World Record Set by Dog with a 36-Foot Jump in Dock Diving Event
SAN DIEGO — Move over, Michael Phelps—there’s a new aquatic superstar in town, and this one has four legs and a tail.
Sounders, an 8-year-old Whippet dubbed the “Michael Jordan of dock diving,” just shattered expectations (and splashed a few kids) at Sunday’s North America Dog Diving event in Valley Center, soaring over 34 feet in a jaw-dropping leap.
But here’s the kicker: he’s already the world record holder for distance and vertical jumps. And he’s not done yet.
“It’s a lot of fun. A lot of people enjoy watching the dogs fly through the air and get wet,” said Pam Sheets, Sounders’ trainer and owner of Wild Dogs Sports Training, with a laugh.
“But let’s be real—this isn’t just fun. It’s art.” Over 100 dogs competed at the sun-soaked San Diego event, but all eyes were on the lean, muscular Whippet who’s redefining what’s possible in canine athletics.
The “Usain Bolt” of Dock Diving
Sounders isn’t just good—he’s historic. Last fall, the dog launched himself 36 feet 11 inches into the record books for distance, a jump longer than a standard school bus.
Oh, and he also holds the vertical leap record at 9 feet—roughly the height of an NBA basketball hoop.
“There’s never been a dog in the world that’s jumped farther or higher than him,” said Laurel Behke, Sounders’ owner, who flew in from Washington for the competition.
“He’s a once-in-a-lifetime dog. But how does a Whippet—a breed better known for sprinting on land—become the Tiger Woods of dock diving? “Drive,” Sheets said bluntly.
“They need to want that toy no matter what. Sounders would jump into a volcano if you threw his favorite bumper in there.” Behke, who owns nine Whippets, agreed: “He’s one in a million. The others are lazy compared to him.”
Splash Zone: Kids, Chaos, and Canine Chaos
The Valley Center Dog Dock transformed into a splash-tastic spectacle Sunday, with crowds cheering as dogs of all sizes—from barrel-chested Labs to wiry Border Collies—hurled themselves into a 40-foot pool.
But Sounders’ runs were the main event. With each attempt, the crowd held its breath as he sprinted down the dock, coiled like a spring, and launched into a gravity-defying arc.
“I want to get splashed!” screamed 6-year-old Draven, dodging waves as Sounders belly-flopped into the water.
Nearby, 9-year-old Bradley grinned: “When the dogs hit the water really loud and it splashes all over you, it’s the best!”
Sounders didn’t break his own distance record Sunday, but his 34-foot jumps—enough to clear two parked SUVs—left the crowd buzzing.
“He’s saving the big numbers for October,” Behke teased, referencing his next showdown at the Incredible Dog Challenge.
Dock Diving 101: It’s Not Just Fetch
For the uninitiated, dock diving isn’t just about chucking a toy into a pool.
It’s a high-stakes sport where dogs sprint down a 40-foot dock, leap into water, and are judged on distance or height.
The current “Big Air” world record? Yep, that’s Sounders’ 36’11”.
“What’s needed most is drive,” Sheets repeated. “But you also need a dog that’s obsessed with their toy.
Like, ‘I will sell my soul for this squeaky duck’ obsessed.” Sarah Leatherman, owner of Valley Center Dog Dock, put it simply: “Find out how to have the most fun with your dog—and this is it.”
The Secret Sauce: Whippet Power
Whippets, often called “mini greyhounds,” are built for speed—not necessarily swimming.
But Sounders’ aerodynamic frame and explosive muscle fibers make him a freak of nature.
“He’s like a coiled spring,” Behke said. “When he jumps, it’s pure power.” Sheets, who’s trained dogs for over a decade, said Sounders’ focus is unmatched.
“Most dogs get distracted by the crowd, the noise. Not him. He’s locked in. You can see it in his eyes—he’s thinking, ‘That toy is MINE.’”
From Washington to World Records
Behke and Sounders’ bond is undeniable. The pair travel the country in an RV, hitting competitions while managing their pack of nine Whippets.
“He’s my buddy. He goes everywhere with me,” Behke said, her voice softening. “We’ve gotten very close. He’s very special—and a very sweet dog.” That sweetness vanishes when the toy comes out.
“It’s all business on the dock,” Behke laughed. “But off-duty? Total couch potato.”
What’s Next? “Splash New Records!”
Sounders’ team isn’t resting on their laurels. With the Incredible Dog Challenge looming in October, training is ramping up.
“We’re tweaking his approach, building more explosive power,” Sheets said. “Thirty-seven feet? It’s happening.” As for the haters who claim dock diving is just a silly hobby? “Come watch Sounders,” Leatherman challenged. “Then tell me it’s not a sport.”
The Takeaway
Dock diving might look like organized chaos—dogs flying, kids screaming, trainers sweating—but for participants, it’s a lifestyle.
“It’s about bonding with your dog,” Behke said. “And maybe showing off a little.” As the sun set on Sunday’s event, Sounders trotted back to his RV, still damp, utterly unfazed by his latest feat.
Because for him, it’s just another day at the office. A very wet office.
