1. Where are we now
a. As many of you know, the dock is finished, we used the noodle system for jumping distances in July, but we really need to get a flag system at the dock. This involves suspending a wire above the water so we can make a more definite ruling on jumping distances. We are presently waiting for Ron Oswald who built the dock to figure a way to put a system in place that we can easily move off to the side or take down when dock diving dogs are practicing or other bark park members are at the dock.
b. We still are anticipating some type of an event in September where we would invite other dock diving dogs in addition to our own people to participate.
2. Until the dock is totally finished
a. Marty has suggested practice times from 9-12 the 1st and 3rd Saturday morning of each month. If you are a member of the park or a dock diving member, this would be free. Other owners would pay $5.00 to use the dock during these group practice times. Hopefully some of you can join up with other dock diving dogs and get together to practice when you are available. Sometimes dogs that are hesitant have more success when other dogs are also dock diving.
3. What to do if you want to dock dive and your dog is having trouble or does not swim
a. If you are having trouble getting your dog to dock dive or swim you might want to consider the following.
i. Find the toy your dog is absolutely crazy about and work on the dog retrieving the toy on land. If one particular toy does not work, try a different one. You need to be sure the dog will return to you after he goes off the dock.
ii. It has been suggested that sometimes the owner might have to get in the water in front of the dock to encourage the dog into the water.
iii. If the dog is not even swimming yet, you might need to again get in the water with the dog and encourage him to swim out to where you are standing.
iv. It took my dog almost 2 years to enjoy swimming and now jumps a grand total of 2 feet off the dock. Patience, patience, patience. LOL
4. If your dog is going off the dock and needs help on increasing distance or height, this is when you will definitely need Marty’s expertise. Hopefully we can have a class soon to help those people.
Don’t get discouraged, it might take quite awhile until the dog will go off the dock. Patience and persistent encouragement, over, and over, and over again.
We will keep you posted on development of the flag system, etc.
Dock Diving Information
1. Aggressive dogs are not permitted to participate in dock diving
2. All dogs must be on a leash when not actively participating in the diving exercises.
3. There will be a maximum of 6 dogs per time frame class
4. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to a class.
5. All dogs participating must have a vet clearance form. This form is available on the website under “forms necessary to join the bark park”
6. We suggest you bring towels and water for your dogs, (water is available at the park), you would need to bring a container.
7. Bring a flotation toy your dog is absolutely crazy about.
8. Bring a chair if you want to sit down when your dog is not dock diving
9. Dogs are permitted to wear a safety vest for dock diving
10. Dogs of any breed, etc, are permitted to compete in dock diving.
11. Parking for dock diving is restricted to the asphalt by the training area or parking by the trailer.
12. A hose is available at the asphalt area and also by the trailer.
13. If a class is cancelled because of the weather, check on the bark park voice mail at 814-382-2267.
