Although Kendall and I have not entered Gracie into Dock Jumping competition, she seems to have a knack for it. She is a natural around water and her athletic ability is great, probably due to the fact that she and The PLDSMF Gang are on the move so much. I have posted a brief explanation about the sport.
Dock Jumping or Dock Diving 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,or age, and usually one handler. Dogs must be over 6 months of age to compete. Handlers may use 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 (1.2 m) deep 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 lateral midpoint of the end of the dock to the point at which the base of the dog’s tail (where the tail meets the body) breaks the water’s surface. The jump distance is measured electronically using digital video freeze frame technology or, in some cases, is measured manually by judges.
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Jul 18, 12:09 PM by Timothy Stark Raisbeck
