Award-winning Care
Dog Dock Diving
Wagging Tails Pet Resorts in Connecticut offers exciting dock diving services for dogs who love to make a splash!
So, what is Dock Diving?
If your dog can swim, and has a toy/prey drive, then dock diving just might be their favorite activity!
The fantastic thing about the sport of dock diving is, that any dog, and any human over the age of 7, can learn together, to become a fabulous dock diving team. If your dog can swim, if you can throw a toy, and if your dog will run to get that toy, then that’s the first step to beginning to dock dive. It’s easy and fun for both you and your dog. There are distance jumps into the pool, speed chases across the water, where your dog chases a toy. There are high flying competitions where dogs jump off the dock to retrieve a stationary toy hung high above the water and where dogs fly off the dock to hopefully catch a toy that you have thrown for them.
Outdoor Dock Diving
Located at 802 Boundline Rd Wolcott CT.
Open April thru September. 7AM to 7PM. 7 days/week.
Dock Diving Try-It Sessions
If you’re not sure what to expect from dock diving, or how to do it, Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw offers TRY IT sessions. This session is for dogs that can swim. Our Try It Sessions are non-intimidating, friendly, fun and educational! Our trainers will work with you and your dog to slowly introduce you both to this incredibly fun, exhilarating sport! Try It Sessions include introduction to the dock, the pool, education about the history of the sport, rules, judging, dock and event etiquette, throwing techniques, and introduction to the 4 dock diving competitions. Limited space is available for each Try IT session, for dogs to try out their ability on the dock. Preregistration is required. Dogs must be over 6 months old to compete in events.
Pricing
$50
*Please note that there may be other dogs at these sessions.
Swim Lessons
Not every dog instinctively knows how to swim! For your pet’s safety, we recommend a swim lesson at ANY age. For Swim Lessons, dogs wear a life jacket, (which we provide) During the lesson, our trainer is in the pool with your dog. We slowly and patiently introduce them to the water to ensure a positive first-time experience in the pool!
Pricing
$50
Per Lesson (approx 30 mins)
Can be scheduled during your dog’s day at daycare or during their boarding stay! Your dog will receive one-on-one time to slowly acclimate to entering the pool. If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, or needs some practice, our experienced Swim Instructors will guide your pet to become calm and confident in the water.
Private Swim Lessons
Perfect of you would prefer to be present during the lesson, or if your dog is not a daycare or boarding guest, or you’re not yet a part of our pack! Your dog will receive one-on-one time to slowly acclimate to entering the pool. If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, or needs some practice, our experienced Swim Instructors will guide your pet to become calm and confident in the water.
Pricing
$65
Per Lesson (approx 30 mins)
*Please note this option allows you to observe the lesson, not be in the pool with your dog. Reservations required. Proof of up to date rabies vaccines are required. If you are traveling to our pool in CT from a different state, please provide proof of your state’s rabies vaccine.
Dock Diving League
Pricing
$200
Four weeks
Humans are not allowed on the ramp or in the pool.
Pool Rentals
For Dock Diving:
The outdoor pool is available for Private Rentals 7 days a week, from April to September for your dock diving team to practice all games associated with dock diving. We have a Fetch It rig available for use as well. Please bring your dog’s favorite floating toy and towel. Toys are also available for sale in our lobby.
The pool is available for private rentals for your dog to come and swim 7 days a week, from April to September! This is awesome for those dogs who LOVE to swim but can’t go to the public beach or lake, and it’s even better when bacteria levels make swimming in ponds or water unsafe! Humans are not allowed in the pool.
Pool Rentals
Pricing:
$55
1 dog Half hour
$70
1-2 dogs One hour
3 dogs 1.5 hours
4 dogs 2 hours
Please note:
2 dogs require a minimum rental of one hour.
3 dogs require a minimum rental of 1.5 hours.
4 dogs require a minimum rental of 2 hours.
Group rentals and private Pool Pawties are welcome. Please contact us for pricing.
a fantastic facility to learn
The outdoor dock diving pool at Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw Dock Diving was the idea of a 9 year old little girl! In 2018, the owner of Wagging Tails’ daughter, Natalie, wanted to participate in a sport with her chocolate lab, Harley. At 9 years old she was having a hard time finding agility training courses that allowed her participation, and she couldn’t really throw a frisbee well enough to participate in disc events. But, she could throw a toy! And Harley LOVED to retrieve toys and ADORED swimming!
So, Natalie did her research on the sport of dock diving. We quickly discovered that there was only one other dock diving pool for dogs in CT. So, with nearly 6 acres and plenty of space to add a pool, (what’s a pet resort without a pool? Right!) and with a lot of planning and construction, a 40’ regulation dock and a 45’ saltwater pool was erected here and became Wagging Tails Dock Diving Dogs Club at Wagging Tails Pet Resort & Spaw! Today, people travel from all over the Northeast to enjoy the pool. Not only is the Pooch Pool a safe, clean pool where dogs are allowed to swim in all season, but it’s also a fantastic facility to learn, to practice and to compete in the sport of dock diving.
Wagging Tails owner, Krista, is a Certified Dock Diving Judge with 2 dock diving organizations. Since 2019, she has judged 1000s of jumps at dozens of events. Krista, and the team of Wagging Tails Aquatic Instructors have taught countless dogs how to swim, and how to dock dive. They have conducted coaching and training seminars to aid in the advancement and improvement of dock diving jump lengths and team strength.
Youth Handlers
Wagging Tails is a family-run pet resort. Our pets are part of our family, and we strongly feel that dock diving is a family sport. Having youths involved with their pets in this sport promotes teamwork, confidence, responsibility, patience and dedication. Kids AND their dogs will love participating in dock diving!
During practices and competitions, Youth Handlers must be accompanied by an adult on the dock and must wear their own (you provide) lifejacket. Since the pool is 4′ deep, Youth Handlers must be able to swim. At all times, children are not allowed on the dock or in the pool unsupervised.
Youth Handlers are supported and encouraged to participate! Youth Handlers are age 7 to 16. Youths must be able to swim to be on the dock. Natalie, who is now 16 years old is thrilled to introduce other youths into this sport. In fact, Wagging Tails offers Youth Try It Sessions, specifically geared towards Youth Handlers! We are determined to spread the word and to introduce many more youths to support the future of this fun sport! We love our dogs. They are part of the family. What better way to spend time with them than participating in an event TOGETHER! 😊
Indoor Dock Diving
STAY TUNED!
New Indoor Dock Diving Facility opens soon! Our indoor dock diving facility in West Hartford has closed for the season and we’re moving to a bigger, better, new location! STAY TUNED for more information. Be sure to follow our social media for updates.
Other Services
Indoor Dock Diving Fun Jumps and Competitions
Dock Diving Coaching and Training Seminars
Dock Diving League Night Memberships
Pool Facility Rules
- Reservations are required for Pool Rentals, Swim Lessons, Try Its, Dock Diving Training and Coaching Sessions.
- Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Credit Card or Paypal.
Event preregistration (Try Its, Competitions, Fun Jumps, Pool Pawties) is available online at www.waggingtails.com through your client portal. Wagging Tails reserve the right to close registration prior to the event based on event capacity. Credit card or Paypal only. We do not accept checks. - We require 24 hours notification of any cancellation of appointments/sessions. If you cancel prior to 24 hours, you will receive a credit on your account for future use. We do not issue refunds. If you cancel within 24 hours or less of your appointment, or you are a no show, you will forfeit your fee. Again, there are no refunds. The outdoor pool is open 7 days a week, from September through April. The indoor pool is open 7 days a week May through September. In the event of inclement weather, the business owner will determine if the pool will be closed. If the pool is closed, then the client will receive a store credit on account for future use.
- Check-in for pool rental reservation is inside each facility lobby. All dogs must be leashed, 6ft or less, when entering the lobby. Check in for EVENT registration at the outdoor pool is located in the pool area. Entrance to the pool area is on the side of the main building.
- There is only one public restroom available during rentals. During outdoor Events, port-a-potties will be located in the parking area.
- Park in designated areas only. All others will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Close all gates behind you as you go through them. - Please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes prior to, or leave 15 minutes later, than your scheduled rental/lesson time. Do not use the pool past your scheduled time. If you arrive 15 minutes past your reserved time, your pool rental will be forfeited. No refunds.
- Please pick up after your dogs. Pet waste removal bags and stations are posted in the pool area.
- Please dispose of any trash in receptacles. We ask that you keep the property as clean as you found it.
- No humans are allowed in the pool. Authorized personnel only, (Wagging Tails staff and trainers), are allowed in the pool. This pool is for dogs, not human recreation. There is no human swimming in the pool.
No humans are allowed on the ramp into the pool. Authorized personnel only, Wagging Tails staff and trainers, are allowed as needed on this ramp. - A maximum of 2 people at a time are allowed on the dock.
- Handlers under 7 yrs. old must wear a life jacket or be accompanied by a parent or guardian while on the dock.
- Dogs that are at the pool for the first time, that are unable to swim, or are deemed unsure if they are able to swim, must wear dog lifejackets, located by the pool.
- Lifejackets are property of WT and must be returned at end of pool session. If you wish to purchase lifejackets, they are located for sale in our lobby.
- Dogs in heat are NOT allowed on the property.
- Dogs under 6 months of age are able to take swim lessons, and participate in Try It Sessions, but are unable to compete in events.
- Any dog that appears to be ill or injured may be asked to leave the dock and pool area.
- Choke collars, e-collars, prong collars, gentle leaders, halti-collars, or any other collar other than a quick release collar, are not allowed on the dock. Any collars of this nature must be removed prior to the dog entering the dock and/or the pool.
- Client is responsible for any damage made to the pool, turf, dock, deck, restricted area during their use. Client will be responsible to repair damage to the state the area was in prior to the damage. Financial reimbursement to Wagging Tails property owner, or replacement of damaged items, area, is responsibility of the client.
- All dogs must be on 6 ft maximum leash while inside the pool area. No Flexi or retractable leashes allowed. Do not leave dog(s) unattended for any reason.
- There is no eating, smoking, vaping, drug, or alcohol consumption allowed on property. Snacking during League Night and Events will be provided and allowed.
- Wagging Tails is to be held harmless for any last-minute closing of the pool for weather, cleaning, repairs or any reason whatsoever.
- Enter the pool area, dock, ramps and stairs at your own risk. Wagging Tails is not liable for any injuries, accidents that occur while on property or any damage to client’s personal property.
- Up to date rabies vaccines are required for each dog utilizing our facilities. Proof is required. If you are coming from out of state, your state of residence rabies vaccine record is accepted.
- We offer 30 and 60 minute pool rentals for one dog. For 2 dogs, 60 minutes or more pool rentals. If you arrive with 2 dogs and have reserved only 30 minutes, you will be charged the additional fee. For 3 or more dogs, a minimum of 1.5 hours of pool time must be rented. For 4 dogs a minimum of 2 hours is required. If you arrive with more dogs than what has been reserved for, Wagging Tails reserves the right to charge additional fee per dog.
- HAVE FUN!
Our Pet Resort Services
Dog Daycare
A tail-wagging grrreat time at Wagging Tails Dog Daycare!
Daycare is offered 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 7 PM
Pet Boarding
Our guests enjoy fun-filled daycare days and relaxing nights with their human and canine friends.
Pet Grooming
Pamper your pet with a visit to our full-service Pet Spaw. Appointments preferred, but walk-ins welcomed!
Dog Training
Our certified, nationally-recognized trainers get results. We work with you and your pet to build a happy relationship!
Dock Diving
Wagging Tails Pet Resorts in Connecticut offers exciting dock diving services for dogs who love to make a splash!
Indoor Dog Park
Centrally located, pets and their people come from all over CT, MA, NY, and RI to enjoy this sanitary, supervised, and climate-controlled environment.
Not currently available - check back in the fall
Transpawtation
A reliable and convenient pickup and drop-off services for your dog in our secure pet transport vehicle.
Puppy Nursery School
Puppy daycare services.
Birthday Pawties
Celebrate your dog’s Birthday or Gotcha Day at Wagging Tails!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wagging Tails' dog dock diving service?
Wagging Tails’ dog dock diving service is an exhilarating water activity where your dog leaps off a dock into a pool. It’s designed to combine exercise, fun, and a bit of friendly competition in a safe, supervised environment.
How does Wagging Tails ensure my dog's safety during dock diving?
Safety is our top priority at Wagging Tails. Our experienced team closely monitors every session, ensuring proper technique and providing immediate assistance if needed. We maintain strict safety protocols so your pet can dive with confidence.
What should I expect during a dock diving session at Wagging Tails?
At Wagging Tails, your dog will experience a structured session that includes warm-up exercises, practice dives, and plenty of encouragement. Our staff guides each step to ensure that your dog enjoys a fun and secure diving experience.
Is Wagging Tails' dock diving suitable for all dogs?
While dock diving is ideal for energetic dogs that love water, Wagging Tails evaluates each pet individually. Our team considers factors like age, size, and swimming ability to ensure every dog’s experience is both enjoyable and safe.
How do I prepare my dog for a dock diving session with Wagging Tails?
To get ready for a session at Wagging Tails, we recommend ensuring your dog is well-hydrated and comfortable around water. Our team will provide guidance on the best practices, so even first-timers feel at ease before taking the plunge.
What are the benefits of dock diving at Wagging Tails?
Dock diving at Wagging Tails offers excellent physical exercise, boosts confidence, and provides mental stimulation through an exciting, interactive activity. It’s a great way for your dog to stay fit and have fun.
Our Pet Resort Locations
Take advantage of our award-winning pet care at one of our two locations in Connecticut.
(860) 621-7387 (PETS)
280 Hartford Ave
Newington, CT 06111
Monday-Sunday: 6:30am to 7pm
Early pick up & late drop off available upon request. Please note that hours are subject to change without notice.
(860) 621-7387 (PETS)
802 Boundline Road
Wolcott, CT 06716
Monday-Sunday: 6:30am to 7pm
Early pick up & late drop off available upon request. Please note that hours are subject to change without notice.
