Operant
conditioning forms an association between a
behavior and a consequence. Consequences have to be
immediate, or clearly linked to the behavior.
The K-9 BSD with its consistent marking
and instant
release of reward makes the consequence clearly linked
to behavior.
Antecedent - what cues or triggers behavior
scent
verbal command
environment/picture
other stimuli
Behavior - what is shaped
by a consequence
Consequence
- what you can control with the K-9 BSD
Release reward = positive reinforcement = behavior increases
Withhold reward = negative punishment = behavior decreases
Example:
Alert behavior is being trained (barking). Device is
set up so dog can not self reward, elevated or in cover
with
reward visible. Handler then encourages the dog to “get
it”
(or whatever cue will be used in future). Handler waits
for the
barking behavior regardless of what other behavior animal
may offer. The moment he barks, the behavior is marked
and tug or prey item is ejected from device. Once the basic
behavior is understood with the cue, you can then shape
more detail in behavior, such as sitting and barking, duration
of barking, pronounced barking, etc.
Introducing the Device to Your K-9
Set
your device up away from animal approximately 25 feet,
with dog on down. Let him see you put his favorite reward
in
device and then release dog and device at same time. Some
dogs will just go for the reward, and some will check out
device.
After a couple releases, the dog will ignore device and
concentrate on reward. The drive for a remote active reward
is
considerably more powerful than handler delivered reward.
It
will create a very high state of arousal, as essentially
you are training with live prey.
Note:
no compulsion should be associated with device because
there is no need. Simply withhold reward if you are not
getting
correct behavior and use a verbal (NRM) no reward marker.
Learn
more about marking behavior
It
should be understood that the trainer controls
the training and the K-9 BSD is just a unique tool
to expand positive reinforcement training.
Reward
Ejection Range
The range of the K9-BSD device is designed to eject popular
reward items with enough distance and speed to engage prey
drive in most working dogs. We don’t want too much
range for a number of reasons:
- the
dog needs to have success immediately for correct behavior
(in most cases)
- the
dog needs to stay in close range of training environment
- the
device may be used indoors at times
- We
offer custom devices for specialized training.
Note:
Repeatedly ejecting reward over top of dog will teach him
to back off to area he expects to capture. When doing scent
training and you want the alert behavior at the find, you
need to go with less delivery. The same applies in Schutzhund
bark and hold training. The dog will always take the quickest
and shortest learned route to his reward. When ejecting
away from the dog this is not an issue because the dog is
using prey drive or building hunt drive.
Below
is list of common reward items average distance it is ejected
with device on ground and legs fully extended. For less
delivery, use a three inch ball packed in barrel (bore diameter
is only 2.9”). The ball will just pop out on release.
View other setup options.
| Reward |
Distance |
| Standard
Tennis Ball 2.5” |
15
feet |
| Fire
Hose Tug |
12
feet |
| Rubber
Ball & Rope 2.5” |
8
feet |
| Jute
Roll Tug |
10
feet |
| Solid
Rubber Ball 3" |
1
feet |
Tips
on Transmitter/Receiver Ranges
Elevating device off ground greatly increases range
Repeatedly pushing transmitter button does not help signal,
holding down constantly and raising arm higher in air does.
(Careful you don't give unwanted cue if dog will see you
do this.)
When not using antenna, the right side of the device has
a greater range (the internal antenna is on right side of
rear housing)
Use an assistant when doing long distance with device in
cover or on ground
View customizing options
if greater range is desired or if unit is to be used at
long ranges or in heavy cover, such as search and rescue
training.
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