Dock jumping
Dock jumping is a dog sport in which dogs leap from a raised dock into water. Competitions measure jump distance, height, or swimming speed.
Big Air: A dock-jumping event in which a dog pursues a toy into the water and the jump is measured for distance. This format measures the horizontal distance of a dog’s leap.
Canine Athleticism: The physical capacities that let dogs perform demanding movements, including speed, strength, and coordination. Explosive acceleration and coordinated takeoff shape a successful jump.
Purina Incredible Dog Challenge: A televised canine sports competition created by Purina, featuring events including dock jumping. Its broadcasts helped introduce dock jumping to a wider audience.
Canine Conditioning: Exercise and training used to improve a dog’s strength, endurance, mobility, and fitness. Conditioning prepares dogs for repeated sprints, jumps, and swims.
Agility: A dog sport in which a handler guides a dog through a timed obstacle course. Agility emphasizes obstacle navigation, while dock jumping centers on leaps and water.
Extreme Vertical: A dock-jumping event in which a dog jumps upward to grab a suspended bumper at increasing heights. This format tests vertical reach rather than distance.
Canine Aquatic Safety: Practices that reduce risks to dogs during swimming and other activities in or near water. Water entry and retrieval make safety part of every event.
North American Diving Dogs: An organization that sanctions dock-diving competitions and maintains rules and records. Organized sanctioning gives the sport standardized events and results.
Dog Breeds: Distinct populations of domestic dogs selectively bred for inherited physical and behavioral traits. Many breeds compete, though size and build affect individual performance.
Flyball: A team dog sport in which dogs race over hurdles to trigger a ball-release box and retrieve a ball. Flyball tests relay speed and hurdle work rather than jumping into water.