From skydiving to flyboarding, we are all about catching air on Adventure Arkansas. This time a local dog channels her inner Air Bud to show us how she can fly.
Meet KizzE, a fun loving boxer from West Fork and also a world champion competitor at the new sport of Dog Dock Diving. KizzEs trainer and best friend, Robin Vaughn, explains how they discovered that this boxer had this hidden talent to get such air.
Robin Vaughan, KizzE's trainer and owner explains, "We came here to play in the water one day, and she got to swimming very well, and then I threw a stick off the bank, and it was about 6 foot right here, and so that's kinda where it all started."
As KizzEs confidence grew, she was among 2700 dogs that qualified for the world championships after winning 1st place last year at Regionals. After flat foot jumping close to 10 feet, she placed 5th in her division at worlds.
In the process, KizzE also shattered records for boxers in dock diving. "She is the first one to have 4 titles in the 4 different organizations. United Kennel Club, ultimate Air dog, dock dogs, and the American Kennel Club."
Vaughn and KizzE have encountered a broad spectrum of dog breeds at competitions. She says it's simple to get your furry friend involved. "Baby Steps. Put them in the water so they can get their little feet wet. Play around with a toy, then you just graduate it up. Before you Get. You never want to push one off or scare it by any means. This is a pure and positive."
So Sean's Beagle puppy, Skye, decided to test the waters. While her swimming skills were great, she didn't want the toy enough to jump in after it. On the other hand, KizzE's litermate Sam also has just started learning a little while ago and already looks like a pro. "Lots and Lots of fun, there's no heavy training involved. If you've got water and a dog that loves it it's worth trying and you know give it a whirl. People would be surprised there's little Chiuauas that do it, there's Great Danes that can do it. Any dog can do it.
KizzEs next adventure will be practicing agility and continue to increase her confidence by leaps and bounds. KizzE will be demonstrating her skills and your dog can join in the fun this weekend at Van Buren Rotary Clubs Dog Days.
Sign Up Your Dog: http://northamericadivingdogs.com/events/van-buren-rotary-club-dog-days/
General Info: http://www.vanburen.org/dog-days/
Sponsored by Adventure Subaru