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I decided to make this post about a single floatable toy primarily because there are not very many floatable amphibious bumper dog toys available. This one is one that I’ve tried not only with my Golden Retriever Nola, but also with Husky’s and Labs. I holds up well with chewing and the dogs love it.
The dogs go for this toy like it’s the only one in the world. It’s easy for them to carry while they are swimming too.
Keep an eye on color because dogs are partially colorblind, and the people who make these toys seem ignore that fact. Red toys can disappear from them in green water. You see it fine, but your pup cannot. There are many ways to deal with this. When she goes after a toy in water and cannot find it, throw a stone, or something appropriate depending on where you are, that splashes near it. Your pup will head in that direction and usually get close enough to see it.
Best overall
The bumper this page is about. It floats, so it comes back to you rather than sinking out of reach, and the shape is easy for a dog to grab side-on in water. Colors vary on delivery.
Best stick shape
Same floating construction as the bumper in a stick shape, which some dogs carry more comfortably than a fat bumper. Listed as an interactive water toy. Pick this if your dog already fetches sticks on land.
Easiest to clean
Made from EVA foam, which rinses rather than absorbing lake water and staying wet in the car. Floats. The one to keep in a beach bag you would rather not smell later.
Best for throwing distance
Balls on a rope rather than a bumper, and the rope is what lets you throw further out into a pool or lake. Two in a pack, listed for medium and large dogs.
Best for retriever training
Sold as a retrieving dummy rather than a toy, at 10.8 inches. That is the format used for gundog and water retrieve work, so it suits an owner training rather than just playing.
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