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It’s always easier to perform a task when you are equipped with the right tools. For dog parents with a budding hunting buddy, the right hunting dog toy is a God-send. This is because, with the right toy, you can easily test your dog out mentally and physically – and as a result assist them to become healthier and swifter hunting partners. Some dog parents might think their hunting dogs do not need toys but dog training toys are essential and excellent tools for skill development for your dog. They are the perfect tool to modify dog behavior and form new and lasting habits. Dogs are intelligent, so they require these toys for mental stimulation for better chewing. However, these dog toys come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes which may baffle or confuse any dog parent. To make it a lot easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best hunting dog toys in 2024. These hunting dog toys will help ignite your pup’s instincts and aid in easy training. Let’s check them out;
One of the most beneficial things that any dog parent can do for their dogs is to challenge them, both physically and mentally, to keep them happy and healthy. Hunting dog toys help us by helping our pups behave positively and keep up their well-being.
Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of some of the dog toy basics to keep in mind when shopping for the best hunting dog toys.
Toys are essential to fulfill a dog’s physical and emotional needs. Here are some of the key things every dog parent should examine before buying a toy for their hunting dog;
Most dog training toys are built to last but some of them are more durable than others. It’s always better to go for the stronger and more durable option because that’s usually more appropriate for hunting dogs. When in doubt always remember that your dog’s safety comes first.
When choosing a toy for your hunting buddy, size matters a whole lot. For the best result, you should always opt for toys that fit your dog’s size. Smaller dogs may not want to play with large toys, and small toys may be dangerous for large dogs.
From life-like dummies to ergonomically designed masterpieces, hunting dog toys can take a lot of shapes and outlooks. The appearance of these toys is usually intentional to have a particular effect on pups and train them differently for different scenarios so you have to consider this before purchase. Let’s take a look a some of the common appearances this toy takes.
Life-like hunting toys; are toys that are designed to look very much like the animal they are meant to mimic. They are usually available for different game species and are made to be more convincing than the average scented bumper.
White or Natural colored toys; These are the most visible types of hunting dog toys. They are usually used for training young dogs to use their eyes over land or water. They are also great for throwing against dark backgrounds.
Orange colored toys; These toys are used to teach dogs how to use their nose after reaching the area of a fall. This training tool works well on blind retrieves because it is easy for the handler to see but virtually invisible to the dog.
Black and White (50/50); Black and White hunting toys are great for throwing against all backgrounds. The sharp contrast in color makes them easy to follow when thrown.
For the optimum hygiene of your pup, you have to maintain a certain degree of cleanliness. It is very important and necessary that you keep your pup’s toys clean. Always confirm before purchase that the toys can be easily cleaned (machine washed, wiped down, hand-washed, or dishwasher safe). This is very essential in keeping your dog happy and healthy.
The material used to make hunting dog toys varies across a very wide spectrum. There are no regulations on the kind of materials that work for toys so there is a lot to choose from. Hunting dogs are driven by their strong sense of smell and also love licking and experiencing the world through their mouths so the material used for the toy has to be agreeable to the pup.
Also, the texture of the toy is generally dependent on the material that was used to make the toy. Always ensure that the material of the toy is not toxic to save your dog.
Using toys that can float gives you the chance to test your dog out on the water, especially if you plan to be hunting some ducks or geese. In this scenario, you can give your pup a chance to play with water, get accustomed to the feeling and become better able to navigate in water flow.
There are quite a number of different dog toys available for your pup to play with. When you are in the market for toys for your hunting dog, you should always consider your dog’s preferences for one type over another.
Your dog gets to choose from many options when it comes to toys because a lot of these toys serve different purposes. For hunting dogs, you’ll need a toy that would assist you to teach your dog certain practical skills and also another kind of toy to entertain him mentally and physically. This will help you prevent your hunting dog from going crazy because of boredom
Here are some tips to help you find the best hunting dog toy for your pup.
SportDOG Jumbo Canvas Training Dummy is the perfect training tool for sporting dogs. This dummy is versatile, durable, and floatable making it perfect for playing on both land and water.
This dog training dummy was designed to withstand the exertion and roughness that comes with practicing and training a dog to hunt. It is also pretty adaptable and works perfectly fine in any weather condition.
Dokken Dead Fowl Trainer Hunting Dog Dummy is an innovative and effective way to train your hunting buddy and get him acquainted with the basics of game hunting. This toy is very intuitive to use and will have your dog hopping back and forth in no time.
This amazing tool is loved by dogs because it is very lifelike – mostly. The Dokken dead fowl trainer hunting dog dummy also enables you to inject game scent and make the game more convincing.
Avery ATB EZ-Bird Training Dummy is a life-like dog training dummy that’s appropriate for dogs of all breeds and sizes. This hunting dog toy is a carbon copy of the species it’s designed to represent.
The Avery ATB EZ-Bird Training Dummy is specifically designed for the trainer that will use his dog to pick up the real thing in or testing scenarios. With real bird weight and feel, this dummy is one of the best training toys Avery has designed so far.
SportDOG Brand Plastic Dummies are great training tools for game dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. This dummy is very durable and adaptable to most situations as it is available in various sizes and color schemes for different training effects.
Designed by one of the most recognized brands in the electronic tracking and training categories, this hunting dog toy is quite versatile and safe to use for all your dog training and hunting needs.
ALL FOR PAWS Classic Pheasant Pet Toys is a line of plush dog toys that bring out the hunter that is deep inside all dogs. These toys are realistic-looking and are so soft that your dog will love to play with them.
This hunting dog toy will bring out your dog’s natural hunting instinct. Also, it features a squeaker that helps add a bit of spice to the toy and provides additional interactive entertainment.
A: Every dog parent knows that dogs are very smart. When you put dogs in a mentally stimulating environment throughout the day, it helps keep their brain agile and almost always results in a happier and healthier dog. Your hunting dog needs a toy because that’s exactly what they are made for, to mentally and physically exert your dogs so they can stay healthy. Toys also help reduce boredom and destruction in pups: because bored dogs are recipes for destruction. The hunting dog toys help avoid all that happening and burns off some of their extra energy efficiency.
A: Hunting dog toys are available to buy in a variety of materials, each with its own texture and feel. There is no specific material that’s generally suitable in all situations. It all depends on your taste, your dog’s tastes, and your budget. Usually, it’s advisable to go for a variety of toys so that your dog doesn’t get too used to just one texture or size.
A: When you are training your pup to use a dummy, you need to make sure you give your dog the right incentive to maintain interest up to the point of retrieving the dummy and putting it in your hands. Practice throwing the toy and offer treats once the dummy is released into your hand. Do not be too keen to take the dummy from the dog, relax a bit and let the dog have a few moments with the catch in its mouth. This would give your pup some positive reinforcement and allow your dog to feel more assured and confident in his actions. Start with lighter and smaller weights that are easier to find and progress on to heavier weight over longer distances.