Why the big bumpers?

[TrevorFox34]

This may be a dumb question to most people but I have just now started training my dogs and I was just wondering why use the bumpers for the dogs? Thanks for any help!

[Sharon]

For a pup use a new , small paint roller.

[Billinsd]

They are more visable laying on the ground, provide some variety (different shape) from the smaller ones for a dog to pick up and carry. There are probably other reasons, but I have forgotten. I got some myself I used to train my dogs a few years ago.

Bill

[Billinsd]

Yes, visability, that is why I got mine. I used them for teaching my dogs blind retrieves. I would place the big bumpers out in a field, without the dog seeing me and then bring the dog out and send him to the bumpers and cast him to the bumper. Later I went on to smaller bumpers and then orange ones that were more difficult to see.

At least that is how I remember?
Bill

[birddog1968]

Big bumpers get young retrievers used to really opening their mouths in preparation for geese too. As well as you'd hope a dog would retrieve whatever you send it for.

[EvanG]

For retrievers and retrieving work in the field it's not about visiblity on the ground in most cases. It's about visibility in the air. An a distance, or against a tough background the larger size is easier for dogs to see. But there are a few drills that are made more effective by the use of larger bumpers, like Walking Baseball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcktsyHL ... CAhumDUsAK

EvanG

[Ruffshooter]

Also, mixing things up, small bumper, large bumpers, the dokens water fowl dummies etc. helps the dog be used to different shape and weight items. IMO I want the dog to pick up what ever I tell it to.

[AzDoggin]

Also, mixing things up, small bumper, large bumpers, the dokens water fowl dummies etc. helps the dog be used to different shape and weight items. IMO I want the dog to pick up what ever I tell it to.

Very good point. Don't want the dog becoming "bumper specific." The working dog guys constantly change up their tugs for this same reason.

[Trekmoor]

I make a number of my own bumpers or dummies as I call them in order to vary the weights, the textures and the size as much as possible. I make them out of just about anything that isn't hard and smooth surfaced. That includes rolls of old carpet and things like a couple of car wash mitts stuffed and then stitched together like the one in this pic being carried by a young cocker pup. She should manage just fine if I ever shoot a sheep !



Bill T.

[AzDoggin]

That's hilarious, Bill. Awesome pic - man is that dog PROUD.

[SubMariner]

While I am enjoying these posts about homemade bumpers, I'd like to ask the people making them out of new paint rollers, rugs, etc. if they know whether these materials are actually safe for the dog to ingest.

Needless to say, dogs chew bumpers and I'd be loathe to give them something that I wasn't sure was non-toxic.

JMHO,

[lvrgsp]

Needless to say, dogs chew bumpers and I'd be loathe to give them something that I wasn't sure was non-toxic.

JMHO,

Dogs should not chew bumpers. Bumpers are a training tool not a play toy, I personally don't leave my bumpers out, they are out for the time I am training, and in doing that when the dog see's that bumper it sets the tone of the session, they know whats going on. I don't allow my dogs to chew, or bite the bumpers or Mouth them as some of us call it, so they are not allowed to ingest them, personally I don't use paint rollers, just a personal preference.

I agree with whats been said the bigger bumpers allow a different feel in the mouth. I use wooden bucks and bumpers. I really like the Avery Hex bumpers ALOT, especially the black and white flasher.

[birddog1968]

Needless to say, dogs chew bumpers and I'd be loathe to give them something that I wasn't sure was non-toxic.

JMHO,

Dogs should not chew bumpers.

Bingo ! What you allow you are training.......

[SubMariner]

Needless to say, dogs chew bumpers and I'd be loathe to give them something that I wasn't sure was non-toxic.

JMHO,

Dogs should not chew bumpers.

Bingo ! What you allow you are training.......

Ok I really didn't think it was going to come down to semantics, but perhaps if I put it a little more succinctly:

I would be concerned if something was going in my dog's mouth that was toxic or a heath hazard in any way/shape/form. It's not a matter of whether or not the dog chews it, it's a matter of being EXPOSED to something that he/she shouldn't be exposed to.

[lvrgsp]

Okay so what is hazardous to your dog that concerns you. The paint roller or the wood bucks?
Semantics aside.....seriously