Dock diving is a sport in which dogs are enticed to run along a dock and leap as far out into the water as possible.

The dogs are motivated to fly as far as possible to retrieve their favorite toy thrown into the water.  Almost any dog can do it, as long as they love the water, know how to swim, and have a passion for retrieving.

Title Recognition

As of May 31, 2014, the AKC recognizes titles earned at North America Diving Dog events. Owners may apply to have the titles recorded on their dogs’ AKC records. Diving Dog titles then will be displayed on pedigrees and other AKC documents.

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.

The dock is usually 35 to 40 ft. long by 8 ft. wide and 2 ft. above the water surface, but this may differ depending on the sanctioning organization. Any body of water or pool that is at least 4 feet deep can be used. The dock is covered in artificial turf, carpet, or a rubber mat. The handler may use any amount of the dock and they may start their dog from any point on the dock when competing. The jump distance is measured electronically using digital video freeze frame technology or, in some cases, is measured manually by judges. Each team takes two jumps in round-robin format. The longer of the two jumps is that team’s score for that competition

Two different jumping techniques can be used to encourage the dog to jump into the water- the Place and Send jump, and the Chase jump. In the Place and Send method, the handler holds the dog while throwing the toy from the end of the dock, then takes the dog back to the start position and sends it to get the toy. In the Chase method, the dog is put on a Stay at the start position while the handler goes to the end of the dock. The dog is called, and the handler throws the toy, timing the throw to keep the toy in front of the dogs nose while they chase it into the water.

There are many divisions depending on the sanctioning organization. All teams are ranked according to how far they jump and are rated against teams within their own divisions for placements. Even small dogs have their own division, “lap dogs”, along with older dogs (8 years and older), the “veteran” division.

For more details about each organization, please visit their websites: