Does anyone dock dive with their doodle?

[Kaitee and Orwell]

This summer I really would like to try this out because Orwell loves the water and so do I. We recently started really practicing my idea of fetching and he is doing well, but still looks uncoordinated when trying to catch the ball off of the first bounce. :P I realize catching isn't a requirement in dock diving, but I want to get him used to the idea of practicing a sport. 

I put this idea on the back burner for a while until yesterday when I came home he skipped all the steps in the garage to greet me. The steps only amount to about three feet off the ground, but I was impressed with the length of his jump. 

So I was wondering if anyone had experience with dock diving. I'd like to hear stories. I have an organization relatively close to me that I will more than likely be taking Orwell to in the start of the summer. All of the members are labs, so Orwell would be the odd one out but hopefully up to par if not better than them because of his long legs and lean body.  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Spud did. Actually he still will but he thinks about if first sometimes.

There are lots of dogs who love to swim but will NOT dive at all.

Sheba, the silver doodle in this video has her own lake and dives everyday.  Her brother, Duke. refuses  but will get right in there and swim.

Honestly, I think it hurts many times. There are times when my dog is do dedicated he will do anything I ask so I have to pay attention to his loyalty to me and his toys. He will go until he drops so there were times I stopped the action myself and just had him swim.

So, your dog may or may not.  

Find more videos like this on DoodleKisses.com

There are more in this folder 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/photo/albums/summer-2012

Neither I or Ann's dogs do this for sport though but they could.  

The video is from a doodle romp at a dog park and the photos were taken at Ann Kendig's home

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

P.S.   No one will believe this but Spud was the most uncoordinated puppy ever. It lasted for months. If you pet him, he would fall over.  At 5 months, he could not catch or fetch anything even when he tried.   One day, it just clicked. He is the most accurate dog I have ever seen. A real pro!  He is truly an athlete in comparison to most dogs now. 

Some never get it while others just go through a lanky, awkward, growing stage.

To help Spud, I had him sit in front of me and then I would count to three. One.... Two... Three!  Three meant I would throw the ball.  He could better focus his puppy attention when I gave that cue.  Good luck

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for re-posting these pics and videos, Joanne.

[Carol and Banjo]

I remember these well Joanne.....beautiful!!!     And so funny about uncoordinated puppy Spud.   LOL.   I was like that....oh....and still am!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Those are great memories, Nancy and Carol.  Thanks for remembering with me too 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I seem to remember my Bonny being the same way. She could eventually do tricks while catching a ball. It was really cool to watch. 

How much do you think is healthy if I do this at all with Orwell?

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Be very careful on the impact of hitting the water over and over again on the joints.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Maserati enjoyed it this past Summer. I only let him try it a few times this year as he was not quite 1 and I didn't want to put too much impact on his developing joints. We are going to join a local team next year now that he will be fully grown by the time Spring comes around. He swam daily all Spring/Summer and whines when we are near the water and I won't allow him to swim! He is a water boy through and through. 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Is it the Cascade Dock Dogs club? I was thinking of going to a practice session with them this summer. 

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Hmm... I'm starting to think this may not be the best idea I've had. I don't want my boy to get premature arthritis or something. Maybe just swimming is a good idea? 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I would definitely speak to my Vet.  I had a guy cripple his young Golden Retriever puppy, by jumping the gun on duck / hunting/ retrieving, jumping out of a boat.  Myself and our mutual Vet tried to explain the dangers to those joints, with the constant impact hitting the water.  He thought he knew better and the dog suffered all through life.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Ugh. Swimming will probably be all I do with him. It's good for my knees anyway.