DockDogs Sydney

Hi All, I started a new thread on the main Dog Sports forum page, but I thought I would re-post this here.... The new Australian Canine Sports & Training Centre in Box Hill, NSW, has organized a FANTASTIC workshop for anyone who owns a herding breed. We will be hosting a 2 day hands-on clinic with Greg Prince, who is one of Australia's most experienced and titled sheepdog triallers. The clinic will be held on Saturday June 16th and Sunday June 17th, and there is a detailed info sheet attached to my original post on the main Dog Sports forum page. No previous herding experience is necessary for either handler or dog, but if the dog shows even the slightest bit of instinct, they will excel in leaps and bounds over the 2 days. If you do not currently own a dog that would be suitable for the workshop, but you are still interested in attending this info-packed weekend, Greg Prince will be providing about 12 dogs at different levels of training that you can utilize. So, if you are keen, or you have any further questions, please email David Graham ([email protected]). Cheers, Kelly P.S. There are only 3 spots left!!!

Hi All, The new Australian Canine Sports & Training Centre in Box Hill, NSW, has organized a FANTASTIC workshop for anyone who owns a herding breed. We will be hosting a 2 day hands-on clinic with Greg Prince, who is one of Australia's most experienced and titled sheepdog triallers. Attached is a detailed info sheet for the clinic, which will be held on Saturday June 16th and Sunday June 17th. No previous herding experience is necessary for either handler or dog, but if the dog shows even the slightest bit of instinct, they will excel in leaps and bounds over the 2 days. If you do not currently own a dog that would be suitable for the workshop, but you are still interested in attending this info-packed weekend, Greg Prince will be providing about 12 dogs at different levels of training that you can utilize. So, if you are keen, or you have any further questions, please email or phone David Graham (his contact info is on the attached document). Cheers, Kelly P.S. There are only 3 spots left!!! Greg Prince Weekend Workshop course info.docx

Hi All, Many thanks to everyone who came out and supported us! It was an awesome day at the pool, and I'm pretty sure all the dogs had a blast. Everyone was in great spirits even though we were surrounded by mud. The dogs didn't seem to care though, they were having way too much fun jumping in the water! Dave, Tara, and I got some great feedback from the day, and it looks like plenty of people are keen to keep going with the sport. Now we just have to get our butts in gear and start organising everything! So, over the next few weeks/ months I will be corresponding via email to everyone who is interested. If you did not give your contact info to Tara, and you have not already emailed me, please email me if you are interested in being added to our mailing list. Cheers and I look forward to working with you all in the near future! Kelly

AWESOME PHOTOS!!!

Due to quite a bit of rainfall last night, the Dock Diving site is muddy. Please bring appropriate footwear. I will be wearing gumboots!

Clarification: There is only a $20 fee for people who want jumping spots. Anyone who wants to spectate dogless can come watch the fun FOR FREE.

Of course anyone who wants to can come and watch on Wednesday! And bring your cameras! I want to come & watch as well. Is this possible? I'm happy to pay but my dog who I think would really enjoy this is in season. Also, will the pool be open at any other times in future? Would love somewhere close to swim my dogs regularly. Any other facilities in the planning?

Hi All, Yes, the pool will be open for regular training sessions in the near future, we just haven't decided on what day of the week yet! I will post on here when we make more concrete plans, but any ideas/ feedback would be welcome. And yes, there is always a ramp for the dogs to get out of (or into) the pool. Sometimes it helps to allow a hesitant dog to initially go into the water via the ramp. Dogs don't have very good depth perception when looking into a pool of clear water, so going down the ramp builds their confidence very quickly. As soon as they figure out where the surface of the water actually starts, they usually have no problem jumping into the pool from the dock after that . I am really excited to see so much interest from people! This sport is going to be so great for Australia!

Sorry Ruth, I was at work all day and didn't get a chance to sit down at my computer until this evening. I have replied to your email. See you Wednesday!

Honestly, I can't say that I have been Dock Diving "for years" and my dog has never had any trouble, but what I CAN say is that in the several months of training we had leading up to the World Dog Games, not once did I ever see any of the dogs come out of the pool limping or showing ANY signs of discomfort. Not to mention the fact that the amount of jumps a dog is allowed to do in a day are limited (6 to 8 jumps MAX). In a competition there are only 2 waves, and usually only 2 jumps per wave. So, a total of only 4 jumps per comp. Compare that to a sport like Flyball (which I also compete in with my dog), where the dogs are running full speed over jumps and pushing off of a box ALL DAY. Or, a dog could easily injure itself if it is not paying proper attention to the obstacles on an Agility course as well. In any dog sport there is the risk of injury, but proper training and conditioning is the best way to ensure that it doesn't happen. Sheena, while of course you are entitled to your opinion, before judging the sport, why don't you come out and see it for yourself?! I guarantee you that Dock Diving was definitely NOT created to "delight the audience at the expense of the dog". It is actually AGAINST THE RULES to use any sort of physical coercion to get your dog to jump into the water. Nor can you use food to lure the dog. The dog only participates if it wants to, and if it doesn't want to, no pressure! That being said, compared to all the other sports I have tried with my dog (flyball, agility, lure coursing, disc), she goes the most nuts for Dock Diving. She literally drags me up onto the dock, screech-barking and vibrating all the way. And other than Dock Diving, she NEVER barks. Anyway, to those of you who are sitting on the fence, I encourage you to, if nothing else, come out and watch all the fun on Wednesday. And if you can't make it on Wednesday, you are all welcome to come and watch any subsequent training session. I will post when we decide what days we will be opening the pool for practice. Cheers, Kelly Thankyou Labrador for the link. What she is talking about is what I was thinking of when I posted the question about it being potentially bad on the dog's body. When my dogs jump off the jetty into the water, they are focused on the water & can position themselves for the best landing/splash. But in DD they are reaching, extending their neck & spine & focused on the flying toy & have no time to prepare their bodies for the right way to hit the water. I don't know...when I saw a clip from a competition out of America, I thought it looked a bit cruel. One of those things you do to delight the audience at the expense of the dog. That's just my opinion. :)

@ PAX: Yes, that is Farmer Dave's place, and yes he will be there

Hi All! I thought I would re-post this info properly in its own thread, now that my membership to this forum has been approved.... If any of you have a dog (or dogs) that loves the water, or a dog that will do anything for its favourite toy, then you will be happy to know that Dock Diving has finally started. In fact, Sydney DockDogs is having a "Soft Opening" on ANZAC Day. I apologise for the short notice, but I really hope some of you will come and see of your dogs love Dock Diving as much as mine do! So here's the deal: Where: 66 Terry Road, Box Hill, behind the Box Hill Lodge dog boarding facility When: Wednesday April 25th, any time between 10am and 4pm How Much: Cost is $20 for a jumping spot for 1 person and 1 dog. This includes 2 waves per dog, and each wave includes 3-4 jumps (so 6-8 jumps per dog, which is the max you really want to let the dog do). If a handler decides to jump more than 1 dog, there will be a $10 fee for the second (or 3rd, or 4th!) dog. The $20 also includes a delicious sausage sandwich and a refreshing drink. What to Bring: Along with yourself and your dog, please bring the following: -a towel, or 2 or 3 -a flat collar and non-retractable lead for your dog(s) -your dog's FAVOURITE floating toy (cannot be edible or alive... yes some people will try anything) -a pair of non-slip shoes that you don't mind getting wet (and from my experience, a change of pants, unless you like driving home in soggy clothes!) I have allotted 50 jumping spots for the day. There are still over half of them left, so it's not too late to join in. All I ask is that you RSVP to my email address to book in a spot, just so that we have an idea of numbers for food, dock training time etc etc. As long as you have a confirmed jumping spot, you can arrive any time between 10am and 4pm and you will be guaranteed to have a go. Oh, and last but not least.... When it is not your turn on the dock, PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOG(S) ON LEAD AND SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES, unless they are crated or in your car. It is also important to give other dogs space, as it is quite an exciting environment and some of the dogs can get worked up. This will help us ensure the day runs as safely and smoothly as possible. I look forward to meeting you and your dogs on Wednesday. It's going to be a fantastic day! Kelly Messenger [email protected]