Keeping cool in the pool

In the midst of a hot summer, there’s no better feeling than a cool dip in the pool. The same could be said for our furry friends who enjoy the water. Nestled into the countryside in west Marion County, past I-75 and the World Equestrian Center on Southwest 110^th Avenue, the Ocala Dog Ranch might just be a summer paradise for “man’s best friend.”

The Ocala Dog Ranch is a small business run by Neil Hennessey and Sally Saxton. Known for having a large, vertical doggy pool, the ranch offers obedience training, short-term boarding, and other classes and games. Growing out of a local equine nonprofit, it became its own entity and has been operating independently over the past few years.

About once a month, the Ocala Dog Ranch hosts competitive events authenticated through the organization International Dog Sports. These competitions measure a dog’s speed, agility, and leaping ability in a variety of fun games. On June 1 and 2, the Ocala Dog Ranch held its annual dock jumping competition, “It’s Hot, Let’s Jump,” where dogs leap from the high pier into the pool.

Some of the dogs at this year’s event, like Eddy “Spaghetti,” nicknamed for his orange fur, Hank, and Jackson, compete in similar events throughout the region. Others, like Tipsy, are brand new to the sport and are simply fond of swimming and playing fetch. While there is no barrier to entry, there is a bit of a learning curve even for the most adventurous of pups.

When a large and shaggy retriever mix stepped up to the edge of the pier for the first time, he was clearly shaken and unsure. He didn’t so much “leap” as “flop” into the water on his first attempt and his handlers had to go into the water to guide him back out. With a few more practice attempts, he became a lot more comfortable, freely leaping by the end, and not wanting to quit when it was the next dog’s turn.

Tipsy also is learning how to jump. During her jumps, she was able to reach up to 14 feet in distance.

The competition measures the length of a dog’s jump from the starting point to where their tail is when they hit the water. More than 24 feet is considered exceptional, even by elite standards.

When asked about why they compete, nearly all the handlers said it’s because the dogs really enjoy it.

If your dog might be interested in these kinds of games, it’s possible to take lessons at the Ocala Dog Ranch as well. Private training in both swimming and dock jumping is available. Guests can even rent out the pool for parties of up to three dogs.

The next International Dog Sports event is scheduled for July 27-28.

For info about upcoming events, training, boarding services and more, visit ocaladogranch.com. See more photos from the event below.