How long has it been since you and your dog had a great time together? I'm talking about having some real fun? You may have seen "dock diving" or "dock jumping" on TV. It's when your dog runs and jumps off a flat surface into the water, chasing a favorite toy thrown in by the instructor.

Dock diving first appeared at Purina's Incredible Dog Challenge in 1997 and has gone viral ever since around the globe. There's more to dock diving than the fun you and your dog will have. It's great training and discipline for your pet, as well as an exciting and physically challenging activity for dogs that love water.

You can choose to be in the waist-deep pool water or not, but there will always be a certified and trained instructor in the water to assist your dog every dive. Check it out and see if there are any local kennel clubs with regular dock diving courses. Around the SouthCoast, there's a dock diving facility at The Dog Mall in Carver.

If you're interested in finding out more about an enjoyable time for you and your dog, and how it has grown into a competitive sport, just read up more on dock diving. You'll be amazed at what your dog will learn while having a good time with you! Most, if not all courses, insist you have a current rabies record on hand.

To me, it seems like dock diving beats out the old, routine walk around the park. Try it and who knows, maybe both you and your dog will be jumping with joy!

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

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