I'm new

Hello everyone.. I am interested in trying this out with my 2 1/2 year old lab. She runs full speed into the lake and can jump over my head from a stand still. I just think she would enjoy this so much. So my question is; I live to the west of Grand Rapids, MI near the lake, and was wondering if there are any events or places to go and try this out in my area. Thanks for any info you can give.

I am putting on an event in Flint this weekend. It is a about an hour and a half drive from grand rapids. It is a charity event with 3 jumps and 2 practice times in between that will be geared for helping people get there dogs introduced to the sport. Look at the Flint goea to the dog thread.

Thank you.. I'll try and make it.. What all is required to bring the dogs? Do I need proof of vacinations or anything like that to get into the events?

Another question. Does my dog have to be registered? She was a stray, so I do not have any papers. I just see a lot of stuff for the UKC and wanted to make sure.

It is a good idea to bring shot records, as some of the sporting events will require that you show proof of vaccinations before you are allowed to enter. Also plan on bringing a crate, food, treats, water, bowls for both, towels, leash, collar, toys, a shade tent/EZ-up if you have one (if not, many teams are happy to let you "borrow" some space under theirs'), etc.

Pedigree/registration papers are not required. This event (as well as the sport of dock jumping in general) is open to any and all dogs, regardless of breed or mix thereof. The only exception is the conformation fun match and the junior handling competition, for which dogs must be purebred and registered with UKC. Otherwise, you're good to go!

In the future, though, if you do wish to compete in UKC events (earn dock titles through UKC as well as UAD, for example... or participate in any of their other performance events), you can LP (limited privilage, which means you can do performance events) register your mixed breed pup with UKC. Or, if you believe your pup is purebred, just don't have proof of thus... you can still LP register her as a specific breed, after submitting photos with your registration papers, which will be evaluated by UKC staff to see if she will be registered as a certain breed or AMBOR. Further details can be found on the UKC site... or you can contact Sara (UAD's UKC Rep) with questions.

I second what Kel said about bringing anything that makes you and your dogs comfortable! I just bought and ez-up this summer and it's been the best thing I could have possibly spent my money on!! It gives you a great place to put the crates out of the sun.....and a nice spot for from lawn chairs so you can sit and watch the action.

Thank you for the info. Sorry to be such a pain, but now I have a few dumb questions. If I come to Flint to try the intro to diving, do I have to bring a crate, or can I walk around with her on a leash? We can't stay all day if we come. Will somebody be available to help walk me through the first time asking her to go off the dock? I saw some collar restrictions on the DockDogs website, do those apply the whole time, or just while you are on the dock? And what exactly are they? or at least can some one point me in the right direction to find these things out. I appreciate the help so far.

Dock Dogs is a completely separate organization (not affiliated with UAD) with a whole different set of rules all their own. If you want UAD's rules, you can find them here: http://www.ultimateairdogs.net/Competitor_Rules.php

Flat, buckle collars are allowed, as are body harnesses. Training collars such as pinch, choke, check, electronic, etc. are not allowed. They may be worn off the dock, but must be removed once on the dock, before and during the dog's jump.

You do not have to bring a crate, but I would recommend it for any events where you will be staying longer or want to wander around looking or go anywhere else she may not be able to.

Hope that helps.

thank you!!!! I am greatful for all the information that I have been getting.

There should be quite a few people around all day at Flint to answer questions. I'm planning to volunteer as much time as possible to help out (I still need help myself sometimes!) so feel free to track me down.

It's about a 3 hour drive to Flint from here, and we can't stay all day ( we'll be leaving the 2 boys at home) but we want to check it out, try it and get as much information as possible. Is there going to be an info booth or anything like that?

yes, find the person with the computer and thats where you sign up!

No problem. Good luck, have fun, and we'll see you there.

Now I have another question... Does any one have any suggestions on what to use as a toy to throw? I bought something that would float and Panelope had it about 30 seconds and now it has a big hole, so I'm pretty sure it won't float anymore.

You can use anything like a tennis ball, Wubba, DFT, Cuz, Jolly Ball, etc. We have an entire bag of toys to bring with Rocky as he is picky from event to event. If you find a toy the dog really likes and you want to use for jumping then only let them play with it either during dry land training, dock training, or for competitions. We don't let Rocky just play with his dock diving toys at home. They are "special" and only come out when he is either going for practice at the lake or when we are going up on the dock for competition.