Some of the top ranked dogs in the sport of dock diving will compete September 25-26 at the Lake Lanier Pet Fest in Gainesville, Georgia. Dixie Dock Dogs, a non-profit organization benefitting various canine charities, is producing this thrilling event which features dogs jumping great lengths to splash down into a pool of water. Covering the entire state of Georgia, Dixie Dock Dogs is affiliated with the national organization DockDogs.
The competition will be held at Laurel Park on Old Cleveland Highway in Gainesville. Bill Akin of Watkinsville, and president of Dixie Dock Dogs, is very excited about the club hosting the upcoming competition. “This is our first dock diving event here in the Lake Lanier area,” said Akin. “We’re sure it will be a fun time for everyone, people and dogs alike…something for the entire family. We know there are many people in the Lake Lanier area that have been wanting a DockDogs event here for a long time. Now, here we are!” According to Akin, a regulation 40′ dock and 40′ x 12′ pool of water will be brought onto the park property.
Dogs from all over the country will come to compete in the three sporting disciplines of DockDogs: Big Air, which measures the length of their jump, Extreme Vertical, which measures the height, and Speed Retrieve, which measures how fast they run, jump and swim. “It’s an awesome sport,” said Nancy Akin, Dixie Dock Dogs publicity chair, “and a very popular one. Online preregistration is highly recommended as the Waves are sure to fill up fast. You can find the preregistration link at www.DixieDockDogs.com.”
The Akins report they are expecting over 100 dogs to compete in the 3-day event. Dock diving is a sport for any breed or any size dog, and everyone in this area is encouraged to bring your dog out to give it a try. Dixie Dock Dogs will have Practice Coaches available to show interested attendees dock diving strategies and give tips for getting started in the sport.
For more information about the Dixie Dock Dogs event at the Lake Lanier Pet Fest, please visit DixieDockDogs.com. You can also contact Bill Akin at 706-540-6539.