English Springer Spaniels are for the most part natural retrievers and water loving dogs. A fun and exciting sport to combine the two is Dock Diving. Dock Diving allows English Springer Spaniels to run, jump, swim, and retrieve. Plus, let’s face it, nothing beats hot summer days than playing in a pool.
Fastest Growing Canine Sport
Dock Diving has become the fastest growing canine sport and there are several organizations to participate in including North America Diving Dogs (NADD), Dock Dogs, United Dock Diving (UDD), and Ultimate Air Dogs(UAD). NADD is an AKC affiliated sport allowing titles. UAD is affiliated with the Australian Shepherd Club of America, but allows all breeds to participate. Each organization offers various types of games ranging from distance jumping, speed swimming, air/vertical retrieving among others. All of them offer titling classes and have national championship events.
The most common rule in distance jumping is scored by the base of the dog’s tail hitting the water. The dog’s score is the best of the 2 jumps. Depending on the organization, up to 2 handlers are allowed on the dock, one to toss the toy and the other to hold and release the dog.
English Springers Can Jump
English Springer Spaniels use their “springs” in dock diving and can jump over 23’. The number one springer in 2023 with NADD had a season average of 23’8”, which the highest recorded average going back to 2014.
All in all, dock diving is a great sport to participate in and your springer will love it.
For more details about each organization, please visit their websites:
NADD: https://northamericadivingdogs.com
UDD: https://uniteddockdiving.com
UAD: https://ultimateairdogs.com
Dock Dogs: https://dockdogs.com