Universal Press Syndicate The natural desire of many dogs to jump into the water has been turned into a sport thatÕs fun for participants and spectators.

The sport is easy to understand Ñ jumps off an elevated dock into a portable pool are measured for distance or height Ñ 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 Ñ retrievers, primarily Ñ have a natural advantage in this sport, of course. A dog who doesnÕt 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.

Dock-diving is welcoming of newcomers, so if you think your dog has what it takes to get Òbig air,Ó check out these organizations for more information:

Dock Dogs (www.dockdogs.com) Dock Dogs offers more events and a series of televised regionals leading to a championship. Most events are on the East Coast and in the Midwest.

Splash Dogs (www.splashdogs.com) Splash Dogs competitions are big in California and throughout the Western states, with a national championship in Arizona.