A dummy launcher is a very useful training tool used extensively by retriever trainers. However, spaniel trainers also use this training accessory – and for more than just the long retrieve. Yes, your spaniel should be able to make the long retrieves we see at field trials. But if you use a dummy launcher, vary your distances and don’t get too crazy on the super long retrieves – unless you plan to compete in strictly retriever trials. Too many long retrieves will condition your dog to go long for all retrieves and blow right by the thirty-yards or closer retrieves. When I use a dummy launcher, I like to tape two pigeon or phesant wings to the plastic dummy. I do this for two reasons. First, it shortens the distance the dummy will fly so that it won’t go much farther than what a well placed shot on a strong flying bird would. Second, it will provide scent which allows your dog to easily locate the dummy. The dummy launcher gives you the ability to set up various situations that you may get into at field trials that you can’t do with live birds while training. So often we see dogs run out to the tree line at the edge of a field and not want to go the little extra distance because of that “wall”. By launching over hedgerows and clumps of trees, your pooch will gain confidence and go past these obstructions – such as false horizons – and pin those retrieves.

When I train my own gun dogs  my cocker spaniel toby and english springer spaniel rocky to retrieve , I personally use the Kong’s sport’n dog training dummy. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors to match your dog training needs.The bright hunter’s orange is easy to spot in the water or field. Since they are made of Kong’s legendary rubbber, they are extremely durable and guaranteed to outlast any training dummy on the market. The special high floating core insert can also be used as a scent pad which is excellent  Also the attached rope and its weight makes it easy to throw it long distances.my hunting  dogs love it .

My dogs seem to be natural retrievers and enjoy playing fetch. I am careful to always end the game of fetch when the puppy begins to lose interest. For some dogs this happens after 3-4 throws while others will play for hours. I like to use treats on occasion to encourage a few more retrieves out of my dogs with less interest. The main thing is to keep the training fun and positive.

Dog dummy training is an important part of field training a retriever or hunting dog. The dummy used for training are typically comprised of a heavy duty canvas and usually floats. Dog bumpers are one kind of dog Dummy training dummy used. Dog bumpers are like the boat bumpers that are that are hung on the side of boats to prevent neighboring boats from bumping together when docked.

They include a short attached rope to simplify throwing and retrieving. Many dog training dummies or bumpers will have rubber water valves for water to be added. The added water will make the dummy or bumper heavier in weight and buoyancy but have no fear! They can still be thrown a good distance to test out the dog retrieving ability . The Dog training dummies may have knobs that serve as treads or grips for the retrievers to easily pick them up and hold them. They can come in many sizes for both smaller and larger dogs. All construction materials are non-toxic. While the dog training  dummy may seem soft and elastic, rest assured that they are tough, durable should last a long time.

You will notice that the bumpers in particular come in a variety of colors like black and white, orange, blue, yellow, all black or all white. The varying colors represent different levels of retriever training. It should also be mentioned that since dogs see contrasts rather than color, some of these color bumpers are easier for certain dogs to see than others, especially against certain color backgrounds. Retrievers do in fact see some shades of color but they see color very different than the human eye does. Nylon flags and streamers are sometimes used as a visual accessory to help your dog identify and locate their training dummy or bumper. It’s all about helping your dog with their training.

A dog training dummy will also sometimes have the appearance, scent and feathers of a bird. They convincingly resemble the weight and softness of the body of a bird, providing your dog with some realistic prey. There are many manufacturers of them. Lucky Dog are perhaps the most popular choice for training dummy due to their quality and competitive price. Other manufacturers include Flagman, Neuman & Bennett, Dokken Dog Supply’s Deadfowl trainers, Hallmark, E-Z Rotational, DT Systems and Scott Dog Supply.