In 2017, Amber Brandt of Vermilion, Ohio, went to watch a friend compete in dock diving locally and has been hooked ever since. After getting a German Shepherd in July that same year, she started competing with partner Amos nearly a year later (June 2018) and hasn’t looked back.
“We’ve had our ups and downs through the years between injuries and getting the hang of all the disciplines we compete in,” Amber said. “We’ve found that Air Retrieve is really the one we enjoy. This past season, we ended up #1 in the senior division, took home Reserve at regionals and ended up 13th at nationals! I’m so proud of Amos, especially because I threw him into an environment that makes him very nervous with the number of dogs and people all around him.”
Amber trains at Cross Creek Farm (New Richmond, Ohio), the only facility that uses a pond for NADD, with Amos and her new Dutch Shepherd, who finished #1 in the junior division last season. She loves helping Cross Creek at any event she can and is also a NADD judge.
“I became a judge in the spring of 2021 with the help of Ken Macke at Cross Creek,” Amber said. “He made sure I was fully trained and understood what to look for because it does take practice. I tend to help judge the NADD events, but if I’m not in the kayak on the pond, I help other competitors introduce their dogs to the water. I also do the photo booth themes for each event so competitors can show off their accomplishments.”
Amber notes that dogs tend to jump bigger into Cross Creek Farm’s pond because it lacks the same edges of a pool. Although some dogs might look at the water differently if they’ve only been in clear water, they usually take to it without an issue after being properly introduced to the beach and ramps.
“What I really love about this sport is all the support, encouragement, and sharing of tips and tricks from everyone you meet,” she said. “It’s always a blast to watch teams compete and cheer each other on. The bond between human and dog is truly special, and when they sync up on the dock, that really makes it fun!”
Ken and Linda Macke, the owners and instructors of Cross Creek, have 14 years of experience in dock diving. Their 54-acre facility includes a competition-sized AstroTurf dock location on a well-maintained 1¼ acre pond, an adjacent grassy field used for UpDog Frisbee competitions and training, and an abundance of nature trails throughout. When nominating Amber to be featured, the Mackes had this to say:
“Amber is extremely knowledgeable and proficient in all aspects of the sport. She is willing to share her expertise with any competitor in need. With exemplary sportsmanship conduct, she is the kind of a first-class competitor that NADD aspires to have represent them.”