Dummy Launcher Training for Gundogs

A dummy launcher can be a fantastic addition to your gundog training kit, but like most training equipment, it’s all about how and when you use it.

Here at Kugae Gundogs, we use dummy launchers as part of our training because they allow us to create longer, more realistic retrieves and introduce dogs to situations that can be difficult to replicate with a simple hand-thrown dummy.

However, that doesn't mean we'd automatically reach for a launcher with every dog.

Before introducing one, we want the dog to have the foundations in place and, importantly, understand that a retrieve is something they are sent for – not something they simply chase whenever they see it fall.

What Is a Dummy Launcher?

A dummy launcher is designed to propel a training dummy considerably further than you could normally throw one by hand.

This allows you to set up longer retrieves and gives the handler far more options when training in larger areas.

The dummy travelling through the air and landing at a greater distance can also make the retrieve more exciting and realistic for the dog.

For a more experienced gundog, that can be extremely useful.

For an inexperienced or overexcited dog, however, that extra excitement needs to be managed carefully.

Why Do We Use a Dummy Launcher?

One of the obvious benefits is distance.

There comes a point in training where a hand-thrown dummy simply doesn't give you the distance you need.

A launcher allows us to send a dummy much further out, meaning we can begin testing whether the dog will:

Mark a retrieve at distance
Remain steady while the dummy is launched
Take a line away from the handler
Hunt for a dummy when it doesn't immediately find it
Listen to the handler at greater distances
Retrieve confidently over different types of ground

It gives us another way of gradually making training more challenging.

Developing Marking Ability

A good working gundog needs to learn to watch and remember where something has fallen.

We call this marking.

Because a launcher can send a dummy much further than we can throw one, it gives us the opportunity to work on longer marks.

The dog sees the dummy travel through the air, watches where it lands and is then sent to retrieve it.

As training progresses, you can make these retrieves more difficult by changing the distance, terrain and amount of cover.

Teaching Steadiness

This is probably one of the most important aspects of using a dummy launcher.

The launch itself is exciting.

There is movement, noise and then a dummy flying through the air.

A keen dog may immediately want to chase it.

We don't want the launcher becoming a signal for the dog to run.

Instead, the dog should remain steady beside the handler and wait until it is given permission to retrieve.

Sometimes we may launch a dummy and not send that particular dog at all.

This teaches the dog a very important lesson:

Not every retrieve belongs to you.

That's particularly relevant when preparing a dog for the shooting field, where birds may be falling and other dogs may be working around them.

Introducing Noise

A dummy launcher also introduces the dog to additional noise during training.

However, this is an area where we'd always recommend being sensible.

We wouldn't take a young or noise-sensitive dog, stand next to it and suddenly fire a launcher without knowing how it is likely to react.

As with introducing a dog to gunshot, noise should be introduced appropriately and progressively.

We want a confident dog that associates the sound with something positive – not a dog that has been frightened because too much was introduced too quickly.

Longer Retrieves Aren't Always Better

It can be very tempting once you have a dummy launcher to start sending your dog on enormous retrieves.

But distance for the sake of distance isn't necessarily good training.

We would rather see a dog complete a shorter retrieve correctly and under control than repeatedly run huge distances while ignoring the handler.

Before increasing the distance, ask yourself:

Does the dog go when sent?

Does it take a good line?

Will it listen to the whistle?

Will it take direction if necessary?

Does it pick the dummy cleanly?

And does it return and deliver properly?

If those basics start falling apart as the distance increases, you've probably progressed too quickly.

Don't Create a Dummy-Chasing Machine

This is another reason we don't believe in constantly throwing retrieves for a young dog.

Retrieving is naturally exciting for many Labradors and spaniels. If every training session becomes throw, chase, throw, chase, you can very quickly create a dog that is obsessed with watching for the next dummy.

A launcher can increase that excitement even further.

Use it with a purpose.

Sometimes the dog retrieves.

Sometimes it waits.

Sometimes another dog retrieves.

And sometimes you pick the dummy yourself.

Steadiness and control are just as important as enthusiasm.

Using Different Terrain

One of the advantages we have here at Kugae is being able to train dogs over lots of different types of ground.

A launcher can be particularly useful for placing retrieves into:

Longer grass
Cover
Woodland edges
Across open ground
Over natural obstacles
Areas where the dog needs to hunt once it reaches the fall

This helps move training away from predictable retrieves on short grass and towards situations a working dog may encounter in the field.

When Should You Introduce a Dummy Launcher?

There isn't a particular age at which we say every dog should start launcher work.

We look at the individual dog and its level of training.

Before making retrieves more exciting and more difficult, we'd generally want a good foundation already established.

The dog should understand basic obedience, have a sensible level of steadiness and be retrieving confidently.

If your dog is already running in, ignoring the whistle or becoming overexcited around hand-thrown dummies, adding a launcher probably isn't going to solve the problem.

Work on the basics first.

Our Kugae Dummy Launcher

We stock a dummy launcher through the Kugae Gundogs shop for owners who want to progress their retrieving exercises and introduce greater distance and variety into their training.

It's particularly useful for more advanced training where hand-thrown retrieves no longer give you the distance or flexibility you need.

As with all the equipment we sell, though, we'd always encourage owners to think about what they're trying to achieve with it.

A dummy launcher is a training tool. Used correctly, it can help you develop a more capable and versatile gundog.

But it doesn't replace good foundations.

Need Help Progressing Your Gundog?

If you're unsure whether your dog is ready for more advanced retrieving work, or you're struggling with running in, steadiness, marking, delivery or handling at distance, we can help.

At Kugae Gundogs, we train dogs in realistic environments and work with both the dog and handler to make sure you understand not only what to do, but why you're doing it.

You can get in touch with us for advice or book an assessment with Carl to discuss the next stage of your dog's training.

📞 WhatsApp: 07505 014363 📧 Email: info@kugaegundogs.uk

You can also browse our range of gundog training dummies, dummy launchers, leads, whistles and other training equipment through the Kugae Gundogs online shop. https://www.kugaegundogs.uk/collections