What Are the DockDogs?

The first ever Great Outdoors Show, presented by TownSquare Media, is coming to Quincy's Oakley Lindsay Center on March 28 and 29, featuring entertainment by the DockDogs. So, what are the DockDogs? They are a group of dock jumping and dock diving canine performance animals, run by an independent governing and sanctioning body.

Throughout the show, DockDogs will present the "Big Air Wave" competition accompanied by an "Extreme Vertical" and "Speed Retrieve" competition for both competitors and spectators to enjoy.

The Big Air competition features dogs running down a 40 foot dock and diving into a pool of water after an object. They are electronically judged for the length of their jump.

The Extreme Vertical competition is a high jump for the dogs as they lunge to snag a “bumper” suspended in the air. With each grab, the height increases in two inch increments until only one dog is crowned king.

Rounding out the action is the newest form of competition known as Speed Retrieve, where the dogs are put on the clock to see how fast they can run down the dock, jump into the water, swim to the end of the pool and retrieve an object which is held by a modified extender arm.

The competitions are open to anyone and everyone. Teams are made up of one dog and one handler. Canines must be six months or older to be eligible. Dogs of any breed, size or shape are welcomed. Not only is the competition open to all types of canines, but also handlers above the age of seven.

Anyone who has a dog that likes the water, gets along well with other dogs and enjoys a good chew toy, can pre-register their dog until one week prior to the event. The process can be done online. The website will also provide an up-to-date schedule and general information on all DockDogs affiliated events.

Tickets to the Great Outdoors Show will be $6 for adults (which includes a 20-pack of Mt. Dew from Refreshment Services Pepsi), $2 for kids 15 and under, and kids 3 and under will be admitted free. All tickets will be sold at the door. A coupon good for a $1 discount on adult tickets will be available through Townsquare Media radio station websites.