Dog Training Dummies
Why buy a training dummy for dogs?
Training with a dummy is a fantastic option for dogs with a strong retrieval instinct. It teaches obedience, distance work, focus, and communication with the guardian! We recommend the dog retriever toys in this category to anyone wanting to start their training adventure, whether professionally or just for fun. They aren't expensive, but they deliver heaps of fun from the very first throw.
Why buy a training dummy for dogs?
Training with a dummy is a fantastic option for dogs with a strong retrieval instinct. It teaches obedience, distance work, focus, and communication with the guardian! We recommend the dog retriever toys in this category to anyone wanting to start their training adventure, whether professionally or just for fun. They aren't expensive, but they deliver heaps of fun from the very first throw.
Is dummy training the same as fetching?
Not exactly! Every dummy repetition is a fetch, but not every fetch is a dummy session. "Dummy" can refer to the sport or the object itself. Here is a short explanation of how dummies for gundog training differ from classic fetching.
| Dummy Training | Simulates gundog work – it is a sport! |
|---|---|
| Regular Fetching | It is a form of play or simple exercise. |
| Dummy Training | Requires precision, obedience, and focus. |
| Regular Fetching | Mainly about fun, movement, and energy – no strict rules. |
| Dummy Training | The dog works on directional commands. |
| Regular Fetching | Usually, the dog chases the object freely and brings it back to be thrown again. |
| Dummy Training | Uses dummies, usually long-shaped toys. |
| Regular Fetching | Uses fetch dog toys, balls, sticks (carefully!), frisbees, etc. |
| Dummy Training | Also trains the delivery of the item to hand. |
| Regular Fetching | Often ends with the toy being dropped anywhere near the guardian. |
Dummy Training | Regular Fetching |
|---|---|
Simulates gundog work – it is a sport! | It is a form of play or simple exercise. |
Requires precision, obedience, and focus. | Mainly about fun, movement, and energy – no strict rules. |
The dog works on directional commands. | Usually, the dog chases the object freely and brings it back to be thrown again. |
Uses dummies, usually long-shaped toys. | Uses fetch dog toys, balls, sticks (carefully!), frisbees, etc. |
Also trains the delivery of the item to hand. | Often ends with the toy being dropped anywhere near the guardian. |
Is dummy training the same as fetching?
Not exactly! Every dummy repetition is a fetch, but not every fetch is a dummy session. "Dummy" can refer to the sport or the object itself. Here is a short explanation of how dummies for gundog training differ from classic fetching.
| Dummy Training | Simulates gundog work – it is a sport! |
|---|---|
| Regular Fetching | It is a form of play or simple exercise. |
| Dummy Training | Requires precision, obedience, and focus. |
| Regular Fetching | Mainly about fun, movement, and energy – no strict rules. |
| Dummy Training | The dog works on directional commands. |
| Regular Fetching | Usually, the dog chases the object freely and brings it back to be thrown again. |
| Dummy Training | Uses dummies, usually long-shaped toys. |
| Regular Fetching | Uses fetch dog toys, balls, sticks (carefully!), frisbees, etc. |
| Dummy Training | Also trains the delivery of the item to hand. |
| Regular Fetching | Often ends with the toy being dropped anywhere near the guardian. |
Dummy Training | Regular Fetching |
|---|---|
Simulates gundog work – it is a sport! | It is a form of play or simple exercise. |
Requires precision, obedience, and focus. | Mainly about fun, movement, and energy – no strict rules. |
The dog works on directional commands. | Usually, the dog chases the object freely and brings it back to be thrown again. |
Uses dummies, usually long-shaped toys. | Uses fetch dog toys, balls, sticks (carefully!), frisbees, etc. |
Also trains the delivery of the item to hand. | Often ends with the toy being dropped anywhere near the guardian. |
What accessories do you need for dummy training?
If you are starting to train with your dog, make sure you have the right gear:
- Dog clickers are used to give a clear signal for a job well done.
- At least two retriever training dummies to work with.
- Your dog's favourite treats make the work even more enjoyable.
- A whistle for recall commands.
What accessories do you need for dummy training?
If you are starting to train with your dog, make sure you have the right gear:
- Dog clickers are used to give a clear signal for a job well done.
- At least two retriever training dummies to work with.
- Your dog's favourite treats make the work even more enjoyable.
- A whistle for recall commands.
What if I just want simple fetch toys?
Not every pup needs to train professionally or for sport to have a good time! But once they catch the training bug, there is no stopping them. However, for everyday fetching, you can simply use soft toys, frisbees, or rubber balls.
What if I just want simple fetch toys?
Not every pup needs to train professionally or for sport to have a good time! But once they catch the training bug, there is no stopping them. However, for everyday fetching, you can simply use soft toys, frisbees, or rubber balls.
Does the colour of dog training bumpers matter?
Yes, absolutely! For beginners, choose white and blue toys because dogs notice them faster. Green, orange, or red ones will pose a bigger challenge. By the way, a quick reminder: a dummy is not a chew toy. Do not let your pet chew it after training, as this undermines the tool's purpose. For more tips on getting started, check out our Dog Dummy Training Guide.
Does the colour of dog training bumpers matter?
Yes, absolutely! For beginners, choose white and blue toys because dogs notice them faster. Green, orange, or red ones will pose a bigger challenge. By the way, a quick reminder: a dummy is not a chew toy. Do not let your pet chew it after training, as this undermines the tool's purpose. For more tips on getting started, check out our Dog Dummy Training Guide.

