Choosing the Right Gundog Training Dummy (A UK Buyer's Guide)

Walk into any UK country store or browse online gundog suppliers, and you'll find a bewildering array of training dummies. Far from being simple fetch toys, these are essential tools designed to help shape your gundog's retrieving skills, from their first puppy retrieves to advanced work in the field. But with so many types, weights, and materials available, how do you choose the right one?

This guide will walk you through the common types of gundog training dummies available in the UK, explaining their uses, when to introduce them, and where to find them.Why Training Dummies are Crucial:Before diving into the types, let's recap why dummies are fundamental:

  • Simulate Game: They allow you to practise retrieves without needing constant access to real birds, especially in early training.
  • Build Desire: Encourage and shape your dog's natural instinct to chase and retrieve.
  • Teach Technique: Essential for teaching a correct pick-up, hold, and delivery to hand.
  • Develop Skills: Used for marking (watching the fall), memory retrieves (remembering where it fell), and blind retrieves (being handled onto an unseen dummy).
  • Controlled Introduction: Allows you to introduce different weights, textures, and later, scents in a controlled way.
The Workhorse: Canvas Dummies
This is your starting point and the mainstay of most training bags.
  • Types & Weights:
    • Puppy Dummy: (~100g-150g) Small, often softer, perfect for tiny mouths. Gets pups used to picking up and carrying.
    • 1/2lb Dummy: The next step up as your pup grows. Builds confidence with a bit more weight.
    • 1lb Dummy: The standard size and weight for most gundog work and competitions in the UK.
    • Heavier Dummies (2lb, 3lb+): Used less frequently, perhaps for specific strength training or simulating larger game like geese.
  • Features: Made of durable canvas, usually with a rope toggle for easy throwing. Toggle-free versions are available if your dog tends to grab the toggle instead of the dummy body.
  • Uses: Foundational retrieve training, marking, basic handling exercises.
  • When to Introduce: Start with a puppy dummy, progressing to 1/2lb and then 1lb as your dog matures and training develops.
Adding Realism: Fur and Feather Dummies
Once your dog reliably retrieves canvas, you can introduce dummies that mimic the feel and scent of real game.
  • Types:
    • Rabbit Fur Dummies: Covered in real, cured rabbit skin. Available as balls, 1/2lb, or 1lb dummies. Some suppliers also sell loose pelts to wrap around existing dummies.

    • Feather/Bird Dummies: These range from canvas dummies with realistic HD photo prints to dummies with actual wings attached, or specialised shapes like the Dokken Dead Fowl trainers which mimic the weight and feel of birds.
  • Uses: Helps transition the dog from canvas to cold game, accustomising them to picking up fur or feathers. It can sometimes tempt a dog less keen on plain canvas. Introduces game scent.
  • When to Introduce: Only when the dog has a reliable retrieve and soft mouth with canvas dummies. Don't rush this – introducing fur too early can sometimes encourage playing or shaking.
Making a Splash: Water Dummies
Essential for training reliable water retrieves.
  • Types: Usually made from plastic, PVC, or rubber. Designed to be highly buoyant and often brightly coloured (orange is common) for visibility. Many have knobbly textures for easy grip.
  • Uses: Specifically for retrieving from water. They float high, are easy to clean, and don't get waterlogged like canvas can.
  • When to Introduce: Once your dog is confident entering and swimming in water. Use alongside canvas for land retrieves.
Specialist Dummies for Specific Tasks
As training progresses, you might need more specialised tools:
  • Launcher Dummies: Made from tough canvas or PVC, specifically designed to be fired from a dummy launcher. They allow for much longer marked retrieves, simulating a shot bird falling at distance. Crucially, introduce the sound of the launcher carefully and positively before using it for retrieves. (Available from launcher stockists like Fullpip Gundogs who are UK stockists for the excellent RRT range from the USA).
  • Dummy Balls / Snipe Dummies: Small and easy to throw. Dummy balls (canvas or fur) are great for encouraging a quick pick-up or for hiding in cover for hunting practice. Snipe dummies are very small canvas dummies, also good for hunting exercises. (Most suppliers).
  • Marking Dummies: Often in contrasting colours like black and white, or specific colours visible to dogs like blue or yellow. Disc shapes roll, adding movement. Helps improve a dog's ability to mark the fall against different backgrounds.
  • Problem-Solving Dummies: Things like 3-piece dummies encourage a central hold. 'Reluctant Retriever' dummies might incorporate different textures or pockets for treats.
Getting the Weight Right
  • Start light: Puppy dummies are essential for young dogs.
  • Progress gradually: Move from puppy to 1/2lb, then 1lb as your dog can comfortably carry the weight without struggling or dropping it.
  • Standard = 1lb: This is the typical weight used in UK tests and trials. Ensure your dog works confidently with this weight before considering competitions.

Where to Buy in the UK
While you can find basic dummies on Amazon or in general pet stores, specialist gundog suppliers offer a wider range, better quality, and often more knowledgeable advice. Reputable UK online stores include:
  • There are many suppliers in the UK and all have their good points and many of them we have used over the years, but AK Gundog Accessories in our opinion provide the very best in PVC and marking dummies and that is why we are proud to be an Ambassador for their products, using them daily in our own training, and with clients.
A Quick Word on Care
  • Not Chew Toys: Dummies are for retrieving practice only. Put them away after training.
  • Dry Thoroughly: Hang canvas dummies to air dry completely after use (especially if wet) to prevent mould.
  • Keep Interesting: Don't leave dummies lying around the house or garden – keep them special for training.
Conclusion
Choosing the right training dummy is about matching the tool to your dog's stage of development and your specific training goals. Start with basic canvas, introduce variety and realism gradually, and always prioritise building your dog's confidence. By selecting appropriate dummies from reputable UK suppliers, you'll have the essential kit to help your gundog reach their full potential. Happy training!