This summer, I tested the Scheels Outfitters small training dummies with my dogs. You can buy these training dummies in a three-pack, or individually. This is the second in a series of reviews I have done for Scheels – check out my review of their hunting dog vest here.
My video review of the training bumpers is below. I’ve also provided a written recap of the pros and things that could be improved after that.
Scheels Outfitters Small Training Dummies
Pros
- Nice size and light enough even for young or small dogs to carry
- Canvas exterior is well-made and the inside filling is soft, so they’re gentle on the dog’s mouth
- Black rope attachment allows you to easily throw them a long distance
- Float well for use in water
- The soft construction and rope attachment allows you to use for tug with your dog, if desired
- Choice of three colors: off-white, blaze orange, and high-vis yellow
- Good price point at $18 for three, or $8 each
Suggestions for Improvement
- The bumpers don’t dry quickly when they get wet, but that’s to be expected given the materials they’re made of
- The off-white color especially will get dirty depending on the conditions you use it in, but they can be cleaned using soap and water
- Your dog can puncture the canvas exterior with their teeth depending how aggressively they pick it up. These shouldn’t be used as chew toys.
I think these soft bumpers definitely have a place in a bird dog trainer’s tool box, especially if you have a puppy. These are the first soft bumpers I’ve used and I like them a lot. For fun, I spent some time teaching my Rhodesian ridgeback how to retrieve this summer and he is not accustomed to picking up harder bumper-like objects. He had no issue picking these up and seemed to enjoy the process as well.
Scheels did send me these bumpers in exchange for me doing a review. However, I tried to be as authentic as possible in my evaluation. I spent about three months using these small training dummies in various contexts.
If you’d like to order your own, go to www.scheels.com. Click here for the direct link to the three-pack of dummies. If you’ve used these, do you have any other thoughts about them? Leave me a comment below.
