WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST DOCKDOGS® EVENT
The two most important things you need to know are:
1. DockDogs® people are some of the friendliest and most helpful people on the planet. Not only are the DockDogs® staff members extremely helpful for any need you might have, you can feel free to ask any of the other competitors. They are always there with a smile and ready to answer questions.
2. We're all there to have fun with our dogs. As long as you're having fun, you're doing everything right.
Now, that being said, this article contains some specific answers that DockDogs® newbies usually have. Take a little time to read through this article, and you will be certain to feel much more comfortable for your first time on the dock!
What To Bring (necessary items)
* Leash (not longer than 4 feet)
* Flat buckle collar (if lead is not a slip)
* Water dish and water for your dog
* Throw object (not edible, must float, cannot be live or dead)
* Poop bags (You MUST pick up after your own dog!)
What To Bring (suggested items)
* Crate
* Treats (for your dog)
* Cooler with drinks (for you)
* Snacks (for you)
* Chair
* Towels
* Blanket or sheet to cover crate if in direct sun
* Any medications your dog might need
* Extra collar
* Tent canopy for shade
* Extra change of clothes Now you need to get your dog registered!
Registering For Your First Event
In order to register for a DockDogs® event, whether a club event or a national event, go to the DockDogs® website at www.dockdogs.com. Click on “Events” in the top menu. Find your event and then, just follow the prompts.
If you have any questions about registering, just contact someone at DockDogs® or the local DockDogs club. The best way is through Facebook: @dockdogs or @name of local club.
One question we frequently get from newbies is: "Do I have to register for all the waves?" or "Do I have to jump every day of the event?" The answers are: You can register for one or all of the waves. Register for as many waves as your schedule and budget allow. You do not need to be there every day, but you might want to come back on the last day to see if you dog made the finals. (See below The Finals.)
Practice Time at Events
There is always Open Dock Practice Time between each of the Waves. At a DockDogs® event, if you enter one or more Waves, you will receive a competition wristband. That wristband entitles you to participate in the practice times. DockDogs® staff will be there to help you during practice.
The amount of practice time depends on different factors. If the Waves are full, that will cut down on the practice time between the Waves. The number of teams practicing for even the weather also affects practice times
Please keep this in mind: Sometimes, due to time constraints, practice time might be limited to only dogs jumping in the next wave.
What do we do when we get there?
Check-in and Practice
There will be a crating area for competitors and their dogs. Just look for the tents. Pick a place and get your gear and dog(s) all situated. Then look for the admin tent. Under that tent, you will usually see one or two people sitting at a table with a computer, clipboards, etc.
At the admin tent, you will check in, sign the Waiver of Liability, and get your wrist band, which designates you as an official competitor. The people in the admin tent can also answer any questions you might have. Once you are checked in, you can walk around and mingle with people, watch the dogs that might be jumping, or sit and relax with your dog. You can do whatever you want until it is time for your first wave.
There will be open dock practice times. If you would like to practice with your dog (and I strongly recommend you do), put your dog on a leash, get your throw object, and get in line at the steps behind the dock. When it is your turn, there should be someone to help you. You will get one or two jumps or a certain amount of time, depending on the length of practice time. (see above)
You must keep your dog at least 8 feet other dogs. This is a strictly enforced DockDogs® rule.
The Waves
About 15 minutes before your wave begins, the announcer will call a handlers' meeting. This meeting is imperative for all handlers to attend. If you are not at this meeting, you will be scratched!
At the meeting, you find out in which group you are jumping (each wave usually has 2-5 groups) and what number jumper you are in your group. You can again, sit in your crating area, watch the dogs jump, or walk around and talk until the announcer calls for your group. But do not wander too far away. You need to be able to hear the announcer call your group to the dock.
When it is your group's turn, take your dog (on a leash) and your throw toy to the back of the dock. The wrangler will be there to help keep everyone in order and will let you know when to go up on the dock for your jump. (It might help to let the wrangler know this is your first event and you need a little direction.) Beginning with #1, each competitor in your group will get one jump. You then start over with #1 and everyone gets a second jump. The longer of the two jumps is your official score.
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DIVISIONS IN BIG AIR, EXTREME VERTICAL AND SPEED RETRIEVE HERE!
National Format
If you are attending a DockDogs® National event, or if you're at a club event that uses the National Finals, then the Finals will break down like this:
Amateur Finals Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was up to 12’11" or less
Contender Finals Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 13’ - 17’11”
Semi-Pro Division Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 18' - 21'11"
Pro Division Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 22' and over
Whether your dog makes the Finals or not, you are sure to
have a great time at your first DockDogs® event!
Content of the article courtesy of Nancy Akin. THANKS NANCY FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER!
The two most important things you need to know are:
1. DockDogs® people are some of the friendliest and most helpful people on the planet. Not only are the DockDogs® staff members extremely helpful for any need you might have, you can feel free to ask any of the other competitors. They are always there with a smile and ready to answer questions.
2. We're all there to have fun with our dogs. As long as you're having fun, you're doing everything right.
Now, that being said, this article contains some specific answers that DockDogs® newbies usually have. Take a little time to read through this article, and you will be certain to feel much more comfortable for your first time on the dock!
What To Bring (necessary items)
* Leash (not longer than 4 feet)
* Flat buckle collar (if lead is not a slip)
* Water dish and water for your dog
* Throw object (not edible, must float, cannot be live or dead)
* Poop bags (You MUST pick up after your own dog!)
What To Bring (suggested items)
* Crate
* Treats (for your dog)
* Cooler with drinks (for you)
* Snacks (for you)
* Chair
* Towels
* Blanket or sheet to cover crate if in direct sun
* Any medications your dog might need
* Extra collar
* Tent canopy for shade
* Extra change of clothes Now you need to get your dog registered!
Registering For Your First Event
In order to register for a DockDogs® event, whether a club event or a national event, go to the DockDogs® website at www.dockdogs.com. Click on “Events” in the top menu. Find your event and then, just follow the prompts.
If you have any questions about registering, just contact someone at DockDogs® or the local DockDogs club. The best way is through Facebook: @dockdogs or @name of local club.
One question we frequently get from newbies is: "Do I have to register for all the waves?" or "Do I have to jump every day of the event?" The answers are: You can register for one or all of the waves. Register for as many waves as your schedule and budget allow. You do not need to be there every day, but you might want to come back on the last day to see if you dog made the finals. (See below The Finals.)
Practice Time at Events
There is always Open Dock Practice Time between each of the Waves. At a DockDogs® event, if you enter one or more Waves, you will receive a competition wristband. That wristband entitles you to participate in the practice times. DockDogs® staff will be there to help you during practice.
The amount of practice time depends on different factors. If the Waves are full, that will cut down on the practice time between the Waves. The number of teams practicing for even the weather also affects practice times
Please keep this in mind: Sometimes, due to time constraints, practice time might be limited to only dogs jumping in the next wave.
What do we do when we get there?
Check-in and Practice
There will be a crating area for competitors and their dogs. Just look for the tents. Pick a place and get your gear and dog(s) all situated. Then look for the admin tent. Under that tent, you will usually see one or two people sitting at a table with a computer, clipboards, etc.
At the admin tent, you will check in, sign the Waiver of Liability, and get your wrist band, which designates you as an official competitor. The people in the admin tent can also answer any questions you might have. Once you are checked in, you can walk around and mingle with people, watch the dogs that might be jumping, or sit and relax with your dog. You can do whatever you want until it is time for your first wave.
There will be open dock practice times. If you would like to practice with your dog (and I strongly recommend you do), put your dog on a leash, get your throw object, and get in line at the steps behind the dock. When it is your turn, there should be someone to help you. You will get one or two jumps or a certain amount of time, depending on the length of practice time. (see above)
You must keep your dog at least 8 feet other dogs. This is a strictly enforced DockDogs® rule.
The Waves
About 15 minutes before your wave begins, the announcer will call a handlers' meeting. This meeting is imperative for all handlers to attend. If you are not at this meeting, you will be scratched!
At the meeting, you find out in which group you are jumping (each wave usually has 2-5 groups) and what number jumper you are in your group. You can again, sit in your crating area, watch the dogs jump, or walk around and talk until the announcer calls for your group. But do not wander too far away. You need to be able to hear the announcer call your group to the dock.
When it is your group's turn, take your dog (on a leash) and your throw toy to the back of the dock. The wrangler will be there to help keep everyone in order and will let you know when to go up on the dock for your jump. (It might help to let the wrangler know this is your first event and you need a little direction.) Beginning with #1, each competitor in your group will get one jump. You then start over with #1 and everyone gets a second jump. The longer of the two jumps is your official score.
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DIVISIONS IN BIG AIR, EXTREME VERTICAL AND SPEED RETRIEVE HERE!
National Format
If you are attending a DockDogs® National event, or if you're at a club event that uses the National Finals, then the Finals will break down like this:
Amateur Finals Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was up to 12’11" or less
Contender Finals Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 13’ - 17’11”
Semi-Pro Division Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 18' - 21'11"
Pro Division Top 6 Dogs whose longest jump was 22' and over
Whether your dog makes the Finals or not, you are sure to
have a great time at your first DockDogs® event!
Content of the article courtesy of Nancy Akin. THANKS NANCY FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER!