Excited and lively dogs are eager to start running and jump as far as they can into the dock diving pool at Courteous Canine in Lutz. This training and swimming facility holds several competitions each year, including one on May 4th.
Many dogs of different sizes and breeds participated in the two-day event to set personal records in competitions regulated by North American Diving Dogs (NADD). Joe Souza, a dock diving instructor at Courteous Canine, mentioned that both the dogs and their owners enjoy the sport. Dogs of all sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, can learn to dock dive here, either for fun or competition.
Competitions are divided into different levels based on the length of the jump. The Novice level is up to 10 feet, while the top jumpers are in the premiere level, which is 28 feet or longer. NADD limits the number of dock diving facilities to be at least 100 miles apart.
Courteous Canine, which also specializes in training younger dogs and offers boarding services, hosts 4-5 competitions per year, attracting dog owners from all over the state. In the latest competition, dogs from Apollo Beach, Riverview, and even Jacksonville participated.
Souza noted that these events are quite popular, with a great turnout. The dogs love the water so much that sometimes it’s hard to get them out!
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