The Aussie - Summer 2020 final

Going for the High Jump
The ‘long jump’ is not the only op<on. You can try for height (Air
Retrieve) there is a special sob bar, suspended over the water,
and the dog jumps out to grab the bar earning Titles for grab
distances. And yes, there are Aussies taking part in this. Then
there are the speed (Hydrodash), where a you can earn one
qualifying grab towards a Division <tle based on their fastest run.
Again, the same Divisions apply, but with varying qualifiers. And
of course, we have an Aussie working to achieve success at this
part of the sport.
Jumping for Glory
That’s the theory, but what is it actually like going to an event?
‘The Aussie’ asked Jan Dahling. When you enter an event,
typically we get 4 runs a day. We call each run a ‘Jump set’. when
you arrive you are given the opportunity to sign up for 1 or more.
In a Na<onal Event Qualifier, you have to sign up for a minimum
of 3 runs (jump sets). Each jump set has 2 jumps. For each, you
can decide if you want a prac<ce run, or not. From experience, I
never do a prac<ce run. But each compe<tor has a choice.
Typically, it’s about a two hour wait in between each jump set.
Your best jump of the two jumps is recorded. It is different In a
Na<onal Qualifier, where your 3 highest jumps are averaged and
the dog/bitch with the highest average, in each level, earns an
automa<c invite to that year’s Na<onal Dock Diving Event.
Although, you s<ll have to do a minimum of 15 jumps for the
year.
There are other ways to earn an invite to the Na<onal Dock
Diving event. You can:
- Be the number one in your Breed at year end (October 16th to
October 16th midnight yearly).
- Earn an Advanced, or Elite Title in any level.
Compete against yourself
The fun about Dock Diving is typically you compete against your
own record at each jump and event. You can Qualify to earn
ribbons and points toward AKC Titles. But this shows the
achievement of you and your dog. I have found there is always a
great atmosphere as everyone is helpful and cheers! Usually very
social with vendors, food and a decorated photo booth (COVID19
has changed it for now).
We know our Aussies can leap big distances.
This is Grete Johansen’s Aussie called Cherry
(Linnearud's Bosciaea Walker Cherry) in
Norway showing just what comes naturally. She
easily jumps 3-4 metres. Plus she swims under
water! Grete wonders how she lived to make
her first birthday she was so adventurous!
Building confidence around water is part of the
early training for Dock Diving. Banjo and Georgia
have no fears siMng at the bow of the kayak.
Some events will have a final but most of the <me you are
jumping for yourself and your pup. This is the reason NADD has
joined with AKC and to stay away from the overall compe<tor vs
compe<tor and more of an individual compe<<veness.
Is Covid-19 affecHng the events?
Currently, events are taking place, but with measures to help
prevent the spread of the virus. Now we are compe<ng in 2 hour
blocks. to reduce the number of compe<tors to a minimum in
the area. Not much <me for recovery about 30 minutes between
the jump sets. Currently, there are no spectators, vendors or food
sold. Of course there are hand sani<ser sta<ons before and aber
you leave the dock area and at the port-a-poMes sta<ons. You
also have to wear a mask when you sign in, or if you are fairly
close. You kennel at your car (tents are allowed). Masks are an
op<on when you are at your car, or on the dock. The events are
following all current state and local guidelines/requirements for
safety & social distancing.
In the UK, there are many Aussies taking part in Agility.
Here the Aussies can show off their jumping skills,
which we all know can be preUy impressive. ‘The
Aussie’ asked the owners just how good an Aussie can
be at this sport. They all agreed that although they are
classified in the lowest category due to their size, they
could easily jump in the Medium dogs class. Aussies
have even been tested over the large dog jumps and
proven they are no obstacle to them. Perhaps this is
why we all reckon there is Kangaroo in their unknown
heritage!