Blind Ambitions

I am pretty sure this will be the last entry to the Blind Ambitions blog. I want to thank everyone that has visited on a frequent basis to read my ramblings. Over the past two months or so it has become difficult for me to keep the blog updated on a daily basis, and since the beginning it has not been a very active blog as far as hits are concerned, which leaves me feeling it’s not worth the time and effort to continue. I may try and change the format of this blog some in the near future to make it appealing to a wider range of readers, but for know I bid you all a sincere thank you and goodbye.

Avery Hexabumpers

Product Description: The first training bumper innovation in years! The HexaBumper’s design eliminates many of the disadvantages of traditional round bumpers and holds up to the daily routines of pro trainers!

• Six flat sides for easier hold
• Raised VGrips promote superior hold
• Valveless design will never take on water
• Firm bumper reduces chomping tendency
• Flasher produces hi-vis strobe effect
• Throw rope included
• 2″ & 3″ diameter models

My Review: In my opinion, the best bumper made period. These are great, thye have no valves top fail or leak, theya re balanced and the weight is great to get a good long throw. I have used them for quite some time and you cannot destroy them. The shape has helped with dogs that have mouthing issues, I cannot say enough good things about them. The only negative I cna say about them , is like most quality equipment, thye are expensive. Most places they run between $5 and $6 per bumper. The initial cost is steep, but they do hold up and last longer than any bumper I have used before. There are some volume discounts for kennels and clubs, if you buy 5 dozen you can get them for $200, which is about $3.33 per bumper, a pretty substantial discount. They come in 4 colors, white, black, orange and black/white flasher. There is a “Pro-Pack of 6 bumpers, which is pictured above, you get three white, on e balck, one orange and a flasher. Give these things a try, you’ll be happy you did.

Armadillo Foam Midi-Mallard:

Product Description: Roughly 2/3 the size of our life-size birds; floats well in the water; excellent for use with wingers; combination of size and balance encourages the dog to properly grip the bird in the middle; appropriate coloring to simulate the real thing; accepts scent; foam body helps to maintain a soft mouth; Range Extender Grip as standard equipment.  Designed for working with grown and adolescent dogs.

My Review: I got 5 of these to try out, and must say I am very pleased. They feel great, they throw good, and the dogs really seem to like them. They are much tougher than I thought they would be, and I believe they will hold up as advertised after using them several times. The paint seems to hold up pretty well considering it is painted on foam. My only complaint is that the midi-mallard doens’t come with the range extender grip liek the full size Armadillo Foam products do. It can be overcome by tying some knots in the rope however. You can find Armadillo Foam products at www.armadillofoam.com I will be buying more of their products in the future.