launches. Swimming is tiring, so sessions are kept short. Dock Diving UK, for example, says dogs must not swim for more than 20 consecutive minutes.

Who trains and supplies these dogs in the UK

Dock diving is run by owners and clubs. Owners train their own dogs, usually through “have a go” sessions, private pool bookings and club days.

K9 Aqua Sports describes itself as the largest independent dock diving events and competition company in the UK and Europe. It offers “have a go” sessions at events and shows as well as competitions, open to dogs of any breed and size as long as they are over six months old and healthy. Check its events calendar for current dates.

Dock Diving UK has what it describes as the UK’s only competition-size dock diving pool, a permanent outdoor pool on Barnwell Road between Barnwell and Hemington in North Northamptonshire. It offers private sessions, longer sessions for dog professionals such as walkers and trainers, and a monthly membership club with club days. The pool opens in all weathers but closes over the winter, so check its booking page for opening dates.

Breeders listed on this site sell puppies, not trained dock dogs. What a breeder can offer is a sound, water-confident puppy from parents with drive and good structure.

Breeds and lines

Any breed can try, but these breeds turn up most in dock diving competition:

• Labrador Retriever. Loves water and retrieving, and has the build to swim strongly.
• Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Explosively athletic and very driven. Working lines are the type used in police and protection work and need an experienced home.
• Whippet. Speed on the dock helps distance, and some whippets love it. Many are less keen on water, so it is very individual.
• English Springer Spaniel. Keen, agile and a natural retriever from water.

For Labradors, the Royal Kennel Club recommends DNA testing for exercise-induced collapse (EIC), among other tests. EIC matters in a sport built on bursts of intense effort. Hip and elbow scores matter for any jumping dog.

What to ask a breeder

1. Do the parents swim and retrieve from water? Has either done dock diving or similar water work?
2. What are the parents’ hip and elbow scores, and do they have current eye certificates?
3. Which DNA tests have the parents had? For Labradors, are they clear of exercise-induced collapse?
4. Are these working or show lines, and how does that affect drive and energy at home?
5. How do you introduce puppies to water, different surfaces and new places?

Frequently asked questions

How old does my dog need to be for dock diving?

K9 Aqua Sports accepts dogs over six months old at its events, and Dock Diving UK’s sessions and club are also for dogs aged six months and over. Build up slowly with young dogs, keep jumps low while they are growing, and ask your vet if you are unsure about joint development.

Does my dog need to be a strong swimmer?

Your dog should be confident in water and able to swim comfortably before it jumps from a dock. Many dogs start by walking in or making short, low jumps. Keep sessions short and let the dog rest and dry off between turns.

Where can I try a dock diving competition?

Look out for K9 Aqua Sports at shows and events. For regular training, Dock Diving UK in Northamptonshire takes private bookings and runs club days while its pool is open for the season.

Do your dogs compete in dock diving, or do your lines produce water-loving retrievers? Add your listing to Canine Breeder so dock diving handlers can find you.