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A new breed of water dog By Ty LeGarde A morning fog softly floats over a flat-watered pond. Birds chirp merrily from the cattails, the sun peeking at the new day from beyond the clouds, and a sixty-five pound missile of a dog gleefully launches itself into the air and crashes into the placid waters shattering any notions of calm, quiet, and relaxation. Calm, quiet, and relaxed is the anti-thesis to the dogs and their handlers of a relatively new canine sport: Big Air. The sport has caught on in a big way as of late, as evidenced by ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games Big Air dogs out drawing another made for television event: The X-Games. “Every one has a pet, and loves watching other pets.” Says Tom Dropik, a veteran of the sport and a bronze medal winner at the 2001 Great Outdoor Games. Dropik’s dog Tucker; a black Labrador retriever is one of the most recognizable big air dogs. Tucker has appeared in commercials, had his own two-page spread in ESPN The Magazine, and has done immeasurable work for the promotion of the sport. “Tucker is my inspiration.” Says Dropik. “He is the one responsible for me taking Big Air to new heights.” Dropik is no stranger to heights either. In the late seventies, Dropik was a competitive skier with the United States Ski Association, and competed in three National Amateur Freestyle Championships. He is the founder of SportMutt, Inc. a company that’s devoted to improving performance in canine athletes and sportsmanship in their sports. Dropik is tirelessly involved with the promotion, training, and development of Big Air. Don’t think for a second that Dropik has lost his competitive edge. He still competes regularly, and is currently training the “Air” apparent to Tucker. Few sports, canine or otherwise are designed where the Average Joe can rub elbows and tails with the pros. Dock Dogs, the independent governing body of Big Air has designed a system that places dogs within divisions from Novice to Elite, but the smallest jumper can find themselves in a round with the world record holding dog. “This is a sport that is so easy for people to get involved in. Big Air introduces a new awareness in dog sports and dog training. Although basic obedience does have it’s place, learning to produce results with out the use of correction and negative reinforcement is key. And of course, always keep it fun.” Says Dropik. “Keep it fun” is something one will always hear Dropik preaching. It’s something that spectators, handlers, and the dogs don’t seem to have any trouble with. For now. With any growing sport, especially one where money can become involved, it runs the risk of “growing pains”. Does Dropik see any of this happening in Big Air? “This sport has always been promoted as a sport, a competition. As the sport grows more and more competitive, handlers will get involved. At the top level, “fun” seems to lose its charm. Also, as the sport grows the more handlers that just love working with their dogs get involved. If we can promote “fun”, all levels of competitors can enjoy the sport.” Fortunately, for those wishing to get involved and those already involved know that Dropik, a top-level competitor himself hasn’t lost sight of the fun. “I love educating and helping people. I love seeing a new dog start out with a small jump and the reaction on the handler’s face that their dog just did the most amazing thing ever.” In the short history of big air dogs, the hunting breeds seem to dominate. The world record holder is a Labrador retriever. The beauty and allure of the Dock Dogs system is that any breed of dog, of any ability can compete. It’s truly an all-inclusive sport. If you have a dog and twenty bucks you can compete in a sanctioned Dock Dogs event. “This is not a sport about breeds; it is a sport about athletic ability and drive.” Dropik points out. “Of course, the dog should have some desire for the water. The Labrador retriever has an astonishing love for the water and has a strong drive. It only makes sense this is the most popular breed in our sport. I truly hope to see as many different breeds as we can. I think it’s only good for the sport.” The sport is one that is definitely growing. Top big air competitors are starting to see sponsorship, and ESPN is now featuring Big Air as part of their Super Retriever Series. Dropik thinks growth is good for the sport. “I would like to see the regional and national levels grow. I think there needs to be opportunities for anyone to get involved, but there needs to be higher levels. Higher levels of competition bring higher value to sponsors. With sponsors comes the dollars necessary to promote the sport.” Above and beyond Dropik’s willingness to help new-comers and veterans alike, he’s been involved in developing training techniques, and tools for handlers to train their dogs for big air. He is the inventor of the SportMutt Vertical Hurdle, which many trainers use to teach their dogs proper lift and height for maximum distance. Dropik has also trained and handled another top big air dog: October’s Sergeant Gunsmoke, a German Shorthair Pointer out of Phillips, WI. Dropik is training Sarge for owners Amanda and Dean Tarasewicz. The Tarasewiczs approached Dropik about training their dog in order to keep him involved in big air as Dean Tarasewicz was deployed to Iraq as an officer in the United States Army. Sarge won the Regional Championship in Redmond, WA with a 23-foot jump, which gained him a berth at the 2004 Great Outdoor Games. “He has more focus and drive than any other dog I’ve worked with.” Says Dropik. As willing as Dropik is to help others he’s not ready to divulge everything. What is it he whispers in his dogs’ ears to get that big air? “I can’t give up all my secrets.” Dropik says with a smile. Tucker and Sarge aren’t saying either. For more information on this up and coming canine sport log on to: www.dockdogs.com For more information on Tom Dropik, Tucker, and big air training products log on to: www.sportmutt.com Tom Dropik is a top big air trainer and founder of SportMutt, Inc. He lives in New Prague, Minnesota with Tucker and his "Air” apparent to Tucker, his black lab pup, Rocky. Ty LeGarde is a freelance author and aspiring big air trainer. He lives and trains with his Labrador; Gatsby in Brainerd, Minnesota
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