Sporting Saint Puppy Rabbit Dummy | Rabbit Fur | No Tabs | Early Retrieve Training
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The Sporting Saint Puppy Rabbit Dummy is the first retrieve tool for young gundogs — small, lightweight, covered in genuine rabbit fur to introduce puppies to game scent and texture from the very earliest stages of training. No tabs or toggles means puppies learn to carry and deliver correctly from day one. ★★★★★ 5.0 stars from 9 verified reviews.
- Genuine rabbit fur covering — introduces game scent and texture early
- No tabs or toggles — encourages correct carry and delivery from the start
- Small and lightweight — sized for puppy mouths, not adult dogs
- The natural first step before standard canvas dummies
- By Sporting Saint — trusted by gundog trainers across the UK
The Sporting Saint Puppy Rabbit Dummy is a small, lightweight training dummy covered in genuine rabbit fur. Designed for the earliest stages of puppy retrieve training — introduces game scent and texture before canvas dummies. No tabs or toggles encourages correct carry and delivery from day one. £8.50. ★★★★★ 5.0 stars from 9 verified reviews.
Why We Recommend It
The Puppy Rabbit Dummy solves two problems at once. First, it introduces game scent and fur texture at the earliest possible age — a puppy that has retrieved rabbit fur from 8 weeks will not hesitate when presented with game later in its training. Second, the absence of tabs or toggles is a deliberate training decision: tabs and toggles give puppies something to grip and mouth, which encourages incorrect carry habits. Without them, the puppy learns to carry the dummy correctly in the centre of the mouth from the very first retrieve. At £8.50 it is the most important £8.50 you will spend on a young gundog's training.
Key Benefits
- Genuine rabbit fur — authentic game scent and texture from the earliest age
- No tabs or toggles — builds correct carry and delivery habits from day one
- Small and lightweight — perfectly sized for puppy mouths
- Bridges the gap between first retrieves and canvas dummy work
- Introduces game scent before the first season — no hesitation later
- ★★★★★ 5.0 stars from 9 verified buyers — perfect score
Bailey Says 🐾
My friends, I wish I had started with one of these. My earliest retrieves were with a canvas dummy and while I performed admirably, the introduction to fur came later than it should have. This dummy gets it right from the beginning. The rabbit fur smells exactly as it should. The absence of tabs means the puppy learns to carry properly immediately. If you have a young dog, start here. I speak from experience and considerable expertise. 🐾
Perfect For
- Puppies from 8 weeks — the earliest introduction to retrieve training
- First game scent introduction — before canvas dummy work begins
- Building correct carry and delivery habits from the very start
- All gundog breeds — Spaniels, Retrievers, HPRs
- Handlers who want to introduce game scent before the first season
Specifications
- Covering: Genuine rabbit fur
- Size: Small — sized for puppy mouths
- Tabs/toggles: None — encourages correct carry
- Use: Early puppy retrieve training, game scent introduction
- Suitable for: All gundog breeds from 8 weeks
- Brand: Sporting Saint
How To Use
- Introduce the dummy to your puppy by allowing them to sniff and investigate it — let them become familiar with the rabbit fur scent before any retrieve expectation.
- Begin with very short, visible retrieves — roll or toss the dummy a short distance and encourage your puppy to pick it up and return.
- Reward immediately on delivery — the absence of tabs means your puppy will naturally carry the dummy in the correct position; reinforce this with immediate praise.
- Keep sessions very short — 2-3 retrieves maximum for young puppies to maintain enthusiasm and avoid fatigue.
- Progress to canvas dummies once your puppy is retrieving confidently and delivering correctly — the fur dummy has done its job.
Care Guide
- Store in a cool, dry place — a sealed bag preserves the rabbit fur scent for longer.
- Do not wash — washing removes the natural scent that makes it effective.
- Keep away from unsupervised dogs — this is a training tool, not a toy.
- Replace when the fur becomes significantly worn or the scent diminishes.
Professional Insight
Training Academy Tip 💡
The single most important thing with puppy retrieve training is to stop before the puppy wants to stop. Two or three retrieves with maximum enthusiasm is worth ten retrieves where the puppy loses interest. The Puppy Rabbit Dummy's scent and texture naturally drives retrieve motivation — use that drive carefully. End every session on a success, always. A puppy that finishes every training session wanting more is a puppy that will be enthusiastic about training for life.
ProTrain Principle
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FAQs
What age can I start using this?
From 8 weeks — as soon as your puppy is settled in their new home. The first sessions should be very gentle: simply allowing the puppy to sniff and investigate the dummy is a valuable introduction. Short, positive retrieve sessions can begin as soon as the puppy shows interest in picking things up.
Why are there no tabs or toggles?
Tabs and toggles give puppies something to grip and mouth at the end of the dummy, which encourages them to carry it incorrectly — by the tab rather than the body. Without tabs, the puppy learns to carry the dummy correctly in the centre of the mouth from the very first retrieve. This builds the correct carry habit that will serve them throughout their working life.
When should I move on to a canvas dummy?
Progress to a canvas dummy when your puppy is retrieving the rabbit dummy confidently, carrying it correctly, and delivering reliably to hand. For most puppies this is from around 10-16 weeks, but follow your puppy's development rather than a fixed timeline. The rabbit dummy has done its job when the puppy is enthusiastic, correct, and consistent.
Is this suitable for all gundog breeds?
Yes — the Puppy Rabbit Dummy is suitable for all gundog breeds including Spaniels, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and HPR breeds. The small size is appropriate for all puppy mouths regardless of breed.
We're also developing our own ProTrain version — what's the difference?
The Sporting Saint Puppy Rabbit Dummy is the established market leader in this category. Our ProTrain version is currently in development and will follow the same no-tab, rabbit fur philosophy with our own specification. Watch this space.
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