Dock Dog
or Dock Jumping was recently introduced to the Lincoln area at the Nebraska
State Fair. Originally, retrievers ruled the dock and were the top dogs in the
sport because they showed a natural aptitude for leaping into the water to
retrieve a toy. While there still aren't too many very small dogs competing in
Dock Dog, other breeds and mixes have started to show up in competitions
nationwide. There are two phases of competition now: the Long Jump where the
dogs are competing to see which one travels the farthest before landing in the
water; and the High Jump where the dogs are competing to see which one jumps the
highest before landing in the water. Heights and distances of 20+ feet are not
uncommon at the upper levels of competition.
Probably the most important skill that a dock
dog should have is the desire to retrieve. The ability to come when called is
also important.