Canine sporting event DockDogs makes a big splash this weekend
Flying dogs stole the spotlight at the aquatic canine sporting event, DockDogs, which made a big splash last weekend at The International Centre in Toronto.
Dogs could be seen jumping after toys before landing in an Olympic-sized swimming pool, competing in categories of distance, height, and retrieval speed. Big Air, the first and most popular event, is the long jump of canine aquatics. Extreme Vertical is regarded as the high jump of the sport. Speed Retrieve is a timed event that combines running, jumping, swimming, and retrieving.
Cheryl MacIntyre, president of the DockDogs Canadian affiliate club, Ontario DockDogs, has witnessed the sport’s growth since its inception. “We went to our first event, and we’ve been hooked ever since,” MacIntrye said.
For MacIntyre, what makes the sport compelling is the balance it strikes between camaraderie and competition. “Everybody’s really friendly and supportive, but we’re still competitive with each other. It’s fun, and we’re always encouraging of new people."
After witnessing a couple try and fail to persuade their one-year-old Golden Retriever, Lola, to launch off the dock and into the water, I asked if they were new to the sport. Hirenkumar Jayantilal Khant and Ramya Ramathas said they were.
"We know she loves water," said Khant of Lola. The couple learned about the event on Instagram and said that this was an opportunity to see if loving water could be taken to the next step. "Embarrassingly, no," laughed Khant.
The joy of the sport also comes from seeing progress happen in real time. The events are highly organized with national standards and objective measures that allow people to train competitively and receive feedback on their progress.
Unlike regular sports, where the incentive is fame and glory, dog handlers rely on their dogs' trust and playful instincts. To achieve this naturally requires a partnership built on months of training, discipline, and trust.
Because the dogs are off-leash on the dock, they must resist the natural urge to leap straight into the pool after their toy. Instead, months of training go into teaching them to stay still until released, to listen for commands, and to channel that impulse into a perfectly timed jump.
“My German Shepherd was inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Sheena Vandenbergh, a 20-year veteran of the sport. (As of now, MacIntyre and Vandebergh are the only two Canadians inducted in the Hall of Fame.)
Still, the heart of the sport isn’t just numbers or titles. It’s the bond between dogs and their handlers. “At the end of the day, they’re also pets—not just sporting dogs. They’re the same dogs that hang out on the couch at home,” said Vandenbergh. "This really is [about] the love for animals and love for your dogs, because it's not just about the sport, it's about living with your dog too, right?" said Vandenbergh.
MacIntyre echoed that sentiment, noting how the community's welcoming nature extends towards newcomers. "Start by reaching out to a local club. We all help each other learn how to do dog sports, and there’s always somebody around who can help you get your dog in the pool," she said.
Anyone with a dog and a toy is welcome to participate.