duck bumper

[ATM green head machine]

hi every one i had a question because we are getting a new duck dog (puppie) i was looking a duck bumpers so are the donkken bumpers made from the same foam as foam decoys?

 and a side note what is the best duck bumper or dose it really matter?

                  thanks Ryan

[constructeur]

You didn't say what breed, and that could have a small effect on folks suggestions. If you do want to get some Dokkens, check Cabelas as they have a few models on sale right now.

[ATM green head machine]

oh ok thanks its a lab

You didn't say what breed, and that could have a small effect on folks suggestions. If you do want to get some Dokkens, check Cabelas as they have a few models on sale right now.

[Waldo84]

This should be moved over to the Bird Dog section.

Congrats on the new pup. Since you are getting a lab, definitely check out retreivertraining.net there is a ton of info over there as well. Do a search for puppy stuff.

I would just worry about getting the puppy to love retrieving. Only throw him a toy or rolled up pair of socks once or twice per day or every other. Leave him wanting more. Just have fun with him/her.

Also, I would definitely look into a puppy training program. I'm using Bill Hillmann's training a retreiver puppy. Worry about this stuff before worrying about a Dokken. But, they carry them at cabelas, bass pro, sportsman's etc so you can go squeeze them if you'd like.

[liljozie495]

I bought a few of the Avery teal bumpers for when I got our pup at 6 weeks old... Gave him one with cord and ball cut to let him play with (more like fall asleep on), then we slowly introduced throwing it for him, think he was retrieving short tosses at 8 weeks old? I got video somewhere but he's loved them sense day one lol

[EWUeagles]

Paint rollers! I got this tip when I was starting to train and it was an awesome first training tool. It always works great with teaching fetch and hold. As far as bumpers go I don't think it matters. I think I have every shape and size available. Like Waldo said just get him excited about retrieving. I used Smart Works by Evan Graham and really liked it. This was my first dog and I thought he explained everything very well and coaches you up from pretty much the day you pick up your pup. Congrats on the new addition!

[Waldo84]

Paint rollers are great, especially when they start losing their teeth at about the 4 month old mark. They are still very soft and fun for the puppy to retrieve. I've heard good things about Smartworks. I think the main thing is, if you are planning on training your pup without sending him to a pro, pick a program that you think will get your dog to be everything you want him to be and stick to it step by step.

Try not to skip over steps, and if you hit a road block contact a pro for help. Or post your issue on RTF and there are a lot of people who will try to offer sound advice. (it helps if you have video of the issue).

A lot of these programs, Hillmann, Smartworks, Lardy are focused on Hunt tests or Field trial work. However, the drills that they teach will allow you to bring your dog to anyone's blind, club, honey hole etc and be proud of your dog. 

[ATM green head machine]

ok thanks everyone i will try every thing that was said my dad won $1000 bucks on that Superbowl on the 2nd and 3rd quarter  so were  gonna get it trained.

[Waldo84]

You would be helping the little guy and a pro trainer out by doing some type of training program for the first few months before you send him off to a pro at 6 months. Also, most pros want to have your puppy for at least 3 months to make sure Force Fetch and basic obedience are covered thoroughly. $1k probably wont get you much past 1 maybe 2 months of pro training.

If you are in fact sending him to a pro, contact that pro and ask which puppy program they recommend. If you teach the puppy one way and the pro teaches a different way, the transition may take longer and make it more difficult on the young dog.
 
I train occasionally with Matt Tuttle at Copperwood Kennels in Battle Ground. He is great to talk to, fair to the dogs and trains a lot of young dogs. PM him on here, I think his handle is just "Copperwood"

[ATM green head machine]

You would be helping the little guy and a pro trainer out by doing some type of training program for the first few months before you send him off to a pro at 6 months. Also, most pros want to have your puppy for at least 3 months to make sure Force Fetch and basic obedience are covered thoroughly. $1k probably wont get you much past 1 maybe 2 months of pro training.

If you are in fact sending him to a pro, contact that pro and ask which puppy program they recommend. If you teach the puppy one way and the pro teaches a different way, the transition may take longer and make it more difficult on the young dog.
 
I train occasionally with Matt Tuttle at Copperwood Kennels in Battle Ground. He is great to talk to, fair to the dogs and trains a lot of young dogs. PM him on here, I think his handle is just "Copperwood"

ok thanks