Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog

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

They include an attached rope to simplify throwing and retrieving. Many dog dummy 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 retrieving abilities of your dog. The dummy may have knobs that serve as treads or grips for the retrievers to easily pick them up. They can come in many sizes for both smaller and larger dogs. All construction materials are non-toxic. While the dummy may seem soft and elastic, rest assured that they are tough, durable and long-lasting.

Carrying, and retrieving do not have to be associated entirely with a dog's adult life, or with Obedience Trials. Even a young puppy can be taught to hold and carry if you place something in her mouth and encourage her with "Take it to so-and-so!" Carrying from one person to another thus becomes a game, and with it, comes a chance to show off.

Make a game of retrieving objects, both in the house and out-of-doors. Concentrate on getting your dog excited so she will chase things, then just before she reaches the object, give the retrieve command ONCE. While she is picking up the object, say "Good Girl!" and say it as though you meant it.

Praise will encourage a dog to take things from the floor or the ground when she might otherwise refuse. These early attempts at carrying will teach your dog, with a minimum of effort, the basic steps of the RETRIEVE exercise, one of the most difficult in advanced training. If your dog is a natural retriever, take advantage!