Spitfire VS Sounders Battle at the DockDogs World Championships

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

Hey everyone, I’ve known Laurel my entire life and she is a great friend of mine and an amazing person. She loves her dogs and just does this sport because her dogs love it too. Please don’t be so quick to judge. Your opinions would be completely different if you met her in person 🙂

[@stawaymoon6847]

people can be quick to jump to conclusions sometimes, hope it gets cleared up :)

[@lukasedwards6069]

It looks like she needs to exercise instead of the dog

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

Lukas Edwards She goes on just as many walks he does.

[@lukasedwards6069]

@@spitfirethewhippet8636 no not spitfires owners. Spitfires rivals owner. Sorry I wrote that wrong previously

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

@sean gill She does not choke her dog. He pulls her.

[@tigre97490]

spitfire was like " I am the champion , give me that!"

[@trasberg2560]

I loved watching Spitfire trying to get the toy at the end. That was such a classic move by the champion 😄

[@donemigholzjr.7344]

The pool needs to be longer. If you look, the dogs are having to turn side ways as they land in the water because they are afraid of jumping too far. The pool needs to be ten feet longer.... at least. Especially when "Spitfire" jumps; he is jumping into the water not up and out over the water. Of course I am talking about the distance jumps.

[@lajohnson1ly]

Makes me wonder if Spitfire and other whippets like Sounders have changed the sport.

[@donemigholzjr.7344]

@@lajohnson1ly Lengthen the pools and lets find out.

[@lajohnson1ly]

@@donemigholzjr.7344, I'm sure you're right. Whatever the standard length is now, they should add at least 10 feet, and I'd bet on new records.

[@rockfella27]

You're probably right!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@argenti3324]

They did lengthen the pools ;)

[@nickyp2820]

Honestly, watching Spitty play tug-o war with Sounders at the end was just epic to watch! It was the highlight for me! Both dogs obviously loved it. So nice they are friends too!

[@user23107]

Spitfire seems really interested in Sounders' toy!!! Loved it. I would appreciate both of them, they both did a great job, didn't they!? ❤

[@jpah8944]

Sounder swims like a typical Whippet with that egg beater splashing style. Spitfire is a far more graceful swimmer.

[@cognitogrrl]

Oh that tug of war over the toy was too adorable! Spiti was the winner, but he still wanted that toy Sounders had. I've only just learned about Dock Diving Dogs and saw the CNN special on you two. I swear, he looks as he could achieve ORBIT. Long may he fly!

[@lajohnson1ly]

*Hey everyone,* listen to the OP here. These dogs are amped, and they perform for their owners out of joy and love for what they do, not out of fear of abuse. A few minutes ago, I was watching the Crufts 2019 Flyball finals, and those highly-motivated dogs had to be handled the same way, or it would have been chaos. And look at Sounders when Laurel sets him on his mark--he's calm and focused on the bumper. @Spitfire the Whippet, thanks for the ending note. Just being a dog.

[@pallana3701]

That dog was never calm and on the mark she literally had to drag him by the collar and walk him on his tip paws 🐾, and grab his face to focus on the mark in the pool , so let’s be clear here he was not on target without that head grab from his owner he’d still be looking side ways….. the same way he swims

[@GeorgeKizzle93]

Man how i end up in these weird corners of the Internet I'll never know

[@TuanDinhVu]

Best part of this video is the ending! That dog wanted that towel!

[@TracyS513]

I have a super high energy drive dog. When we are getting to the start line of agility or lure coursing I too have to hold her up by the collar. If she got all four feet down she'd be off before she is allowed. The collars are super wide and minimally impact the dog's breathing. It is no different that letting the dog lean into the collar and drag the handler on its impact on the dog. Just a tad safer so the dog doesn't blow the start before everyone is ready for the dog to go.

[@josephcoates461]

I think Spitfire is loved and from a dog owner that is all he wants,he has a great owner I am glad for them both

[@ariobimopradianto]

Really love to see the bond and chemistry that the two of you shared. Especially when you hyped him up for the run way. I instantly fell in love with Spitfire and you when i saw the ESPN documentary just an hour ago

[@kathrace573]

This has to be the most amazing dog and handler I've seen and the bond,you melt my heart whenever I watch you but the award ceremony was the funniest thing,I was doubled over laughing,spitfire always seems so well mannered but he wanted that toy

[@nancyjohnson5810]

OMGosh I never laughed so hard as Spitfire grabbed Sounders toy and they were having a tug O' War not once but twice !!!

[@NannupTiger]

1st and 2nd winner dogs were so funny at the end! I near on wet my pants laughing at them! 😄

[@jorvanne2003]

Sounders trainer need to be trained will. He just left Sounders as not care infront of the audience.

[@Jezidka]

Spitfire and Sydney have a real connection. That's the difference

[@trinahernandez5144]

Ikr, it's so fun watching Spitfire and his handler. You can see they're enjoying what they do.

[@mmamusic9634]

Trina Hernandez my favorite part of all his records is their relationship.

[@joshuaarmijo3565]

Omg there was nothing wrong with what she did just stop...

[@garciamadrid9040]

Spitfire and Sounders should have a playdate next time so that they’ll learn how to share. 😂 Beautiful dogs and great handlers!

[@docsalas1203]

Lol a competitors spirit is something one is born with. This was great and hilarious!

[@belmum1689]

I loved the end, he was determined to get that toy, next time maybe bring his own toy.

[@geofferywhedbee9047]

Do not apologize! I literally smiled when they started playing tug of war!

[@jims1942]

Thanks for the video, I enjoyed watching it, especially the tug-of-war at the end! :) :) Congratulations to you and Spitfire, good job. ----> I *DO NOT* like the way the person handling Sounder jerks him up by the collar and drags him around! How would she like it if they were dragging her around like that! :(

[@davidhenriksson285]

Sure to be a competitor at this level, you need the genes. But to set world records. The dog have to love it! Tbh, I dont smile because of his performance. I smile because I see a dog who loves what he is doing! (Because he is a champ, has he become more unruly and cocky? And he is 7, how long can he compete on this level?) Yes, knowitall yt users. A dog doesnt really understand. But they feed of the energy and respect. And he knows that he is great at his job!

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

He’s always been kind of a diva, lol. I wouldn’t say it’s made him “cocky” but he’s always been a bit cocky. He will probably continue to compete competitively until he is 9 before he starts to slow down and we begin to enter less competitions. He will get to come to events and jump in the pool for fun as long as he enjoys it. I know a 13 year old who gets to jump a couple times at an event and has a blast

[@davidhenriksson285]

@@spitfirethewhippet8636 Awsome!

[@demidragon9155]

bruh is no one going to talk about the second clip the girl dragged her dog.

[@6aby247]

She literally abuse the dog

[@TheLuthier1959]

caninetan I do not see any "girl" in the second clip

[@AS-ff9vp]

If you looked closer you would see it’s more the dog dragging her, the dog’s body is in front of hers (which wouldn’t be physically possible if she was dragging the dog) as well as the dog keeps trying to go forward, she’s walking at a reasonable pace and the dog is trying to ✨ b e s p e e d ✨

[@SaintMarijuana]

She’s only trying to hold the dog back, it is so so pumped to go to work. Y’all stupid

[@moemonte88]

Nah it’s like revving a Mustang

[@drdlin]

LOL Spitfire is so competitive!

[@ElleLillian]

I love the way Spittie went after that toy! 😄💗💖

[@fridayschild722]

Towards the end when Saunders and spittie were fighting over that toy, if you notice the other dog owner walking away , as if she was telling her dog, ‘let’s go miffy , these 2 are savages’, 😂😂

[@eliherrera82]

At the end was like a fight match the athletes were talking mess to each other, in this case, pulling that rope

[@joshuaarmijo3565]

U dont have to apologize it was cute!!

[@ElkinsEric]

Sounders is a little bigger that Spittie, goes to show you that the “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog” adage may have something to it!!! Pretty obvious that both dogs are loved and enjoy pleasing their owners.

[@FoxWeaver]

I just recently discovered Spitfire through the ESPN video, and I'm totally in love with him. You two have an amazing bond and he looks like he loves you so much. Also, I adore your usage of the Street Fighter IV versus theme. EDIT: Had the wrong Street Fighter game number.

[@moemonte88]

7:57 you didn’t have to explain it to anyone.. you can tell from there body language it was playful. These dogs are around dogs all day. Spitfire is the goat 🐐

[@jjsoledad8553]

Spitfire is the "GOAT!"

[@angelalaycox5554]

Made my day. Quality tv 📺👌

[@pebblebrookbooks4852]

Doggy trash talk! 😎💖🌟🤗 Then dog park afterwards! Whoo! Maybe my next dog will be a dock dog. 😃

[@foosinaround8648]

Spitfire and Sounders....they ain't finished yet...sounders said "but mom....he got the win today...I'm not letting him win the tug of war too...let me just have this...I'll be good. " 😄

[@lajohnson1ly]

*Hey announcer!* Really? "Little Miss Sydney." Really? "The kid." Really! Yet you use Laurel's full name when introducing her, and you don't refer to her marital status. Ms. Mackey is a young adult with an obvious talent for training a great dog, and your means of identifying her doesn't accord her the respect she deserves. In fact, it's offensive and diminishing.

[@bigowenzy3397]

Odd comment

[@ElleLillian]

@Larry Agree

[@ElleLillian]

@Nero IV it’s disrespect to Ms. Mackey

[@branon6565]

Let's hope in the year since you left your comment you've grown out of that "b*^ch" phase you were obviously in....like grow a pair already, damn....

[@jdisdetermined]

Take your finger off the trigger bud. You’ll be a lot happier and more relaxed. I promise.

[@ronaldinho_le_gaucho]

Ahahah That Spitfire, you gimme your TOY I M THE BOSS, you owe me EVERYTHING ! 🤣

[@KatyKat1997]

New sub here! Spitfire is so fun to watch! This is so awesome!

[@s197gt6]

Congrats Spitfire!! 🏆👏

[@briannaholzerland1019]

the tugging was hilarious hahah

[@raffysungarngar3684]

No one can beat Spitfire, he is a god!

[@patrickhowell5578]

Love the end, Spitfire -hes the man!

[@darfoz8807]

not a fan of the way laurel handles her dog

[@mkeneke7412]

Agreed!!!

[@archyleach]

Dogs still fighting over plastic float thingy. We we are in charge

[@DodaDoda0864]

She drug her dog by the neck.

[@Sherlockohms303]

I have SpitFire Jr he is Amazing his name SuperNova his dock was recently finished it's amazing how he is natural and lives for the Chase. I paid 3k for him. SpitFire Jr aka SuperNova.

[@dug757]

Best of luck, that's great to hear!

[@greenshp]

Give me that damn toy, you LOOOOOSER! LOL I have to say, as someone who has owned and fostered greyhounds, and is a certified vet tech - Laurel had a martingale (sighthound) collar on Sounders, and so she wasn't hurting him in the least. These collars are very wide and soft, and won't injure the trachea at all.

[@timothysautter9224]

Wait, Alex Jones is announcing dog jumping now that all his channels got banned?

[@branon6565]

Kinda weird that the majority of what Alex theorized is actually coming to fruition, just like Pres Trump.....

[@viniciussousa9791]

OMG he cant let sounders be the one with tht thing in the mouth

[@yougear100]

No it was just some good natured fun.

[@renatastec5212]

Laurel is such a brute handling her dog, she should be barred from competition. Go, Spit, go!!

[@hobbes5043]

Yr cancel culture is showing

[@rongt859]

Spitfire is now 10 and Sounders is now the world champ and has set the new world record at 36 feet

[@eyemantra]

Loved the tug o war at the end and thanks for explaining the reasoning behind allowing it because that's important for every dog owner. Also to all of the commenters here complaining how these dogs are treated and handled... unless you've handled a whippet or any high prey drive dog that is completely nuts to get in the game, you don't have a clue how powerful and strong they are. One of mine goes to the line at lure coursing walking on her hind legs while I try to control her. Another one would pogo face level to me while incorporating a few barrel rolls in the mix. Another one has to be held super tight on the dock or she'll jump for the hell of it, toy thrown or not. Most whippets are 30-40 lbs of muscle, speed and slither and they can take you down to the ground quick and you will end up being the one getting hurt. I've seen it happen to others and I've experienced it with my own whippets. These dogs are treated like royalty. They couldn't and wouldn't compete if they weren't.

[@cognitogrrl]

eyemantra, GREAT response to the comments claiming that Sounders is being mishandled. This should be pinned to augment Sydney's response to them.

[@purvue]

Did anyone else notice how spitty actually stutter stepped to time his jump right at the edge of the dock. Look at his legs closely and see the front legs.

[@jeremyrhansen6637]

Well who was the number 2 ranked?? Why not show all 3?

[@Kidge.6081]

The handler who holds the dog off the ground by the collar should be disqualified. 1:28

[@elianatang4369]

Why is that lady dragging that dog by the collar?

[@alannawilkins9378]

I was thinking the same. Looks like she just wants the dog for competitions. But hopefully not!

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

More control over the dog vs having on a leash. Especially when they’re amped. He’s a big boy (for a whippet) and it doesn’t hurt him. Plus he’s more pulling her vs her dragging him.

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

alanna wilkins Definitely not. She’s less competitive in this sport than Spitfire and I are. I don’t think the general public truly understands that these dogs are all pets first and foremost and only compete maybe 5-10 weekends a year.

[@BlackCat0315]

@@spitfirethewhippet8636 don't talk crap. The leash is there to keep the dog under control, not the collar and it is clear from the start that she lifts the dog whilst the dog is under control. You seriously need your eyes looking at.

[@cae2487]

@@BlackCat0315 you must not be a dog owner or you must own little rat dogs but I've witnessed hundreds of dogs pulling at a leash and lifting their front legs off the ground for extended periods of time. These dogs aren't made of glass they are balls of muscle. If that dog was truly bothered with the way the owner handles it then it wouldn't allow it to continue. Pee in someone else's cheerios elsewhere because there is no need to taint the sweet taste of success.

[@gto11520]

spitfire made sure he takes everything including sounders toy.

[@JMBBrasil]

Wish you let them play together at the end there heheh

[@GoT_17k]

I am sure everyone involved are good people and good dogs... But it is clearly a Rocky vs Drago situation... Drago ( Sounders ) bigger younger stronger vs Rocky ( Spitfire ) mature heart of a champion & desire to win for Sydney

[@jorvanne2003]

Spitfire my idol

[@ElleLillian]

The amount of ignorance and fatphobia in these comments is sickening. Lauren is using a martingale collar on Sounders, she’s not choking him, martingale collars are way wider and gentler than regular collars. And it’s disgusting the way these strangers online feel entitled to comment on another person’s physical appearance and weight. Lauren’s gorgeous and a great competitor, and Sydney and Spitfire respect her.

[@legendofzelda2324]

Not everyone is gorgeous. FYI there’s such a thing as obese and morbidly obese. One of my family members morbidly obese. They are not gorgeous. Kinda dumb saying being obese is good and beautiful. Part of problem

[@ElleLillian]

@@legendofzelda2324 Never have I made the statement that "being obese is good". Rather, I'm saying you should treat fat people like regular human beings instead of shaming them for their perceived health status. Obesity is not inherently ugly, just as thinness is not inherently beautiful. Do you shame strangers & family members alike over any other health issues, or is it just other people's weight & physical appearance that you criticize? Also, beauty is subjective. She's gorgeous to me, and even if she weren't physically beautiful, she still wouldn't deserve to be subjected to degrading fatphobic body-shaming. You silly goose.

[@jacobmason6881]

You can see his tail wagging mid air

[@HTownFrog]

Awesome

[@stephaniestiffler3814]

Sounder should have NEVER had a toy during the reward ceremony. The other dogs did not have toys. This was a very ignorant decision on Sounder's owner. It was not a spitfire issue at all. I hope the rules are updated for future competitions. The girl who was spitfire's handler was gracious to apologize. Good for you for being the better person even thought it was not your fault or spitfire. You handle spitfire with love and care. Sounder's handler needs to understand dog behavior 101 with toys. You handle your dog like a big bully too! I feel sorry for Sounder's life with you.

[@justmechai8667]

I love how spitfire handler respect him

[@Crav-n]

Spitttttttfitrrrerer for the Winnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn yessssddssss!!!!! Good boyyyyyyyyyy

[@BlackCat0315]

Can Sounders not walk ? That can be the only reason its irresponsible owner is dragging the poor thing round like that.

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

He’s not being “dragged.”

[@BlackCat0315]

@@spitfirethewhippet8636 , whatever you might call it, you don't handle dogs like that. Disgusting.

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

Noel Whinyates Shes holding his collar and walking forward. He’s excited to play the game, so because he tries to pull he does what I call “the kangaroo” and walks on two legs.

[@BlackCat0315]

@@spitfirethewhippet8636 She is lifting the dog up by its collar (which is not what a collar is for, by the way) and its as clear as day the dog cannot walk properly, hence the "kangarooing" as you so quaintly put it. It is also clear that the dog is not pulling. Struggling is the word you are looking for. In my country, this is classed as animal cruelty. If the dog can walk, you let it walk. If it can't, you pick it up. You never grab the collar and haul it across the floor like that. It is even more disgusting that you actually think this is in any way acceptable.

[@TracyS513]

@@BlackCat0315 Have you ever tried to hang on to a dog that is getting to the start line for a competition? I have. My normally sweet as can be boy who allows toddlers to walk him literally has yanked by very big butt to the ground multiple times. He is so ready to get the start line and be released he forgets all obedience. He's too big to carry, 85#, and even if I use a harness to get the start line his front feet do not touch the ground. The fellow competitors with boxers are dealing with the same thing. Sounder is so excited and powerful (you see how far he jumps?) his trainer has no choice.

[@midnightexcess7414]

It's normal he said i won , that's my toy !

[@phyllisbarr4766]

sounders owner seems like a nut the way she handles him

[@ElleLillian]

She’s got a Martingale collar (they’re wider and don’t choke as regular collars) on him, I think Sounders is fine :)

[@side1981]

I bet that ham beast was threatening to eat Sounders if he lost.

[@rockfella27]

Spitfire is smaller yet pound per pound he's a supreme athlete.

[@WestVirginiaPatriot]

Why is that beached whale so ruff with Saunders?

[@ElleLillian]

Why are you so aggressively fatphobic?

[@moemonte88]

6:45 see that’s the stuff you don’t see behind the scenes how much of a sore winner spitfire is. 😂

[@abhijeetrathod8564]

Sounders owner is so inhumane with her dog

[@jameswhyard2858]

What's with dragging a dog on its hind legs by the collar? Disqualified by handling technique, or lack of it...

[@spitfirethewhippet8636]

She’s not dragging him, he’s pulling and she’s grabbing the collar to have more control over the dog so he doesn’t pull her over.

[@ElleLillian]

Sounders is wearing a wide collar called a martingale, they’re specifically made to be less choking and for long-necked dogs like whippets

[@jameswhyard2858]

Harness?

[@Redwarfa]

Sounders swims the same way that bricks dont Whippets are hopeless swimmers Ha ha ha its mine,no its mine Least aggressive dogs

[@JanejiraPongnan-sm4zj]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@leef8126]

That commentary tho.... 😀

[@abijo]

I wish the lady let spit play with the toy at the end,,, for the dogs it was the 🏆…. I dunno.. maybe spit felt wronged or cheated 🤷‍♀️

[@timparker7062]

I am glad Spitfire won! For one, Sounder is Ok, but his Fat Slob owner dragged him hanging by his neck! You'll notice if you review; that bothers me! GO Spitie!!!

[@ElleLillian]

Also, Sounders is wearing a martingale collar, those are specifically for long-necked dogs like whippets

[@foreverlove4377]

Spitfire 😍😍🙌

[@furuolan]

7:28 so funny

[@hamonryechinaski180]

Stop letting your insecurities stop hom winning . He'd have won, 3yrs younger, same lineage.. but worse owner

[@cid4887]

why not bring your own toy?

[@fishbone3333]

Better than Ali v Frazier

[@kathrace573]

I have to add sounders and his handler also amazing pair

[@timparker7062]

To be clear: Sounder is younger, and bigger; despite this, Spitfire won bigtime. This has nothing to do with poor handling by his obese owner. Hope Spitfire had a great massage after!

[@TracyS513]

Bet Sounder's mom could easily out walk you any given day. She is a large person but she is very strong with great enducrance.

[@powerhouse8005]

Think it would be better if the owners didn't bring their dogs to the podium with the very thing the dogs are trained to go after. Just an observation that would prevent the tug of wars. I mean of course the dogs are gonna want to go grab it... 😂

[@phyromhuy7505]

The dogs should make their owners do some of these competitions. My lord Laurel you need to take care of yourself.

[@lilliansepulveda4287]

Sounder look a bit bigger, heavier.

[@teishacasasanta7995]

This makes me so mad!

[@pearsonjohns]

What’s the deal with that announcer? Waaaay over the top. I couldn’t finish the video due to his obnoxious style.

[@mikeprusky603]

the dogs are the point. the coke-addled narrator obfuscates the point. lose him. the action is exciting enough without his irritating voice becoming a distracting sop to the lowest common denominator. this is not a car crushing derby., dude.

[@Rya_N33]

What’s with that lady choking the dog out that’s gross

[@omega551]

poor dog.. getting choked and dragged

[@ElleLillian]

It’s not being choked, Sounders is wearing a special collar that’s more gentle than regular collars and doesn’t choke. It’s called a martingale collar, you can look it up if you like :)

[@jims1942]

@@ElleLillian - Yeah, I'm sure being hanged with a velvet martingale collar would feel much better and more gentle and kind than being hanged with an old sisal rope. --- Yes we know exactly what a martingale collar is.

[@ElleLillian]

@@jims1942 That dog wasn’t “being hanged”, though, you ignoramus 🥴

[@Trapper50cal]

Tensile strength of fabric exceeded...yikes.

[@ElleLillian]

What are you talking about?

[@Trapper50cal]

@@ElleLillian Laurel's pants.

[@ElleLillian]

@@Trapper50cal Oh, so you’re a fatphobic, judgmental little creep? 😒 🤢🤮

[@proudinfidel7791]

Hang a cheeseburger out over the water and Sounder's OWNER might win the competition. 🤣

[@ElleLillian]

What a disgusting & bizarre thing to say. Why are fatphobes always so gleeful about showing the rest of the world how hateful they are?