Glossary

Dock diving

A sport in which dogs run along a dock and leap into a pool, judged on how far or how high they jump, often chasing a toy.

Also called: dock jumping, dock dogs, DockDogs, big air, dock diving competition

Dock diving is a sport in which a dog runs down a raised dock and jumps into a pool, usually chasing a toy thrown by the handler. Judges measure the distance of the jump from the end of the dock to where the dog's body hits the water. Other events measure how high a dog leaps to grab a toy hanging above the water, or how fast it can swim a short course.

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and many mixed breeds take to it, but any dog that enjoys water and fetching can try.

The sport is easy to start, as many clubs offer a first jump. Dogs should be fit, wear a life jacket if they are not strong swimmers, and have a safe way to climb out. Ask a veterinarian about joint health, since the landing can be hard on dogs with weak hips.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Dog agility A timed sport in which a handler directs a dog over an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and ramps, open to purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Flyball A relay sport in which teams of four dogs race over hurdles to a box, catch a ball it releases, and run back to the line, judged on speed and accuracy. Lure coursing A sport in which dogs chase a mechanically pulled lure across a field in a pattern that simulates running prey, mainly for sighthounds.