Dock Jumping!

I haven't done this....but it sounds like fun!  Good luck...we'd love to hear about it and would really love to see pictures or video. 

I have no advise but love to watch the competitions on tv.  Looks like so much fun for Dog and Human!

What type of equipment will be used for the competition?  I ask because many dogs (mine included) retrieve fine from shore and off docks into lakes, but if the competition uses a platform and pool, if the dog has never been in the pool he may not jump.  The first step is to go up the ramp that leads out of the pool and have the dog swim around in the pool and come off out the ramp several times.  The dog needs to know how to get out of the water, and do it safely.  Some of the ramps coming out are very creaky and unstable so the dog must be comfortable with this and not jump off the ramp when getting out of the water.  It's sort of like teaching the dog walk in agility if you've ever done that.  Then the dog needs to be comfortable on the platform, which can also be creaky and feel unstable.  I would take my dog up there and just play tug with him, so he quickly learned that the platform was a fun place to be and had no reluctance going up.  Diving is actually the last step.

I use the first method you described with my dog, I have someone hold him at the end, then tease him up with the toy, my helper releases him, and I toss his toy when he's about 15 feet from the end of the dock.  I tried the method of placing the toy but it confused the dog.  I think because in all of his training, I do not lure or guide him with toys, I have him offer the behavior first and then the toy is tossed, so he is used to the toy always coming from me (being tossed out ahead of him), not looking for it in advance.

Thanks for the info...

I have heard that although dogs may be ok jumping into a lake or river from dock that the pool is an entirely different situation. I plan on going early to acclimate him with the dock, exit ramp, and pool as much as possible. I'm thinking he'll be fine as we can hardly keep him out of my brothers pool when we visit. LOL

Probably in part due to his other training he adapts really well to new situations and environments. I will post results and pictures after the competition :)

Jumping into a pool is COMPLETELY foreign. The raised dock can cause issues. Dock jumping is all about confidence. 

The place and send is a good technique, however it can encourage the dog to jump flat, the height off the dock gives you the distance. If you are trying to train a bigger jumping dog. I kind of do both. I can't officially do the chase method with my dog because if I hold the bumper too long she slows, I have to release it as soon as she starts down the dock. Even then she often stops at the end to survey the situation. So I take her back playing and bouncing with her, hold her, rev her and send again. She will always jump. 

If you are in CA most likely you are going to a Dock Dog or Splash Dog event. Both those venues only allow one handler on the dock at at time. Splash Dogs owner Tony is VERY nice. I recently went to a Dock Dog event here in MI and had a great time. 

When you get to the event, explain this is your first time. Ask if you can first put your dog in off the ramp. Sometimes they need to know it is water, and then all is good. They let us put our young dog in off the ramp once, then right up and off the dock. Maybe for your first practice jump you do not run the full extent of the dock. Just go back half way or less and let him jump. If he is good, move further back. Save full dock for the actual competition not practice, until you get his confidence. If he is backed off still as the competition starts, it is ok to only use part of the dock. Do whatever it takes to keep your dog confident, do not throw the toy too far. It looks like a bigger hurdle. Keep it mid pool, and you dog should be able to think he can get it. Does all this make sense? Baby steps. This is a fun addicting sport and the dogs will have fun. Just don't expect him to fly right off the bat. Of course some dogs do and you are good to go. 

My dog get nervous in the competitions. She is fine practicing, but when the loudspeakers, crowds, announcer do their thing she gets a bit nervous. Just keep it fun. And most of all HAVE FUN!!!!

Ann

 Hey Ann if you know of any upcoming UAD events that will offer the drop-in (like pay $5 for a few practice turns), please let me know!