To fully understand the structure dependent mechanical property, the harmonic strain loadings were applied to the magnetorheological plastomer (MRP) to study their dynamic properties. Under different test conditions, nonlinearity which was induced by strain amplitude and driving frequency was generated. In order to investigate the mechanism of nonlinearity, a facile and effective strategy by analyzing the response stress and actuating strain within an oscillatory cycle was introduced. In addition, the microstructures of isotropic and anisotropic MRP were observed and the time dependence of dynamic properties for MRP (from isotropic to anisotropic) under an 800 mT magnetic field was also investigated, which were helpful to further understand the structure dependent dynamic properties depending on actuating strain amplitude. (C) 2012 The Society of Rheology. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1122/1.4739263]