what is a food dummy?
A food dummy is a versatile educational and employment tool, which is mainly used in dog training. The term “dummy” refers to the utility as Loot dummy: It replaces real game during the training sessions.
In most cases, food dummies have little or nothing in common with wild animals. The hunting instinct is therefore generally not awakened by visual stimuli, but rather by the four-legged friend's sense of smell: the utensil is filled with dog food or treats, and the smell makes it interesting for the animal.
Over time, the dummy also awakens positive associations, so that the dog can later respond to the visual stimulus. The term is also common “Food Bags”.
Types of dummies
There are different dummies that are used for different purposes:
- Dummies without food
- Plastic dummies
- Dummies made of plush or other material that depict prey animals more realistically
- Multi-part dummies, they are particularly suitable for advanced users and require more skill
- Throwing dummies that can be thrown very easily over long distances
- Swimming dummies that can float in the water.
retrieving & Employment assistance
The food dummies were developed primarily for Retrieving exercises: The owner throws the device into the landscape and the dog runs to get the bag. He then brings him back to his owner, who then rewards him with a snack.
So they actually come from the Hunting dog training. Dummies are now also used for many other purposes: For example, they serve as an activity aid that challenges the four-legged friends physically and mentally. Also within the framework of Obedience training, team building measures or in the Behavioral therapy (e.g. for impulse control) food bags are used.
For young and old
In principle, food dummies are suitable for dogs of all ages: both puppies and seniors can be kept busy with them. When planning the activities, however, you have to take the animal's physical requirements into account: the walking distances may then have to be slightly shorter, for example.
Construction of a bag
Essentially, almost all food dummies have a very similar structure: they are made of a particularly robust and comparatively tear-resistant and waterproof material. Very often this is the case Polyester and nylon used, but there are also models that rely on linen, for example.
The bag is usually very meticulously sealed, Very often you will find both zippers and Velcro fasteners so that the four-legged friend cannot eat his supposed prey without his holder. Food dummies are easy to clean and dry comparatively quickly.
Difference between dummy & treat bag
In addition to food dummies, there are also Treat bags. Although these are essentially a “food bag”, they have a different function:
- A treat bag is intended exclusively for the hands of dog owners and is only used to quickly have a reward ready. They can be opened particularly quickly.
- Food dummies, on the other hand, are interactive utensils that are also used by dogs. Some dog owners don't always open the bag when they want to give a reward, instead preferring to give a snack from a treat bag. This is because opening a dummy sometimes takes time, but to reward a dog constructively there should only be a few seconds between the good deed and the gift of the treat.
You can also find out more about “treat bags”. here read up.
4 good reasons for the use of a feed bag
Food dummies are not just intended for professionals: there are some good reasons for you to use a bag like this too.
Mental occupation of the four-legged friend
So I can recommend buying a dummy if you not only want to physically, but also physically, care for your four-legged friend promote spiritually would like. Dogs love to do a little puzzle and use all their senses. When retrieving, for example, they not only learn to find the bag, but also have to find it Calculate trajectory – enormous brain power that’s fun!
If you notice that your four-legged friend is a little bored while out and about, I would try using a food dummy: With him, the dog not only has to use his eyes, but also his nose. Furthermore, retrieving the object also promotes the animal's motor skills.
Motivation for Dog sports
But also that physical aspect Don't miss out: If you don't want the dog to always run after a ball, a food dummy is a pretty good idea. Because of the tempting filling, dogs are playfully encouraged to move more. At the end there is usually a clear one fitter and healthier four-legged friend.
Strengthening the Binding dog holder
The food in the dummy also brings the two of you closer together: without you there is nothing for the dog to eat, and at the same time the animal gets the feeling that he is doing something good for you when he brings the bag back to you.
The four-legged friend senses that you are dependent on each other in this situation; you are, so to speak, a pack of two dogs. Of course, the dog remembers these experiences and will definitely not let you down on other occasions.
Training to the hunting dog
If you are a (hobby) hunter, you can of course also use the food dummy to feed your four-legged friend hunting dog to train. Professional dog trainers use these bags primarily for the first steps.