Dock Diving Dogs Splash into the Weekend

The second annual Dixie Dock Dogs event makes a splash at Rucker Pet and Wild Bird at 5456 Bethelview Road in Cumming this weekend.

Dixie Dock Dogs, a non-profit organization benefiting various canine charities, is producing this family fun event featuring nationally ranked dogs jumping great lengths into a pool of water.

The 'Rucker Jump Into Summer' event is one of the biggest dock diving dog competitions in the southeast, according to Scott Rucker, owner of. And it's expected to draw big crowds Friday through Sunday.

"Last year we had 5,000 people come watch over the three day weekend," said Rucker.

Spectators will see close to 300 dogs, some coming as far away as Ohio and Maryland, compete in the regulation 40' dock and 40' x 12' pool of water on Rucker's property.

The sporting disciplines of Dock Dogs are broken down into three categories: 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.

"These dogs are amazing some of them jump 25 feet plus," said Rucker.

In addition to the main attractions, there will be training demonstrations taking place so visitors can teach their dogs how to do some of the stunts. The , Gracie's Place Pet Rescue and Dawson County Humane Society will also be there with pet adoptions.

Expect to have a good time.

"They will thoroughly enjoy themselves it's just something else they can do with their dogs," Rucker said. "It's a lot of fun they need to come out and watch it."

Online registration is closed for this event, but you can still register on-site, on a first come, first served basis.

The weekend event schedule:

Friday, April 20
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 10 a.m.
Big Air WAVE # 1 – 11 a.m.
Big Air WAVE # 2 – 1 p.m.
Big Air WAVE # 3 - 3 p.m.
Speed Retrieve # 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 21
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 8 a.m.
Big Air WAVE # 4 – 9 a.m.
Big Air WAVE # 5 - 10:30 a.m.
Big Air WAVE # 6 – Noon
Big Air WAVE # 7 - 2 p.m.
Speed Retrieve # 2 – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 22
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 9 a.m.
Extreme Vertical – 10 a.m.
Big Air WAVE # 8 – Noon
Speed Retrieve Finals - 1:30 p.m.
Youth Finals – 2 p.m.
    (min 3 teams, up to 6 teams)
Big Air Divisional Finals - 3 p.m.
    (min 3 teams/division, up to 6 teams/division)

For more information contact Rucker Pet and Wild Bird at 770-888-3130 or Dixie Dock Dogs at 706-540-9395.

The event will take place rain or shine.