Exploring Life & Business with Marie Buckingham of The Gated Dock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Buckingham.

Hi Marie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
I bought a German Shepherd puppy in late summer, 2012. He was a busy guy, and knowing Shepherds, they need socialized and like to work. While socializing Ace with a friend at the Richland County fairgrounds, we came across a Dock Dogs event. I had never seen it before and did not know it existed! Dock diving is when a dog runs down a dock and jumps into a giant pool. They are measured by how far they jump into the pool. I was very interested in this sport. We talked to several people and decided that we would give it a try; his training started that day in a pond. 

The following year, when he was a year old, we went back to that event, and he took his first jump off of a dock. He earned 2014 DockDogs Rookie of the Year. And went on to earn numerous titles and Regional Wins, which led me to start The Gated Dock. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. When I started this journey, I was working seven days a week in a steel mill in Shelby. I started the pool for myself and my dogs. It was not supposed to be a business! 

I would work, then come home and spend up to five hours working with people and their dogs in the pool during the evening. I also started doing obedience classes at that time. 

I realized quickly that the need for basic obedience, and puppy classes was greater than I anticipated. We offered classes here outside in the summertime, and then I rented the Crawford County Humane Society‘s old shelter for classes during the winter. I also started doing therapy dog prep classes so the dogs could go to hospitals, nursing homes, and colleges. 

I took on a trainer in 2017 to work with dogs in basic obedience and puppy classes. I began offering a free weekly training session for the local 4-H kids that had dog projects. 

I also started holding AKC Fast Cat (a 100-yard dash for dogs) and upgraded to a bigger pool. 

In 2020, I knew I would have to make a decision regarding my day job and my business. After losing my dad to Covid in June, the decision was obvious. I couldn’t wait until the “time was right”. 

In July of 2021, I left my job at the Tubey to work full-time training dogs. 

As you know, we’re big fans of The Gated Dock, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I train dogs. I train people to train their dogs’ Trained dogs don’t go to shelters. Trained dogs are not rehomed. Because of the services I am able to offer here, I believe we are keeping dogs in their homes and out of shelters. I worked in a shelter; I am so grateful to have the knowledge and experience to help people keep their dogs and provide fun opportunities for them to share together and to help dogs burn off excess energy. 

I am a certified Pet CPR instructor as well as certified Canine Hydrotherapist.. 

I offer lots of free advice, training tips, and a numerous outlets for dogs to expend their energy, including NADD Dock diving, Obedience, Rally, Disc, AKC Fast Cat, & Barn Hunt. 

I have a Sniffspot coming soon. A private dog park, it is just for you and your dog, no other dogs will be there during your reserved time… 

I also have an indoor dockdiving facility in Galion, Ohio for winter pool time and events. We will offer obedience classes, Dock diving lessons and practices, and barn hunt. 

A tired dog is a good dog; I can’t say it enough. With the services I provide, owners can learn how to become a better dog owner, and dogs learn to become a pleasure to have in the home. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love small-town America. The community is close-knit, and everyone knows your name. Or at least your profession! I have had many recommendations from friends, co-workers, and neighbors. 

My events are open to the public, and we have people stop that are just driving by and have never seen a dock diving competition. 

Because the big box stores are 25-30 minutes away, my clients and myself tend to support local businesses too… 

Pricing:

• Obedience classes are 7 weeks and currently cost $175
• Pool time varies from $50-$65 per hr.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thegateddock.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegateddock?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: Thegateddockllc

Image Credits
Rockin the Docks
Doggy Style
Marie Buckingham
Jim Ze
Barking Dog Photography