Choosing the right training dummy for your Gundog is no easy task. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming especially if you are new to the sport. But bear in mind having the right equipment is just as important as your training methods. The reason we use training dummies is to simulate game retrieves allowing dogs to develop the skills needed in the field within a controlled environment. My clients often ask the same questions. What size dummy do I need? What type? What shape? What colour? Where can I get the best dummy from?
In this blog post, I will answer these questions and share my knowledge about Gundog training. So, stay with me and if you enjoy reading, please leave a comment and share which dummy your dog loves to retrieve.
“All retrieves lead to Muntjac Trading”
For us at Gladrock Gundogs, there is only one place we buy our dummies from and that’s Muntjac Trading. A brand focused on top quality Gundog training equipment at an affordable price tested and tested by industry professionals such as us. I have been using Muntjac dummies for 4 years dragging them through hell, through water and mud, stuck them in thick bramble and didn’t manage to make a dent in them yet. This is a statement about the durability of Muntjac’s dummies which is what you want in a product, don’t you?
“I first came across Muntjac Trading 4 years ago after my brand-new dummy from Amazon sank to the bottom of the lake. I swore from that point on I would only buy high quality training equipment which is exactly what Muntjac Trading does. I have not looked back since” From Sam, founder and trainer of Gladrock Gundogs.
There are certain things to consider before buying your first dummy such as your dog’s age and breed. For example, puppies will need smaller, lighter, brighter, and softer dummies to build confidence. You also need to consider teething period when softer dummies should be used to avoid causing discomfort. You don’t want to use a rock-hard dummy that could create a negative association to retrieving. Progressing into adolescence, the goal is to keep building confidence and this is when having the right dummy matters. At this stage dummies that are invisible, too big or too heavy could set your dog back. Something to keep in mind when teaching retrieving skills to young dogs is that less is more, giving them a handful of retrieves in one session is plenty as it will keep them wanting more. It is also worth noting every dog is different and some may not like certain dummy shapes or textures. I recommend getting a couple different ones to start with so you can find out what your dog likes. I remember one of my dogs wasn’t fond of dummies with cords due to it dangling in his eyes. Thankfully Muntjac sells cordless dummies which was a big win for us!
You must also consider your dog’s breed before choosing the right dummy. For example, Spaniel’s love working for a rabbit fur ball while Labradors may prefer Dokken dummies which can be retrieved in water. Others may be happy just retrieving a standard canvas dummy. This is why I like to have a selection of dummies available for my clients.
Now let’s talk about the colour of the dummies which in my opinion is the most important part of finding the right dummy for your Gundog. Dogs don’t see colours like we do; they still see them but not the full spectrum humans do. Dogs have “dichromatic vision,” meaning they primarily distinguish shades of blue and yellow, with reds and greens appearing as brownish-grey or yellowish tones. So, colours like red, orange and green will be harder for your dog to see whilst white, blue or yellow will be easier to spot. Below you will find a great example designed by Muntjac Trading of the dummy colour’s dogs see versus what humans see.
It is also important to think about your dog’s purpose and what you want to focus on in your training. If you have a pet gundog and you are just getting started with Gundog training, I recommend getting a selection of white, yellow and blue canvas dummies because variety is essential, these specific colours will also be easier for your dog to see and build confidence. However, if you are planning on taking things to the next level and work your dog in the field you may want to get a variety of scented, Dokken’s, water and fur dummies in different shape and weight to create more realistic field like scenarios. Some of the heavier scented or fur dummies are great for mimicking the likes of a pheasant, duck or rabbit.
Different dummies for different purposes:
The canvas dummy is the industry standard. They are versatile, durable with a plastic membrane on the inside allowing them to float making them perfect for training on land or water. They come in different sizes and weights; they are ideal for getting young dogs started at retrieving. Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/canvas-dummies-1/products/canvas-gundog-dummies
The early age (puppy) dummy is smaller, softer and perfect to introduce to your pup and teach a soft mouth. They are cordless to help build confidence and avoid the pups from holding onto the cord. Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/canvas-dummies-1/products/mystique-dummy-early-age-100g
The plastic dummy is designed for water retrieving, simple and indestructible with extra grip to reduce the chance of slipping. Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/water-dead-fowl-dummies/products/rhino-water-dummies
The Dokken dummy comes in different shape and form often mimicking the likes of a bird with the dangling head, tail and wings to get your dogs used to carrying game. Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/canvas-dummies-1/products/canvas-marking-dummy-500g
The rabbit fur dummy is made with real fur giving it a strong scent, ideal to hide in cover for your dog to learn how to hunt. I find these are most popular with Spaniels. Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/fur-dummies/products/muntjac-full-fur-heavy-ball
The marking dummy is a dual colour dummy making it ideal for marked retrieves and steadiness practice as the dual colour gives the impression of movement. Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/canvas-dummies-1/products/canvas-marking-dummy-500g
The straight-line dummy is what it says on the tin, a dummy to work on your dog’s line work. It is heavier at the bottom giving it the ability to stand upright therefore easier for your dog to see in the distance. Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/canvas-dummies-1/products/mystique-junior-straight-line-dummy-1
The bolting rabbit dummy is a very useful piece of gundog training equipment that simulates the appearance of running game. Ideal for steadiness practice.
Link to buy https://www.muntjactrading.com/collections/fur-dummies/products/running-rabbit-with-full-fur
The dummy launcher is not for the faint hearted and not suitable for inexperienced dogs. It replicates the sound of a gunshot while throwing a dummy up to 100 yards. If you are thinking of buying one, you will also need ear protection. Link to buy www.muntjactrading.com/collections/gundog-dummy-launchers-pistols/products/build-your-own-launcher-bundle
A little tip to keep your dummies for even longer is to rinse and scrub them after training especially if used on a rainy (and muddy) day. I use a soft brush under warm water and leave them out to dry for 24 hours. They come out good as new.
To find out more about Muntjac Trading please visit their website here.