Boasting North Carolina’s largest saltwater dog pool, the Carolina Training Center (Stony Point, N.C.) is a premier facility for NADD. They host monthly dock diving events from May to September and offer classes in tracking, obedience, scent work, protection and dock diving, led by Bev and Chet Roberts.
Originally from Indiana, Bev and Chet have lived in North Carolina for almost 25 years. Chet trains dogs professionally, while Bev is a retired elementary school principal. They started showing dogs in AKC obedience many years ago and now compete in NADD and Schutzhund/IGP.
The duo purchased their pool in 2015 to provide one of their German Shepherds with water therapy for an injury. With their other dogs also swimming for extra exercise, Bev started researching dock diving, and the family was immediately hooked. In 2016, the Carolina Training Center and Dock Diving Pool (CTCDDP) joined NADD as a host facility.
The 10+ acre property is bordered by hundreds of Leland Cypress trees to provide privacy and shade. It also features mowed grassy areas for walking and space for competitors to park and put up tents for the weekend. The 48-by-21-foot pool has separate ramps for the entrance and exit, allowing everyone safe access without having to pass each other.
“Our competitors are like family to us,” Bev said. “Many started jumping here at our first event and continue to compete here to this day. We have a wonderful group of friends who help us put on our events. We also host ice cream socials between Splashes during the North Carolina heat to cool everyone off and help brighten spirits.”
CTCDDP also hosts FastCat Fun Runs and trials along with USCA trials in conjunction with their working dog club, the Twin Beech Schutzhund Club. For more information, including appointment bookings, please visit their Facebook page.
