After practicing a few times, Parker the golden retriever flies off the podium and into the water with instructions from Sam Techau of Cedar Rapids during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. The canine aquatic event was part of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Maggie the lab reacts as she dives into the pool for the first time during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Amy Kaus of Waterloo holds out a toy for Rosie the English springer before her first dive during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Bix the cockapoo slowly wades into the water to get a feel for dock diving during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Jackie Ayers-Berry of Cedar Rapids holds her granddaughter Olivia Ayers-Berry, 2, out to test the water temperature before the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Cooper the lab dives into the pool during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Freedom Festival Board of Director member Dan Mussel helps Parker the golden retriever find his way out of the pool after diving for the first time during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Kelly the tree walking coonhound dives off the dock after a little encouragement from the audience during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Cooper the lab swims out with a ball in his mouth to dive again during the “Let’s Try DockDogs” event at the Kingston Stadium field in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 22, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

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