Road to AENC:Part 3 of 4–Dock Jumping Spotlight

Shannon Nardi – Owner of Super Retriever Series

We had a chance to catch up with Shannon to find out more details about Dock Jumping. What a fun sport to watch! These dogs are amazing how far they can jump and the level of training that is required. In our interview, you will find highlights about how you can get involved in this sport with your dog, learn more about popular breeds that participate, and find out what is different about this year’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship event.

Q: What is Dock Jumping?
• The best way to explain dock jumping is to compare it to track and field – there is a long jump competition and a high jump competition. The dogs start on a 40-foot dock and jump either lengthwise or vertically, in attempt to retrieve a bumper as it is thrown into a 40-foot pool. A team consists of one dog and one handler.

Q: What’s the most common breed for dock jumping?
• Although Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed for dock jumping, any dog that has a retriever instinct will most likely be interested in the sport and excel at it. I have seen quite a few different breeds compete – Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and even a Dalmatian at the last competition I attended!

Q: How can I get involved in the sport?
• There are a lot of different groups around the country that participate in dock jumping and hold training sessions, amateur competitions, trials and championships. I recommend you Google dock jumping groups in your area to get started. The events that we attend specifically consist of three separate events: Retriever Trials, Super Fly and Super V. Any interested participant should read the rules and regulations, register for the event, pay the fee and then compete to qualify for the championship competition and for prize money.

Q: What is your favorite part of the sport?
• Personally, I think the vertical dock jumping is by far the most interesting event to watch. It is an extremely challenging event and the dog really has to want the bumper – this isn’t something the dog can train for, they just really have to have a desire and passion for the sport.

Q: What’s the furthest jump you’ve seen?
• The highest vertical jump I’ve seen was 7 feet 6 inches high; the longest distance I’ve seen a dog jump was nearly 26 feet.

Q: I’d imagine with dogs (especially Labradors) around water you’ve had some funny and interesting moments in competition or training – can you share some of them?
• One of funniest things to see is when a dog comes prepared to do the jump but then gets “stage fright” and won’t perform the jump. It’s funny because you know how hard they’ve trained and how many times they’ve completed the jump, but when it comes down to the wire they won’t budge off the dock!

Q: What are you looking forward to at AENC?
• Since this year’s show is an open format, we are going to be holding an amateur competition – that means any dog that is interested in trying the event can pay to enter and compete for a chance to be invited to the championship competition.

What is your favorite activity/sport with your dog?