Bumper Throwing

[Spit]

Hi:

I have a bumper throwing question. Just bought a bumper, to use with my Dobie, and gave it a whirl this weekend. It worked awesome, but my problem is I am either throwing the bumper too high, too low, too far, too close, etc... I am stretching his neck around half the time, and the one picture I have he has a gorgeous form, but the bumper is WAY out of his reach. Any advice is greaty appreciated.

I do have him sit on dry land and fetch it in the air, but he doesn't quite grasp the concept of catching in the water on his launch, plus I am not making it accessible for him to do so. I have only previously used tennis balls so I don't know if there is an easier way to do the bumper.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Dogbreath]

Hello Candis,
I have had a lot of sucess throwing the bumper for Sisko. I use a sit stay. Then I walk to the end of the dock. When I am ready for him to go I give the go command. My timing needs to be with his run. I throw the bumper out in front of him so he is chasing it in the air. I can control his height better this way which adds distance. He also likes to grab it in the air when my throw is just wright.
I would practice your throw on land without the dog at first to build consistency.
When I started training my throw I set a bucket were I thought his jumping range was about 25 feet. Then about 6 - 8 foot from where you are standing to throw I set something to throw over about 3-4 foot high.
Then start training your throw.

please remember this is just an outline.You will want to tune it to your style and distance for your dog.
Good luck and please be safe.
Let us know how it works out for you. Feel free to post up here if you have other questions.

Have fun jumping

[deedclemdogg]

Hey "Spit"

Nadja P. once gave me great advice about throwing bumpers as I had switched from tennis balls to bumpers. And you're right--the weight and timing of a different object can be difficult. With her help, I did two things.

(1) The first was to get someone to "practice" my throws with. I would throw it toward the other person and I'd work on my placement of height and distance. I'd have the other person stand where I wanted it to land in the water. The other person would help me as far as suggestions for making sure the arc was high enough, etc. Tom Dropik, owner of SportMutt, has also used this method to to help people with throwing.

(2) The second was if I didn't have a "helper," I put a bucket where the person would have stood and one where I stand. I throw the bumper toward the bucket and use it as a target (if you will) then I'd walk over to the bucket and throw the bumper back toward the other bucket (where I was standing). For this it definitely helps to have a few bumpers--or just send the dog over to get the bumper after you throw it since you're working on your throw and not the dog's catch. :wink: But then that also means that the dog has to have a good sit stay too!

I hope those two ideas might help!

Amanda

[deedclemdogg]

Hey Rob--Looks like we're both on the same brain-wave today at the same exact time! That's too funny! Think we ought to go and buy lottery tickets!?! :D

By the way, Luke loves the sound of Branson....I'll be in touch with some possible plans! :D

[Spit]

Thanks you guys that is very helpful info and I am going to work on it this week!!!!!!

I do have another question. When you are tossing the bumper are you tossing it flat handed so it stays side to side or something different? I have a pretty good arm to throw but flat handed that is going to take some work. LOL. :-0))

Thanks Again!

[Dogbreath]

Everbody has a little different take on how to throw. I like to throw the bumper so it stays parallel to the pool. It makes it easier to see and grab for the dog. My little trick is when I throw the bumper I put a spin on it to keep it flat. Play with many differnent throw and see what your pup likes the best.

Hey Amanda,
Let me know when you want to check Branson out. I will hook you up. Sisko hit the biggest jump he has ever hit. By the nose measurement was almost 30 feet and hit 5 more 28 foot 6 inch jumps to back it up. It was awesome. Not bad for an old man.

[Spit]

Thanks Again for the replies!

[Spit]

To everyone that responded, Thank You. I practiced everything you guys said and it paid off this weekend. Was able to take my GSP, a Malinois and BC (the dobie won't sit stay quite yet) that were all jumping average with the ball and jumping flat, to now driving to catch in the air with the bumper..and jumping up. It was so cool! The best part was they even caught it several times. LOL... I was probably more excited then them. Hopefully when we come to a competition now we can get them to do it in the pool instead of the lake. Thanks Again everyone!

[Sassy Girl]

That's awesome Candis!

You coming up to San Jose's comp next weekend?

Urs

[Spit]

Hi Ursula:

Working on it, but we will see. With flyball at Mare Island that next weekend and trying to finish off some of the flyball group here so they can be ready by September I am just not sure. Am dying to go though! Italy keeps telling me to retire her from flyball so I can take her to dock competions every weekend. She just can't get enough of the water and absolutely goes nutty over the bumper now.

[need2getalife]

If the OLD MAN can do it?/

You can to

See u there!!

:roll: