Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is the number one reason to try dock diving?
A:
To have fun with your dog!
Q:
Do you need experience to bring your dog out to a competition?
A:
No need for prior experience. If your dog likes
the water and loves swimming... this sport is probably for you!
Q: It’s my first DockDog event ever, now what do I do? Where do I go?
A: You
have arrived at the event. The best place to start is at the
Registration Table. Here you will complete any necessary forms and get
your wrist band which allows you access to the dock. They will also be
able to provide you with information on where to set up. The next step
is to set up and wait for the announcement that “The Dock Is Now Open
For Practice”. Once the announcement is made you line up keeping proper
space between dogs and wait your turn. Depending on the event you might
get several practice jumps. The best advice we can give is not to over
practice your dog. Experience has taught us that the quickest way to
tire your dog out is to over practice. Get them wet, familiarize
yourself with the dock and pool and then chill, potty your dog and meet
some of your fellow competitors. The next announcement you are listening
for is the call for the “Judges Meeting”. Judges meetings are held 10 to
15 minutes before each wave. Attendance is mandatory. If you do not
attend you will be scratched from the wave. At the meeting you will find
out your jump order and any other information that the judges deem
necessary. Once the meeting is over wait for your group. Waves are
broken down into groups of 8 to 10 dogs. Each group gets two jumps
before the next group takes to the dock. The announcer will announce
when each group is to line up. Once your group is announced move to the
staging area and line up. The wranglers will assist you if you are not
sure where in the line up you are. The wrangler will also notify you
when to proceed onto the dock. When it is your turn get up there and
HAVE FUN. Remember once on the dock the dog is in control of whether or
not he/she jumps. There is no pushing of the dog into the water but
every other encouragement is allowed just don’t fall in.
Q:
What do I bring? We have split this into two categories Essentials and Nice to Have.
A: The Essentials
- Dog
- Water and Treats for both 2 and 4 leg participants
- Something to throw (toy, bumper, DFT, etc)
- Chair
- 4 foot leash
- Poop Bags
- Towel
- Camera
Nice To Have
- Crate
- Backstage Handler
- Shelter/Shade
- Rice Mat
- Pen and Paper to record your jumps
- Video Camera
- Change of Clothes
- Rain gear (Jumps occur rain or shine)
Q: What are some of the most common Rookie mistakes and ways to avoid or minimize them?
A:
Click here to see these common mistakes, as written by our very own Dave Breen.
