Pups fly for treats at 10th annual Renfrew canine dock jumping competition

Dogs went soaring through the air as Canine Watersports Canada hosted a canine jumping event at Avalon Ranch in Renfrew. CTV’s Camille Wilson has a recap.

Canine Watersports Canada (CWC) is hosting its 10th anniversary canine watersports event at Avalon Ranch in Renfrew.

The event features a dog-and-handler team atop a 36-foot dock, adjacent a 45-foot-long pool filled with water with pooches of all shapes, sizes, age and breeds flying and landing in the water.

Mark and Karen Larocque started Canine Watersports Canada after their dog started jumping off the dock of their boat and decided to bring the sport to eastern Ontario.

“Nothing better than people having fun with their dogs. Everybody’s smiling when their playing around with their dogs,” said Mark Larocque.

The CWC is Canada’s premiere dock jumping organization, bringing competitors across Ontario.

“We got into the sport three and a half years ago. We’ve been doing it ever since. We’ve been all over Ontario and parts of the states,” said Justin, owner of his furry friend Rec-it-Ralph.

“We love it. Ralph loves the water. He loves going big off the dock. He’s a very active, very athletic black lab and he’s got the best life.”

Ralph started competing when he was baby and has travelled globally. Justin says the best part of the event is meeting people.

“Doesn’t matter where it seems we go, we make friends just because of Ralph’s performance,” said Justin.

Ralph met his best friend Colt at a competition years ago. The owners say it’s always a family reunion when they get together.

“A lot of people call my dog Colt, ‘The Colt Show’, because when we’re doing stuff, seems like everybody’s watching us and we’re putting on the show,” said Jason, Colt’s owner.

“We’ve been doing dog sports for three and a half years and this dog loves it. He’s a pretty crazy dog, so I need to keep him busy. I love this guy.”

The dog that can stay in the air the longest is crowned the winner. Nearly 50 dogs competed.

Mary Spurrell says she’s been teaching dogs sports since she was very young.

“We do lure coursing, agility and scent detection. We do other sports like sled dog harness sports. As far as the pool goes, we have competitions and we have training,” Spurrell said.

For those attending, the chances of getting wet with the doggy splash are high.

This family-friendly event will run until Sunday.

For more information visit: Canine Watersports Canada - Canine Watersports Canada.

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