Welcome to the World of Competitive Dock Diving
What is Dock Diving?
Dock diving, also known as dock jumping, originated in the late 1990s as a canine sport that combines a dog’s love for water with competitive athleticism. The sport gained mainstream attention when it debuted at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge in 1997, captivating audiences with dogs leaping off docks into a pool of water to retrieve toys or achieve maximum distance or height. From its informal beginnings, dock diving quickly grew in popularity, leading to the formation of organizations such as DockDogs (founded in 2000) and Ultimate Air Dogs. These groups helped standardize rules and host competitions worldwide. Today, the sport welcomes dogs of all breeds and sizes, and it is a regular feature at fairs, festivals, and on television, celebrated for its exciting displays of canine agility and enthusiasm.
Watch Durham in Action
Durham has emerged as a formidable competitor in the sport of dock diving, showcasing remarkable agility and strength. With consistent training and dedication, Durham has achieved impressive jumps, with some reaching distances exceeding 23 feet. These accomplishments place Durham among the elite in the sport, highlighting not only physical prowess but also a deep bond between handler and dog. As dock diving continues to captivate audiences, Durham’s achievements inspire both seasoned competitors and newcomers to the sport.
North American Diving Dogs (NADD)
Durham is an enthusiastic member of North American Diving Dogs (NADD), an organization dedicated to promoting and governing the sport of dock diving for dogs across the U.S. and Canada. As part of NADD, Durham participates in events where dogs run down a dock and leap into a pool, competing in categories such as distance, height, and speed retrieval. NADD events are family-friendly and welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes, encouraging athleticism, training, and bonding between dogs and their handlers. Affiliated with the American Kennel Club (AKC), NADD allows participants to earn titles that can be recognized on AKC pedigrees, making it both a fun and rewarding activity for canine athletes like Durham.