Saturday, June 2, 2012

X-treme Airdogs

We went to some more dock diving practice today. Almost from the beginning, Koira was hesitating way less at the end of the dock. Instead of coming to a total or close to total halt at the end of the dock, then jumping (which is what she was doing last time we practiced), she was jumping from a run this time, consistently. Or, well, as long as my throws weren't too stupidly off.

Canon 1410

I also decided that Koira needed a diving vest, and threw one together last night after getting off work to see if it would work for her. I found a small amount of the swimsuit fabric in a discount bin because of a print flaw, so used that for this first trial run vest. It ended up working great, so I will use it for our practice vest and make a few more in various fabrics for competing later in the summer.

Canon 1390

I also think the vest is good for helping keep Koira cool on hot, sunny days. Her fur is so thin that it does not help cool her at all, and since she is black, she gets really hot in direct sunlight. A light colored lycra swimsuit fabric vest helps reflect some of the sunlight off of her, and I think it will be good for getting wet as well to keep her cool. We'll have to test it out on a hot sunny day as soon as we get one.

Canon 1426

Pallo came along, but he didn't do any dock work. We played a little fetch from the shore, but that was it. I think, since he has so many other sports to do, that Koira can have dock diving for now. She loves it so much, it is awesome to watch. I'm glad she finally found something to love doing!

Canon 1440


Koira did start a little bit of extreme vertical (EV). This is where the bumper is held stationary above the water and the dog has to jump up and out to get it. The first step is just going to be teaching her to jump up for the bumper at all. I think we'll get there, though. I hope I can find somewhere here in town that we can practice, at least a little. With so many docks on the river, there must be one that goes off into the water somewhere without too much current.

Canon 1456

Canon 1457

10 comments:

  1. Great pictures! I love the vest. Dock diving seems like it could really be a lot of fun!

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  2. Great pictures! Love that second butt in the air shot! LOL! I can't believe you just threw together that vest for Koira. Great job!

    Thanks for the helpful comment about my blog header pic. :)

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  3. Hey Koira, Jet here.

    First may I say you look fetching in your pink vest... my human sister loved it too... she loves EVERYTHING pink.

    Mom asked me to share that she is most impressed with your dock diving. Wish we could watch you live and in person!

    Since I share the same gorgeous coat color, I understand the heat issue.

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  4. I had no idea you were doing dock diving! Love it!
    Great action pictures and what a wonderful idea for the vest!

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  5. Koira looks very professional in her pics! Love the vest. Might be something for me to try with Beryl next summer. Don't think we'll be trying dock diving with her though.

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  6. Those are some great shots! It looks like a lot of fun. Unfortunately, we don't have any docks nearby to do the same with our pups.

    Happy Monday!
    Colby

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  7. I like your photos and the dogs look very enthusiastic about it.

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  8. Hey Koira, Jet here ... again...

    Wanted you to know we bestowed the Versatile blogger award on your blog this past Thursday. http://heyitsjethere.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/versatile-thursday/

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  9. Wow, I LOVE these photos. Looks like everyone had an awesome time, dock diving is so much fun.

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