In Utah, we used to train with Wasatch K9 Fitness. They compete in dock diving, and hav some of the top ranked malinois in the sport, and during the warmer months and times when they’re not competing, they host dock diving seminars around the country.
Last year, they came to Wisconsin, and we went. It was great to see them again, and Ry remembered them. But it was also challenging. When we lived in Utah, we had done a couple of dock diving classes, classes, and he was accustomed to swimming in a pool.
This was an outdoor setup, and it took a few turns to get him to simply go off the ramp. When we were in between turns, he struggled to relax, struggled to chill. He had to move, sniff, sniff out critters, try and catch field mice, something. When it was our turn, we needed space to get to the entrance and up to the dock. People we were really good about that, and I was appreciative.
This year, Ry was a different dog.
This year, he went right up to the entrance, unbothered by all the people and dogs hanging out under the tent next to it. He went right up and through the gate to the ramp, and off the ramp like he’d been doing it every day. He hasn’t. He hasn’t done any dock diving since the seminar last year.
He fetched his Wubby, did beautiful turns, came right back up the ramp, dropped his Wubby, shook himself, turned around, and looked at me to do it again. I was overjoyed. Ry has not been a fetch kind of dog. He’d rather chase or be chased than run and fetch a toy and bring it back.
I was so happy, and so proud, and surprised.
Last year, he’d go off the ramp once, and then stand at the exit gate ready to go hunt critters.
This year, he did about 3 or 4 reps before he decided he was done and went to stand at the exit gate, but once I squeaked his Wubby and turned towards the ramp, he went back to the ramp and we’d do a few more reps until our allotted time was up.
Exiting was just as easy as entering, even when there were other dogs. We sat and watched some of the more experienced handlers work their dogs, which was fascinating. If you ever get the chance to see dock diving, I highly encourage you to take it.
We sat and watched a bit away from the group under the tent, but much closer than last year. Close enough that I could hear the conversations and the coaching tips. He even stretched out and napped while we waited! He didn’t have to be in constant motion.
We tried going off the dock this year. I even got in the pool to see if that would help. He didn’t go off the dock, and that is OK. He was way more energetic going off the ramp with me in the pool. Then he just happily went off the ramp without me in the pool. It was really amazing to see him overcome refusing to go off the dock, and return to going off the ramp like no big deal.
My resilient boy. Like me.
And again it was great to see the trainers. And it was wonderful to be around a group of fun, supportive people, and talk dogs, and dog sports. There’s a lot of time to kill between turns, and those who compete have very elaborate setups, but everyone is respectful, understanding, and supportive. It reminded me a bit of swim meets. Time to kill between events, so you cheer on your teammates, you play cards, you read, you stretch, do crossword puzzles, talk.
Driving home, I found myself a bit teary eyed. I hadn’t realized how much I needed a weekend like this, or how much I miss the dog training and support I had cultivated in Utah. It also occurs to me that I really needed the support back then. I also remembered his first time going to the pool at DogMode for a swim orientation so he’d be able to swim and take dock diving lessons.
They were there for unrelated reasons, and I had waved when I saw them as I took my dog into the building for his swim orientation. My dog was not having it. I was about ready to stop and try another day, when they came in, and helped me help him pass his swim orientation. I was so touched by that gesture, and remain grateful for their help.
All in all, and it was a wonderfully fantastic weekend. I am so proud of Ry. He handled all of it so well, and so much better than last year. Even the trainers remarked how much calmer he was this year, and more confident. I have sometimes wondered if I haven’t done enough, but now I find myself thinking I’m finding balance. In Utah we were always go go go. Chill days weren’t a thing. Now, I’ve built in chill days into each week, “do nothing” days, and it was wonderful to see that pay off at a seminar like this weekend.
Perhaps it’s time to build a support system here, and see what happens.