The ABC’s of Learning and Basic Use
of the K-9 BSD

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. 

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 tug or prey item is
ejected from device. Once the basic behavior is understood
with the cue, you can then shape more detail such as duration
of barking.

Pre Training Requirements

The device is most effective on dogs that behavior can be controlled with ball, tug etc. in a variety of different
environments.

Familiarize your self with device before dog is introduced
by testing both reward and signal ranges.

Condition dog to device by setting up some short distance
away and eject his reward. Once dog is showing consistent
drive for device training may begin.

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.

Training Articles

Marking Behavior
Training the Schutzhund Send Out Exercise
Passive Alert Foundation Training
Clear communication with the odor detection dog

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.

Standard Training Device - BSD 1

Odor Detection - BSD 2

• Tennis ball
• Rubber ball
• Kong
• Towel

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.