Last fall, my trusty sidekick, Poppy, and I embarked on an exciting journey into the world of dog water sports. Our destination? Premier Dog Sports in Lancaster, NY—a local haven offering both swimming and indoor dock diving for dogs. As a water enthusiast, Poppy was all in, and I couldn’t wait to see her paddle, leap, and make a splash.
Disclaimer: While I am not a professional dock diving instructor, I enthusiastically share my personal experiences and insights in the hopes they may enhance your dog water sports adventures. If you have specific concerns or questions, I encourage you to reach out to a professional. Safety and well-being always come first!
Table of Contents
A Dive into History
Dock diving dogs have a fascinating backstory, dating back to the 1990s. Originating in the United States, this canine water sport swiftly gained popularity, showcasing dogs’ diving prowess. The inaugural official dock diving competition took place in 1997, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution. Since then, dock diving has become a favorite among dog water sports, drawing in enthusiastic participants and spectators alike.
As the sport grew, so did the variety of competitions and training techniques. Dogs of all breeds and sizes began to participate, making a splash at various events across the country. From local meets to national championships, dock diving has truly made waves in the world of dog sports.
If you’re curious about the broader world of dock diving, including training tips, competition details, and the best gear for your furry athlete, check out our comprehensive blog on the world of dock diving. It’s packed with valuable insights and resources to help you and your dog dive into this exciting sport with confidence!
Our Dock Diving Adventure Begins
Safety First: Before Poppy could dive headfirst into the pool, she had to swim alongside one of the seasoned instructors. Safety checks were essential—ensuring she knew her way around the water, understood pool entry and exit, and radiated confidence. Once the instructor gave the nod, we were officially in business.
Booking Pool Time: With Poppy’s aquatic credentials approved, we eagerly booked our pool time. But wait, there’s more! We synchronized with our friends whose dogs had also received the instructor’s seal of approval. Poppy’s swim buddies included Hazel, a seasoned Chocolate Lab with dock diving expertise, and Kaiju, the Doberman mastering the art of the belly flop. And guess what? Kaiju’s mom was none other than Ms. Alicia—the dog trainer we adore and whose classes we attended when Poppy was just a puppy.
Training for Success
Teaching Poppy to Exit the Water: Poppy’s love for water meant she’d happily swim forever, but getting her out of the pool was a challenge. Here’s how we tackled it:
Land Training: On dry land, I put Poppy through her paces. Fetch sessions became more than just a game. I introduced the “Touch” and “Middle” commands during our playtime to create a bridge between land and water behavior.
The Transition: From October to December, Poppy clung to the water like a determined mer-dog. But by February, she’d mastered the art of willingly exiting the pool, bumper in tow. Victory! This newfound skill allowed me to close the gate leading to the pool ramp, setting the stage for our next challenge.
Dock Diving Drama
Poppy’s dock diving debut was both exhilarating and hilarious. Here’s the scoop:
Leap of Faith: Off the dock she went! Poppy soared through the air, her canine instincts kicking in. But here’s the twist—she preferred the ramp. Yes, the dock was cool, but the ramp? That was her runway. With a sprint down the incline, she’d launch herself into the water, tail wagging like a propeller.
Conclusion
So there you have it—Poppy’s aquatic journey from leisure swimmer to dock diving enthusiast. We’re still working on perfecting those mid-air twists, but hey, progress is progress. And as for me, I’m just a proud dog parent, cheering from the sidelines, camera in hand.
Remember, whether your pup is a pool pro or a water-wary wader, every splash counts. Dive in, tails wagging!