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Writer's pictureRob Robinson

Dock diving is classic Americana?

Dock Diving weeked At Florida K9 Sports


Spring 2023 in Florida saw Dock Diving intensify across Florida perhaps more-so than pre-pandemic. With new docks, new leagues and a dramatic increase in interest, this very American dog sport may be reaching a new peak of interest and participation for dogs, both great and small.

Webster Dictionary: Americana plural noun 1: materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture broadly : things typical of America

April 22-23rd we dropped in on another dock dive. This time at Florida K9 Sports in Myakka, Florida. This was projected to be a smaller event, but as both days advanced, more and more dogs and their families appeared to join the games making for a very exciting experience as the competition elevated hour to hour though the weekend.


As we have seen elsewhere this year, it was apparent that many arriving and taking up space under the ample tents the venue positioned around the pool were spectators. Please who we their for entertainment, or to learn more on the sport that is found in very few locations outside of the U.S.A.



Dock Diving

Dock Diving may be one the the U.S.A. most original sports. Although international interest is growing, this is a dog sport born in rural America and first seen by the general public as an oddity on old cable hunting and fishing channels as a novel story piece to break up endless discussions on best camouflaged and newest lures. Since then a few "official" leagues have merged and standardized the game.


When once the docks were actual docks and the dogs were jumping into ponds, todays Dock Diving it typically a forty foot dock and forty foot long by five foot deep pool. Ever evolving efforts have been made to ensure safety for the dogs competing and some standard of measures to allow for fair competition between various dogs. Every league has their own standards and it is a widely debated topic.


Florida K9 Sports

The Florida K9 Sports opened about a year ago in central Florida. Less than an hour from several dense cities in the lower region just south of Orlando and in the rural farming region surround Myakka, Florida. Owner Jay Nichols is a lifetime K9 search and rescue handler and trainer, and moved to the state from the upper mid-west with his mobile dock looking for warmer weather and a place to train his focus on games over work with dogs, his real passion.


Wrapping Up

Florida in the summer is not a venue suitable for most outdoor activities for dogs. Dock diving provides a great exception and with numerous locations throughout the state and many now embracing the Hero Dogz program to provide special attention to the disabled, 1st responders and military veterans, it is fast growing to be a primary game for the lives of both dogs and humans though opening their doors and sincerely caring that you and your pups have full and active lives.

HERO DOGZ

More information for disabled 1st responder and military veterans.

Do your dog a huge favor and take them somewhere new!

Our core mission here at Bad Azz Dogz is about his simple idea. Helping disabled 1st responders and military veterans with dogs have full active lives!

Jay Nichols has been on the frontline of Search and Rescue dogs for generations. From the mountains and valleys of the northern plains to Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. get "gets it".

One notable feature about Jay is his raw enthusiasm and boy like joy of meeting new dogs and introducing them to new things and activities. His word is that he will continue to work towards the benefit of all out dogs, but also stay proactive in providing access to support for our disabled 1st responder and military veterans with their dogs.


The facility has ample shade, water and is mostly level ground. We were told that ADA portable restroom is being planned but was not available at this event. Like most docks, this was not wheelchair accessible, and we continue to work with all the dock locations to hopefully remedy this in the future.

- The venues manager is a disabled vet themselves and can relate on a very personal level to your needs. MORE INFO. BELOW

Location and Contact information is at the end of this article.


We hope to see you and your best furry friends out their this year.

If you have further inquires, please contact us at info@badazzdogz.net


PHOTO-FEATURE

Enjoy our very special photo-feature of some Bad Azz Dogz and their humans! SHARE your favorites and please contact us at info@badazzdogz.net if a vet or first responder wanting to learn more.


CAUTION:

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More Information:

- Florida K9 Sports

Myakka City, FL 34251

(406) 208-9633

FLK9Sports@gmail.com

As with all events Bad Azz Dogz features, it is the hope you will consider coming out into our amazing Florida Bad Azz Dogz world of fun and activities near you.

 

Bad Azz Dogz By Dogz 4 Dogz

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Photo-Journal of Hero Dogz

 

Hero Dogz is donation based to help all dogs and needs you to continue.

You can keep us going and growing for Florida's Bad Azz Pups from Litter to an active and loving life. This page is created and managed by a disabled vet and needs donations to continue and to help our Florida Dogs, Disabled Veterans & 1st Responders. Learn More

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