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Dock diving is one of the newest sports for dogs, and in the hot months of summer, it's easy to see why it's so popular.

The sport is easy to understand - jumps off an elevated dock into a portable pool are measured for distance or height - and fun for handlers, dogs, spectators and TV viewers.

And although the top teams are now getting sponsorships and are training for longer jumps, in dock-diving, even new competitors can do well.

If your dog loves the water, all you need to do is sign up, show up and have a great time.

Water dogs - retrievers, primarily - have a natural advantage in this sport, of course.

A dog who doesn't fancy landing into a pool may lack the motivation to compete, no matter their ability to leap a great distance.

Still, dogs of all sizes, breeds and mixes have competed, and many have posted more than respectable results.

- Gina Spadafori