Page 24 - Issue 3_2018

Dock Diving with Banjo

by Jan Dahling

Being outdoor enthusiasts, our family loves to hike, kayak and camp.
We also love the water, from the shores of Lake Allatoona, GA to the
ocean in St Augustine, FL. Our first Australian Terrier had loads of en-
ergy and loved our outdoor activities. A year after our first AT passed;
we were ready for a new one.
I have to give thanks to Breeder: Kim Floyd/Christina Worley
Sire: GCHG CH Temora Say It With Bacon
Dam: GCH CH Johmanda-Kambara’s Sprezzatura
Our new Australian Terrier (Johmanda’s Banjo Dahling, CGC) has an
abundance of energy and intelligence; realizing, early on, we needed
to channel this to stay one step ahead of him.

My daughter, Jacqui Johnson, breeds golden retrievers and she has
been into dock diving for several years. She talked me into going to
a NADD (North America Diving Dogs) event last year and we had so
much fun, we signed up for dock diving classes in August 2017. Banjo
was only 6 months old and he loved water; however, he was hesitant
jumping into the pool. We purchased a kiddie pool to help him gain
confidence in the water. Slow and steady we played water games
along with plenty of treats, and by the end of Fall, Banjo was jumping
off the low ramp.

Dock Diving is a fast growing sport. It is relatively simple. You need
a dog, a toy (they are crazy about) and a dock. The dock is an above
ground pool with a platform (dock) about 40’ long so the dog may
run and jump into the water chasing after their toy, retrieve the toy,
and a ramp which allows them to exit the water. Some dogs pick it up
quicker than others. It’s a team sport with your dog and the objective
is to have FUN!

The goal of Dock Diving is to have your dog jump as far out into the
water as they can. Their distance is measured (visually) from the base A title is earned after five (5) qualifying jumps. Titles include: Dock
of the dog’s tail, where they enter the water. There are two different Novice (DN), Dock Junior (DJ), Dock Senior (DS), Dock Master (DM),
classes: Open Class: dogs over 16” and Lap Class: dogs under 16.” This and Dock Elite (DE).
is measured from their withers. Since AT’s are Lap Class, I’ll explain this
further. The Divisions in Lap Class break down to: You may also continue and receive an advanced title in each of these
divisions with an additional 25 qualifying jumps and an elite title with
Novice Division - 0’1” to 4’11” 25 more qualifying jumps.
Junior Division - 5’0” to 8’11”
Senior Division - 9’0” to 12’11” The North America Diving Dogs (NADD) has many jumping and air
Master Division - 13’0” to 17’11” retrieval (AR) events around the country. They also have a mobile
Elite Division - 18’0” and above dock and pool that travels to different event locations. Titles earned
through NADD are recognized by The American Kennel Club.

To apply, simply complete the Title Application. For more information
about Diving Dogs and getting involved in your local area so your dog
can be recognized, please visit NADD. There you can learn more about
Diving Dogs events in your area, diving facilities and more!

Fast forward to Spring 2018 and we began dock diving classes again
in late April, when the weather finally warmed up the outdoor pool
facility. Banjo resumed right where he left off on the low ramp. I was
so excited he was ready to continue. He jumped once off the top dock,
but after this he just wanted to stand at the end of the dock and bark
as we threw the toy in. Resist the urge and NEVER . . . EVER throw or
push your dog into the water. It has to be their idea or you will scare
them and this will be a BIG setback to your training. Remember this
MUST BE FUN for them.
24