Welcome newbies...
Dockdogs is one of the easiest sports to get started in with your dog. There is no special training and no special skills that you need as a handler. You just need a dog that likes to swim and a toy, and you are all set!
Gateway encourages Newbies to come to our practices and events, everyone has to start somewhere and the sooner you start, the sooner you will be hooked! It's exciting and rewarding to watch a dog grow from not wanting to take that leap off the dock, to flying off the end! Some take to it quicker than others, but the whole process, the people, the events, and the fun are so rewarding whether they jump 12 inches or 12 feet, we assure you, you will be hooked!
Gateway encourages Newbies to come to our practices and events, everyone has to start somewhere and the sooner you start, the sooner you will be hooked! It's exciting and rewarding to watch a dog grow from not wanting to take that leap off the dock, to flying off the end! Some take to it quicker than others, but the whole process, the people, the events, and the fun are so rewarding whether they jump 12 inches or 12 feet, we assure you, you will be hooked!
rules and policies...
View RULES HERE
Registering for your first event...
In order to pre-register for a DockDogs event, whether a club event or a national event, go to the DockDogs website at www.dockdogs.com. Click on the icon on the right that says Register for Membership or Events. Then, just follow the prompts. You will need enter a Handler ID which is a unique number. You can pre-register for two events for free without joining Dockdogs Worldwide. Afterwards, you will need an
active Dockdogs Worldwide Membership to pre-register, but you can always register onsite.
VERY IMPORTANT:
If you do not know your handler ID and you have participated in any DockDogs event (club or national), then you already have a Handler ID. Just click on "Recover Handler ID," and it will be sent to you. If you have never participated in any DockDogs event
(club or national), then click on "Register as a DockDogs Handler."
One question we frequently get from newbies is: "Do I have to register for all the waves?" or "Do I have to jump every day of the event?" The answers are: You can register for one or all of the waves. Register for as many waves as your schedule and budget allow. You do not need to be there every day, but you might want to come back on the last day to see if you dog made the finals. (See below The Finals.)
active Dockdogs Worldwide Membership to pre-register, but you can always register onsite.
VERY IMPORTANT:
If you do not know your handler ID and you have participated in any DockDogs event (club or national), then you already have a Handler ID. Just click on "Recover Handler ID," and it will be sent to you. If you have never participated in any DockDogs event
(club or national), then click on "Register as a DockDogs Handler."
One question we frequently get from newbies is: "Do I have to register for all the waves?" or "Do I have to jump every day of the event?" The answers are: You can register for one or all of the waves. Register for as many waves as your schedule and budget allow. You do not need to be there every day, but you might want to come back on the last day to see if you dog made the finals. (See below The Finals.)
your first event...
Thank you 4 DAWG FLITEfor putting together this wonderful beginner information below.
The two most important things you need to know are:
1. DockDogs people are some of the friendliest and most helpful people on the planet. Not only are the DockDogs staff members extremely helpful for any need you might have, you can feel free to ask any of the other competitors. They are always there with a smile and ready to answer questions.
2. We're all there to have fun with our dogs. As long as you're having fun, you're doing everything right.
Now, that being said, this web page contains some specific answers that DockDogs newbies usually have. Take a little time to read through this web page, and you will be certain to feel much more comfortable for your first time on the dock!
What To Bring (necessary items)
What To Bring (suggested items)
************************************************************************
There is always Open Dock Practice Time between each of the Waves. If you enter one or more Waves, you will receive a competition wristband. That wristband entitles you to the practice times. DockDogs staff will be available to help you and answer any questions.
The amount of practice time depends on how full the Waves are. If the Waves are full (or close to full), that will cut down on the practice time between the Waves. Also, the number of teams wanting to practice also affects the time you will get on the dock to practice.
So please keep this in mind: Often the practice lines are long, so you might only get one or two times on the dock during a practice session. Sometimes, due to time constraints, practice time might be limited to only dogs jumping in the next wave.
************************************************************************
Another question we hear from newbies is, "What do we do when we get there?"
Check-in and Practice
There will be a crating area for competitors and their dogs. Just look for the tents. Pick a place and get your gear and dog(s) all situated. Then look for the admin tent. The admin tent will usually have one or two people sitting at a table with a computer, clipboards, etc.
At the admin tent, you will check in, sign the Waiver of Liability, and get your wrist band, which designates you as an official competitor. The people in the admin tent can also answer any questions you might have.
Once you are checked in, you can walk around and mingle with people, watch the dogs that might be jumping, or sit and relax with your dog. You can do whatever you want until it is time for your first wave.
There will be open dock practice times. If you would like to practice with your dog (and I strongly recommend you do), put your dog on a leash, get your throw object, and get in line at the steps behind the dock. When it is your turn, there should be someone to help you. You will get one or two jumps or a certain amount of time, depending on how many people need to practice.
************************************************************************
The Waves
About 20 minutes before your wave begins, the wrangler will call a handlers' meeting behind the dock. This meeting is IMPERATIVE for all handlers to attend. If you are not at this meeting, you will be scratched! It is better if you do not bring your dog to this handlers' meeting.
At the meeting, you find out in which group you are jumping (each wave usually has 2-5 groups) and what number jumper you are in your group. You can again, sit in your crating area, watch the dogs jump, or walk around and talk until the announcer calls for your group. But do not wander too far away. You need to be able to hear the announcer call your group to the dock.
When it is your group's turn, take your dog (on a leash) and your throw object to the back of the dock. The wrangler will be there to help keep everyone in order and will let you know when to go up on the dock for your jump. (It might help to let the wrangler know this is your first event and you need a little direction.) Beginning with #1, each competitor in your group will get one jump. You then start over with #1 and everyone gets a second jump. The longer of the two jumps is your official score.
************************************************************************
Divisions
There are six Big Air Divisions in DockDogs as follows:
Novice 1" - 9'11"
Junior 10' - 14'11"
Senior 15' - 19'11"
Master 20' - 22'11"
Elite 23' - 24'11"
Super Elite 25' and over
Although each wave will have dogs of all levels jumping, your dog's jump will determine in which division he is placed. For example, if your dog jumps 12'4", he will be placed in the Junior Division. Another dog in the same wave might jump 22' and be in the Master Division. This ensures that while your dog is jumping with dogs of all levels, he is only competing against dogs that jump in his division.
There are also divisions in the Speed Retrieve waves, so your dog will only be competing against dogs who run similar Speed Retrieve times. The Speed Retrieve Wave is run as an elimination round and Finals all in one.
Extreme Vertical also has divisions. The Extreme Vertical Wave is also run as an elimination round and Finals all in one with the highest jumping dogs placing in their divisions.
Each Wave of the event will have ribbons for all competitors no matter where your dog placed in the Wave. be sure to go by the admin tent after your wave to pick up your ribbon.
************************************************************************
The Finals
There are two formats for Finals: National format which is used at national events and Divisional format which is used by some clubs. Club events can also use the National format.
Big Air Finals: Divisional Format
After all the waves are completed, the top six dogs from each of the Divisions move on to the finals, making the finals look like this:
Novice Finals - top six Novice dogs
Junior Finals - top six Junior dogs
Senior Finals - top six Senior dogs
Master Finals - top six Master dogs
Elite Finals - top six Elite dogs
Super Elite Finals - top six Super Elite dogs
As you can readily see, it is important for you to stay until the Finals participants are posted (after the last wave). Your dog could have jumped 8' or 9' and very easily make the Novice Finals. Remember, you dog is competing only against dogs in his division.
Big Air Finals: National Format
If you are attending a DockDogs National event, or if you're at a club event that uses the National Finals, then the Finals will break down like this:
Amateur Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was up to 12'-11"
Contender Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 13' - 17'-11"
Semi-Pro Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 18' - 21'-11"
Pro Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 22' and over
The two most important things you need to know are:
1. DockDogs people are some of the friendliest and most helpful people on the planet. Not only are the DockDogs staff members extremely helpful for any need you might have, you can feel free to ask any of the other competitors. They are always there with a smile and ready to answer questions.
2. We're all there to have fun with our dogs. As long as you're having fun, you're doing everything right.
Now, that being said, this web page contains some specific answers that DockDogs newbies usually have. Take a little time to read through this web page, and you will be certain to feel much more comfortable for your first time on the dock!
What To Bring (necessary items)
- Leash (not longer than 4 feet, no flexi-leashes)
- Flat buckle collar (if lead is not slip)
- Water dish and water for your dog
- Throw object (not edible, must float, cannot be live or anything that has been live)
- Shot records
- Poopy bags (You MUST pick up after your dog.)
What To Bring (suggested items)
- Crate
- Treats (for your dog)
- Cooler with drinks (for you)
- Snacks (for you)
- Chair
- Towels
- Blanket or sheet to cover crate if direct sun is a problem
- Any medications your dog might need
- Extra collar
- Tent canopy for shade
- Extra change of clothes (in case you get wet)
- Money for meals and/or snacks
************************************************************************
There is always Open Dock Practice Time between each of the Waves. If you enter one or more Waves, you will receive a competition wristband. That wristband entitles you to the practice times. DockDogs staff will be available to help you and answer any questions.
The amount of practice time depends on how full the Waves are. If the Waves are full (or close to full), that will cut down on the practice time between the Waves. Also, the number of teams wanting to practice also affects the time you will get on the dock to practice.
So please keep this in mind: Often the practice lines are long, so you might only get one or two times on the dock during a practice session. Sometimes, due to time constraints, practice time might be limited to only dogs jumping in the next wave.
************************************************************************
Another question we hear from newbies is, "What do we do when we get there?"
Check-in and Practice
There will be a crating area for competitors and their dogs. Just look for the tents. Pick a place and get your gear and dog(s) all situated. Then look for the admin tent. The admin tent will usually have one or two people sitting at a table with a computer, clipboards, etc.
At the admin tent, you will check in, sign the Waiver of Liability, and get your wrist band, which designates you as an official competitor. The people in the admin tent can also answer any questions you might have.
Once you are checked in, you can walk around and mingle with people, watch the dogs that might be jumping, or sit and relax with your dog. You can do whatever you want until it is time for your first wave.
There will be open dock practice times. If you would like to practice with your dog (and I strongly recommend you do), put your dog on a leash, get your throw object, and get in line at the steps behind the dock. When it is your turn, there should be someone to help you. You will get one or two jumps or a certain amount of time, depending on how many people need to practice.
************************************************************************
The Waves
About 20 minutes before your wave begins, the wrangler will call a handlers' meeting behind the dock. This meeting is IMPERATIVE for all handlers to attend. If you are not at this meeting, you will be scratched! It is better if you do not bring your dog to this handlers' meeting.
At the meeting, you find out in which group you are jumping (each wave usually has 2-5 groups) and what number jumper you are in your group. You can again, sit in your crating area, watch the dogs jump, or walk around and talk until the announcer calls for your group. But do not wander too far away. You need to be able to hear the announcer call your group to the dock.
When it is your group's turn, take your dog (on a leash) and your throw object to the back of the dock. The wrangler will be there to help keep everyone in order and will let you know when to go up on the dock for your jump. (It might help to let the wrangler know this is your first event and you need a little direction.) Beginning with #1, each competitor in your group will get one jump. You then start over with #1 and everyone gets a second jump. The longer of the two jumps is your official score.
************************************************************************
Divisions
There are six Big Air Divisions in DockDogs as follows:
Novice 1" - 9'11"
Junior 10' - 14'11"
Senior 15' - 19'11"
Master 20' - 22'11"
Elite 23' - 24'11"
Super Elite 25' and over
Although each wave will have dogs of all levels jumping, your dog's jump will determine in which division he is placed. For example, if your dog jumps 12'4", he will be placed in the Junior Division. Another dog in the same wave might jump 22' and be in the Master Division. This ensures that while your dog is jumping with dogs of all levels, he is only competing against dogs that jump in his division.
There are also divisions in the Speed Retrieve waves, so your dog will only be competing against dogs who run similar Speed Retrieve times. The Speed Retrieve Wave is run as an elimination round and Finals all in one.
Extreme Vertical also has divisions. The Extreme Vertical Wave is also run as an elimination round and Finals all in one with the highest jumping dogs placing in their divisions.
Each Wave of the event will have ribbons for all competitors no matter where your dog placed in the Wave. be sure to go by the admin tent after your wave to pick up your ribbon.
************************************************************************
The Finals
There are two formats for Finals: National format which is used at national events and Divisional format which is used by some clubs. Club events can also use the National format.
Big Air Finals: Divisional Format
After all the waves are completed, the top six dogs from each of the Divisions move on to the finals, making the finals look like this:
Novice Finals - top six Novice dogs
Junior Finals - top six Junior dogs
Senior Finals - top six Senior dogs
Master Finals - top six Master dogs
Elite Finals - top six Elite dogs
Super Elite Finals - top six Super Elite dogs
As you can readily see, it is important for you to stay until the Finals participants are posted (after the last wave). Your dog could have jumped 8' or 9' and very easily make the Novice Finals. Remember, you dog is competing only against dogs in his division.
Big Air Finals: National Format
If you are attending a DockDogs National event, or if you're at a club event that uses the National Finals, then the Finals will break down like this:
Amateur Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was up to 12'-11"
Contender Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 13' - 17'-11"
Semi-Pro Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 18' - 21'-11"
Pro Division
Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 22' and over
tools...
Below are some tools available to help you as you compete in the sport of Dockdogs.
training articles...
Teaching your dog how to dock dive- Part 1
http://www.3dawgflite.com/resources/articles/Teaching%20Your%20Dog%20Part1.pdf
Teaching your dog how to dock dive- Part 2
http://www.3dawgflite.com/resources/articles/Teaching%20Your%20Dog%20Part2.pdf
Getting Started http://www.sportmutt.com/training/getting_started_new.htm
Thank you Sport Mutt and Team 4 Dawg Flite for these Training Articles and Links
http://www.3dawgflite.com/resources/articles/Teaching%20Your%20Dog%20Part1.pdf
Teaching your dog how to dock dive- Part 2
http://www.3dawgflite.com/resources/articles/Teaching%20Your%20Dog%20Part2.pdf
Getting Started http://www.sportmutt.com/training/getting_started_new.htm
Thank you Sport Mutt and Team 4 Dawg Flite for these Training Articles and Links