UKC Announces Expansion of UKC's Dock Jumping Program

Rule changes and club license updates effective April 1, 2020

March 20, 2020

United Kennel Club (UKC), today announced exciting updates to the UKC Dock Jumping program that open up significant opportunities for dock jumping clubs to become licensed directly with UKC to host UKC Licensed Dock Jumping events. New rule changes have been posted to help advance the sport for clubs, competitors, and their dogs.

This family-friendly pastime for those who love wet dogs continues to grow rapidly. A wide variety of dog breeds are successful in the sport of dock jumping. The equipment requirements to compete at any level, from entry to advanced, are minimal, which makes this sport accessible to a wide range of competitors and their dogs. We look forward to the continued expansion of this exciting UKC licensed sport. This includes providing these dog and owner teams as many opportunities to participate in UKC licensed dock jumping as possible.

Any currently licensed UKC club is encouraged to contact the UKC All-Breed Sports department to add dock jumping to their club license. Doing this is entirely free for the club. Once approved, your club can choose to use equipment you own or to use a third-party facility to host dock jumping events.

Additionally, any existing club that is not UKC licensed and is operating in conjunction with a recognized dock jumping organization is encouraged to contact UKC to initiate the process of becoming a UKC licensed club. The $50 club application fee will be waived until September 1st, 2020.

Being a UKC licensed club has no annual fee, and all application fees for existing dock jumping clubs wanting to become UKC licensed will be waived. Licensed events automatically receive free advertising on the UKC upcoming events calendar. Dogs are eligible to earn points and titles at UKC licensed events only. All points and titles are tracked by UKC.

Email clubs@ukcdogs.com to get started

On April 1, 2020, the updated UKC Dock Jumping rulebook will be effective. It includes changes such as clarifications and policy updates.

Dock Jumping Rule Change Highlights:

• Every qualifying jump a dog completes will count towards a UKC Dock Jumping title! Dogs will be able to earn titles in different distance divisions simultaneously.
• Dogs no longer need to have a UKC registration number at the time of the event to participate in UKC Dock Jumping! Instead, non-UKC registered dogs will be able to pay a $5 fee at the time of the event, and will have 60 days to complete their UKC registration paperwork. Once the registration is complete, their jumps will be recorded by UKC and any eligible title certificates will be issued at that time.
• The minimum height in Vertical Jumping has been lowered to 40 (previously 48). This gives more dogs the opportunity to earn United Vertical Jumping titles!
• Participants now have the opportunity to complete three splashes back-to-back while on the dock, which will help events run more efficiently.

FAQ's
Im involved with a UKC licensed club. What does this mean for us?
If your club is not already licensed for dock jumping and the club would like to be, youre encouraged to contact us today if youd like to add that license to your club!

Im involved in a club that is not UKC licensed but we operate with a recognized dock jumping organization to offer dock jumping events. What does this mean for us?
If your club is not already UKC licensed for dock jumping and the club would like to be, youre encouraged to contact us today to apply! The club application fee of $50 will be waived.

My dog participates in dock jumping. What does this mean for us?
As a competitor, youll have more UKC Licensed dock jumping events available where your dog can earn points and titles. This includes existing UKC clubs that become licensed for dock jumping, as well as allowing the opportunity for existing dock jumping clubs to become licensed with UKC directly to offer licensed dock jumping events. Dogs are eligible to earn points and titles at UKC licensed events only.

Does my dog have to be UKC registered to compete in a UKC licensed dock jumping event?
Effective May 1, 2020, dogs do not need to have a UKC number prior to accumulating points at a UKC licensed dock jumping event. The dog must be UKC registered within 60 days to retain the points earned. At the time of entry, an additional $5 fee will be assessed to dogs not Temporarily Listed, Performance Listed, or Permanently Registered with UKC. This fee is to be forwarded to UKC with the event results. Participants whose dogs earn passing scores will have 60 days to complete their dogs registration with UKC. Failure to complete the registration process within the 60-day time period will result in the application of penalty fees to retain points and passes earned. Applications should include documentation of any points and passes earned when applying for registration papers. Passes and points will not be credited for denied registration applications.

My dog has jumped enough times in a lower division to earn that Dock Jumping title. Will I get it now?
The changes to the Dock Jumping titling structure will take effect on April 1, 2020, and will only affect jumps that happen on and after that date. Titles will not be issued retroactively for jumps previously completed.

Guided by the belief that dogs make a difference by being the best partner a human can have in the field, on the job, or in a competition event, UKC is a community for people and dogs to pursue excellence together. Founded in 1898, UKC has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Dogs That Do More, and their owners, by providing essential resources to help owners and breeders make informed decisions. The dog-human bond is celebrated through family-friendly programs highlighting the instincts and heritage of purebred and mixed-breed dogs alike at over 15,000 licensed events annually.