Special Attractions
DockDogs
Sponsored by:
Canines will display their high-flying jumping for distance skills when the Puget Sound DockDogs competition returns to the Washington Sportsmen’s Show®.
Puget Sound DockDogs’ dock-diving events dazzle spectators with high-flying canine athleticism and daily competitions that include “Big Air,” “Extreme Vertical” and “Speed Retrieve” skill events.
Each day of the show, all levels of handler and dog teams will be competing for ribbons, other awards, and fun prizes. The event is proudly sponsored by Natural Balance Pet Foods, Petco, and Value Pet Clinic.
Spectators can cheer on the teams, from new to experienced, as they splash down into the swimming pool. As a special treat, Northwest Professional DockDogs teams will be participating in the week’s events.
Dog owners are invited to bring any dog over the age of six months that loves the water and enjoys playing fetch—regardless of breed, size, shape or ability. All dogs are welcome, and those new to the sport can introduce their dogs to this fast- growing sport and get tips on coaching and encouraging their pooches from Puget Sound DockDogs members.
Area handlers and dog teams are encouraged to register for participation. Fee is $25 in advance (online) or $30 at the event. To register online and for more information on event rules, including fairground restrictions, visit www.pugetsounddockdogs.org.
Three areas of competition will take place daily over the five day run of the show, including:
- “Big Air” is the long jump equivalent for canine athletes. At speeds over 20 mph, Big Air dogs catapult off the end of a 40-foot dock into a 28,000-gallon pool to retrieve a floatable object, like their favorite toy. Jump distances are measured from the end of the dock to where the base of the dog’s tail breaks the water.
- “Extreme Vertical” (Saturday only) is a high jump contest in which the dog launches upward in order to knock down a bumper suspended over the water. Runs are shorter and speed is reduced in order to achieve maximum height from about eight feet from the dock.
- “Speed Retrieve” (Sunday only) is a sport where teams race against the clock. Each competing dog runs, jumps, swims and retrieves an object located on an extender at the end of the pool, at a distance of 58-feet from the starting block on the dock.
For complete DockDog® rules and policies, online registration, and additional details on Puget Sound DockDogs at the Washington Sportsmen’s Show event, visit www.pugetsounddockdogs.org.
EVENTS WAVE TIMES @ The Washington Sportsmen’s Show
Each team will receive two official competition jumps per Wave and practice opportunities during open dock throughout the week.
Wednesday Jan 23th
On-site Registration/ Practice Begins – 12:30 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 1 – 6:30 pm
Thursday Jan 24th
On-site Registration/ Practice Begins – 12:30 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 2 – 6:30 pm
Friday Jan 25th
On-site Registration/ Practice Begins- 12:30 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 3 – 4:30 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 4 – 6:30 pm
Saturday Jan 26th
On-site Registration/ Practice Begins – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 5 – 11:00 am
Speed Retrieve Competition – 2:00 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 6 – 4:30 pm
Extreme Vertical Competition – 6:45 pm
Sunday Jan 27th
On-site Registration/ Practice Begins – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 7 – 10:30 am
Speed Retrieve Finals begin at 1:00 pm (Top 8)
Big Air Finals begin at 2:00 pm (Top 6 in each division from the week)
About Puget Sound DockDogs
Formed in 2005, Puget Sound DockDogs is the Western Washington Region affiliate chapter of DockDogs® of Medina, Ohio–the independent governing and sanctioning body for regional, national and international dock jumping performance sports. DockDogs® establishes the rules and standards of the sport, tracks results and records, and supports and promotes the growth of its athletes, events, spectators, and sponsors. Puget Sound DockDogs provides support and encouragement to dock diving teams in the Puget Sound area of the State of Washington.