The Sporting Saint Rabbit Dummy is the go-to training tool for introducing dogs to fur. Available in five options — 1/4lb, 1/2lb, 1lb, 2lb, and a Dummy Ball — it's designed and manufactured in the UK to help your dog build confidence and drive with natural rabbit fur from the very first retrieve.
Why We Recommend It
Few training tools bridge the gap between dummy work and real game as effectively as a rabbit fur dummy. The natural scent and texture trigger genuine hunting instinct, making it ideal for dogs that need encouragement with fur — or for sharpening the retrieve of more experienced dogs. Sporting Saint's UK-made construction means consistent quality across every size.
Key Benefits
- Natural rabbit fur encourages scent drive and fur acceptance
- Five size/weight options to suit every stage of training
- 1/4lb size ideal for puppies and early introduction to fur
- Throwing toggle for accurate, comfortable hand throws
- Scent can be applied to increase training intensity
- Designed and manufactured in the UK by Sporting Saint
"Rabbit fur? Now you're speaking my language. I was retrieving these before breakfast. The 1lb is my personal favourite — just the right weight for a proper retrieve. Highly recommend."
Perfect For
- Puppies being introduced to fur for the first time (1/4lb)
- Spaniels and HPRs building fur confidence
- Retrievers progressing from canvas dummies to game
- Handlers wanting a scent-applicable training dummy
- Dogs that need extra motivation — the Dummy Ball variant is great for reluctant fur pickers
Specifications
Option Weight Best For
1/4lb Light Puppies, early fur introduction
1/2lb Standard Young dogs, spaniel work
1lb Medium General training, retrievers
2lb Heavy Advanced retrieve, strength building
Dummy Ball Light Dogs reluctant with flat fur dummies
- Material: Natural rabbit fur over canvas dummy body
- Throwing toggle included
- Scent-applicable
- Made in the UK by Sporting Saint
How To Use
- Select the appropriate weight for your dog's size and training stage
- Introduce the dummy by letting your dog sniff and investigate before the first throw
- Begin with short, straight retrieves to build confidence with the fur texture
- Progress to longer throws and angled retrieves as confidence grows
- Apply scent to increase drive and simulate real game conditions
- Use the Dummy Ball variant if your dog is reluctant to pick up the flat fur dummy
Care Guide
- Shake out after use and allow to air dry naturally
- Do not machine wash — this will damage the fur
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Inspect the toggle and seams regularly for wear
Professional Insight
Rabbit fur dummies are one of the most underused tools in early gundog training. Introducing fur at the puppy stage — before bad habits form around game — makes the transition to real retrieves significantly smoother. The 1/4lb size is light enough for a young dog's mouth, and the natural scent provides genuine stimulus that canvas simply can't replicate.
Training Academy Tip 💡
If your dog is reluctant to pick up the fur dummy, switch to the Rabbit Ball variant — the rounder shape is easier to mouth and the fur still delivers the scent stimulus. Once confidence is established, transition back to the flat dummy.
ProTrain Principle
Introduce fur early and often. A dog that's comfortable picking up rabbit fur from puppyhood will transition to real game with far less hesitation. Start light, keep sessions short, and let the scent do the work.
Complete Your Setup
Puppy Rabbit Dummy
Rabbit Dummy Ball with Cord
Rabbit Wrap
Training Scent Liquid
The Sporting Saint Rabbit Dummy is a UK-made fur training dummy available in 1/4lb, 1/2lb, 1lb, 2lb, and Dummy Ball variants. It uses natural rabbit fur to help dogs build fur acceptance and scent drive, with a throwing toggle for hand throws and scent-application capability. Ideal for puppies through to advanced retrievers. Designed and manufactured by Sporting Saint in the UK.
FAQs
Q: Which size should I start my puppy on? A: The 1/4lb is specifically sized for puppies — lighter and easier to carry, it's the ideal first fur dummy.
Q: What's the difference between the 1lb and 2lb? A: Both are the same physical size; the 2lb is simply heavier, making it better for building strength and drive in more advanced dogs.
Q: Can I apply scent to the dummy? A: Yes — all sizes are scent-applicable, which can significantly increase a dog's motivation and simulate real game conditions.
Q: What is the Dummy Ball option? A: The Rabbit Ball is a lighter, ball-shaped variant wrapped in rabbit fur. It's particularly useful for dogs that struggle to pick up a flat dummy — the shape and weight make it easier and more appealing.
Q: Is this made in the UK? A: Yes — designed and manufactured by Sporting Saint in the UK.
Customer Stories
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