Author Topic: Dockdogs?? (Read 236 times)

Sparks · « **on:** July 31, 2006, 03:46:19 PM »

Just saw this as moving wallpaper in a restaurant over dinner - Dockdogs - on ESPN. Lots of Labs jumping long distances etc into a pool of water.
Never seen this before or knew they did it.
The dogs seem to love it but is it ok for them ?? There's some big distances involved winning long jum was nearly 23ft and hieght was nearly 7ft.
Toad ??

Toad · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2006, 04:51:04 PM »

As long as the water is clear of obstructions (underwater stumps, sticks, pointy things) there's no real risk to the dog.

It's just a big running jump into the water. Dogs that do this while hunting are said to have "a big water entry". Of course, it's most dangerous when out hunting because you usually don't know every inch of the area where they might enter.

The dogs do seem to love it. One of my Labs is a "big water" dog; I would break him of it if I knew how because I scares the $*!! out of me when we're hunting. My other two lady Labs are dainty; they wade in and swim out. I prefer that.

I see no problem with the Dock Dogs game/training though. The conditions are quite controlled.

BTW, most Cabela's stores feature a Dock Dog competition sometime in August or September. If you're around one, you might check it out.

texace · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2006, 06:48:57 PM »

The Cabela's in Fort Worth had their Dock Dogs last month. I guess it depends on the area.

Sparks · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2006, 11:23:28 PM »

Yep - this was a set up pool for the competition but the dogs were hyped - they seemed to just love it. But I couldn't believe the distances, and the fact these dogs obviously went completely under on entry and came back up, grabbed the lure and swam happily back.

Just wondered about their ears and such - not as if they can hold their noses

.

Friend of mine has dogs that do agility and they can't get enough of it. I think it's neat if the dogs enjoy this stuff.

Maverick · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2006, 11:32:09 PM »

Toad, check squad forum.

Toad · « **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2006, 06:39:45 AM »

It's best to rinse the dog's ears with a swimmer's astringent after any swimming. At least it's best for my dogs to avoid ear yeast. A quick rinse and they're good to go.

Rog, Mav.