Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer Review

Let’s Dive into Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer isn’t just another dog training dummy; it’s a thoughtfully designed tool from Avery Sporting Dog aimed at enhancing grip and hold for your canine companion. This trainer promises better stability, a softer mouth development, and improved throwing accuracy thanks to its unique six-sided design and patented V-Grooves. Having spent over a decade working with dogs in both tactical and sporting environments, I was keen to see if this bumper could live up to the hype and offer a genuine improvement over traditional cylindrical bumpers.

My old Labrador, Duke, has a tendency to “chomp” on bumpers, which isn’t ideal for retrieving waterfowl. This bumper promised to address that. When I saw the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer with its emphasis on a firmer feel and VGrips, I was hopeful it might be the solution I’d been looking for.

Unboxing the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer, my first impression was that it felt surprisingly robust for its size. The material felt durable, and the hexagonal shape offered a comfortable grip for both me and, presumably, Duke. The included throw rope seemed sturdy and well-attached.

Compared to standard round bumpers, or even some square ones I’ve tried, the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer immediately stood out due to its unique design. The Dokken DeadFowl Trainer is a great option, but lacks the focus on soft-mouth training. Similarly, the SportDOG Brand Retrieve Training Dummy is durable but lacks the grip-enhancing features of the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. While I appreciated the thought put into the design, I needed to see how it would perform in the field with Duke before I could truly be sold on it. My excitement was tempered by years of experience knowing that not every product lives up to its promises.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer at a local pond, during one of Duke’s regular training sessions. It was a typical Pacific Northwest day: overcast and slightly damp. The pond’s edge offered a mix of grassy banks and muddy shallows, providing varied terrain.

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer performed surprisingly well in the wet conditions. The hexagonal shape offered a secure grip even when my hands were damp. Duke seemed to adjust to the shape quickly and didn’t hesitate to retrieve it from the water.

Initially, Duke needed a couple of retrieves to adjust to the different feel of the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer compared to his usual round bumper. He initially carried it a little higher, but quickly settled into a comfortable hold. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to throw accurately using the attached rope.

After the first use, I noticed Duke wasn’t chomping as much as he usually did. That was a good sign.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer has held up exceptionally well. It’s become a staple in our training routine. Duke and I have tested it in various conditions, from sunny days at the park to colder, rainy sessions in the wetlands.

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer still looks almost new, with no significant signs of wear and tear despite being dragged through mud, water, and tall grass. The material is clearly durable, and the color hasn’t faded. Cleaning is a breeze; I simply rinse it off with water after each session.

Compared to the cheaper bumpers I’ve used in the past, the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer is in a different league. It outperforms them in terms of durability, grip, and its ability to promote a softer mouth. Duke’s chomping has significantly reduced, and he now consistently delivers the bumper with a gentle hold.

Breaking Down the Features of Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer

Specifications

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. These include the six-sided design, the patented VGrips, a 10″ floating throw rope, and a durable construction. The six-sided design offers an easier grip and hold for dogs.

The patented VGrips™ are designed to promote a soft mouth while maintaining a superior hold. The included 10″ floating throw rope allows for easy and accurate throws.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the dog’s training experience and success. A better grip reduces drops, the soft mouth design prevents damage to retrieved game, and accurate throws enhance the training session’s efficiency. The robust build ensures the bumper lasts through countless retrieves.

Performance & Functionality

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer excels at its primary job: training dogs to retrieve without damaging the object. Its design genuinely promotes a softer mouth, and the hexagonal shape makes it easier for dogs to grip. The throw rope also allows for greater accuracy in throwing, helping with distance work.

One minor weakness is that the rope can sometimes get tangled, requiring a quick untangling before the next throw. But overall, the benefits far outweigh this small inconvenience. It exceeded my expectations, especially considering its affordable price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer is impressive. The materials are durable and weather-resistant, and the hexagonal shape is comfortable to hold. The weight is just right – not too heavy to throw, but substantial enough for the dog to feel it.

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer is extremely user-friendly. The six-sided design takes minimal getting used to, and the throw rope makes accurate throws easy.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the quality of materials and construction, I expect the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer to last for years. The simple design makes it easy to maintain.

A quick rinse with water is usually all it takes to keep the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer clean. The durable material resists dirt and grime.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer comes with a 10″ floating throw rope. There aren’t any specific customization options, but the bumper is compatible with standard electronic training collars if needed.

It’s designed to work seamlessly with other Avery Sporting Dog training products, creating a comprehensive training system.

Pros and Cons of Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer

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Who Should Buy Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer?

The Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer is perfect for dog owners who are looking to train their dogs for retrieving. This includes waterfowl hunters, sporting dog enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to improve their dog’s grip and hold. It’s especially beneficial for dogs with a tendency to chomp.

Someone who is looking for a high degree of customization or a super-heavy-duty bumper for extreme conditions might consider other options.

A must-have accessory is a good quality dog training collar if you plan to incorporate electronic training into your routine.

Conclusion on Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer

Overall, the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer is an excellent training tool that delivers on its promises. It offers a unique design that promotes a softer mouth and a secure grip, and its durability ensures it will last through countless training sessions.

At just $8.49, the price is more than justified, considering the improved training experience and the bumper’s longevity.

I would absolutely recommend the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer to any dog owner looking to improve their dog’s retrieving skills. It’s a worthwhile investment that can make a significant difference in your dog’s training. Give your furry friend the best training experience possible – grab the Avery Sporting Dog HexaBumper Trainer and see the difference it makes!