Update on the New Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy: A Long-Awaited Innovation
North America Diving Dogs (NADD) has been working on the exciting new AR/HD toy that promises to elevate the sport of dock diving. After months of design and refinement, NADD is entering the testing phase as it nears the release of the highly anticipated toy. Specifically crafted for AR/HD dogs, this innovative toy is designed to enhance training, play, and performance, while offering the perfect combination of safety, durability, and fun for both dogs and handlers.
A Long Process, Perfecting the Toy
The development of the Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy has been a true labor of love for the NADD team. With a clear vision to create a safe, effective, and engaging tool for dogs in the competitive sport of AR/HD, NADD has worked for many months in close collaboration with the engineering department at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Together, they’ve meticulously designed and tested the toy to ensure it meets the highest standards for performance, safety, and usability.
“We know you’ve all been anxiously awaiting this new toy, but we don’t want to rush the process,” said NADD spokesperson Kristin Powell. “We are taking the time to get everything right, working with experts in dog behavior, material science, and engineering to ensure this toy performs as promised and remains safe for your dogs.”
A Softer, More Dog-Friendly Design
One of the standout features of the Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy is its softer construction, making it gentler on dogs' teeth and gums compared to traditional water toys. NADD’s design team has specifically engineered the toy to be softer than typical Nerf-style toys, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable retrieval experience without sacrificing durability, bounce, or fun.
In addition to the softer material, NADD has focused on creating a toy that can withstand the bite strength of even the most enthusiastic dock diving dogs. The design incorporates a balanced material that resists wear and tear while remaining safe for dogs.
“The safety of the dogs is always our top priority,” Powell added. “We are working hard to ensure the toy strikes the right balance between softness and strength—soft enough to be gentle on their mouths, but tough enough to endure the power of their bite.”
A Completely Redesigned Release Mechanism
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of the new Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy is its completely redesigned proprietary release mechanism. This advanced mechanism ensures that the toy releases the same way for every dog, no matter the dog’s size or the rig it's hanging from.
“This release mechanism provides consistent, reliable releases, regardless of the dog’s size or the rig setup,” said Powell. “Whether you’re working with a small dog or a large dog, the toy will perform consistently, ensuring a predictable and controlled experience for both dog and handler.”
This unique feature ensures that the toy will function with the same reliability every time, making it easier for handlers to train dogs effectively and consistently. The mechanism helps eliminate variability, allowing dogs to focus on their retrievals without unpredictable changes in how the toy is released.
Hygiene and Durability: Addressing Key Concerns
Given that dock diving dogs retrieve toys from water, hygiene is a critical factor in the design process. NADD has ensured that the Toy is not only fun and durable but also made from a bacteria-resistant material and easy to clean.
“We understand owners’ concerns about multiple dogs using the same toy, especially in group settings,” said Powell. “That’s why we’ve been testing materials that minimize bacterial growth and ensure the toy dries quickly. This way, the toy stays clean and hygienic for every splash.”
With these features, the Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy will be easy to maintain and safe for dogs to use repeatedly, while remaining hygienic and fresh.
Final Stages: Preparing for Launch
As NADD enters the next stage of development, the Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy will undergo rigorous field testing with professional dock diving teams and facilities. These tests are helping the team fine-tune the toy’s performance to ensure it meets the high expectations of both handlers and their dogs.
“We’re testing the toy in a variety of conditions with different dogs,” Powell said. “From facilities to mobile docks, we’re confident that once it’s available, this toy will be a game-changer for dock diving dogs and handlers.”
Looking Ahead
While the exact launch date for the Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy is still being finalized, NADD is preparing for an exclusive release for a select group of facilities and trainers. This will allow teams to provide additional feedback and help finalize the product before it becomes available to the wider public. Once that phase of testing is complete our rollout plan will start with making these toys available to facilities first. This will allow for us to continue to get feedback on a larger scale. Once our facilities have the new toy we will open up sales to our competitors.
For NADD, the completion of this toy will mark more than just the release of a new product; it is the result of months of research, collaboration, and innovation. “We’re always striving to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport of dock diving,” Powell said. “This new toy is just one example of how we are committed to continuous improvement for both the sport and its athletes.”
Final Thoughts
“We know how excited the community is about this new toy, and we share that excitement,” Powell concluded. “But we want to make sure it’s the best it can possibly be before we release it to the dock diving community. We truly appreciate the patience and support of the athletes, trainers, and dog lovers who’ve been waiting for this moment.”
Stay tuned for more updates as North America Diving Dogs prepares to officially release the Air Retrieve/Hydro Dash Toy and continues its mission to innovate and inspire within the world of canine sports.
About North America Diving Dogs (NADD)
North America Diving Dogs (NADD) is a premier organization dedicated to the sport of dock diving. NADD Facilities organizes competitions, provide training resources, and fosters a community of dog owners and athletes passionate about dock diving. For more information, visit www.northamericadivingdogs.com.