Ball Training Devices (BTDs) are a fundamental component of detection training. These small machines achieve great results when used correctly by enabling trainers to reinforce specific behaviors, and build those behaviors into a solid indication. BTDs allow reinforcement to come directly from source – a concept which is difficult to achieve without them.
The benefits of using a BTD are numerous. A “freeze and lock” indication (or focus, point or stare) is one of the most practical indications for most types of detection handlers. This type of indication lets a detection dog point directly at the source of target odor, communicating to the handler exactly where the scent is coming from. This helps eliminate handler confusion in determining the exact location of source, and helps ensure that their K9 partner does not get frustrated because they have to wait for their handler to “figure it out” before getting rewarded. With all types of indications, a BTD begins pairing target odor with reward right away, and builds the connection between source and reinforcement in such a way that cannot always be achieved when the reward is consistently coming from the handler.
A functioning BTD can be a game changer for you and your future (or current) K9 partner; however, not all are created equal. At Highland, we pride ourselves on training world-class detection dogs, and we wanted to know which BTD was the best. Through a comprehensive study of several popular BTD models, we were able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each, alongside which model is truly superior.
Why This Comparison Analysis Matters For You
When building any sort of behavior, timing of reinforcement is critical. If you can’t reward your dog at the moment they are presenting the desired behavior, you can’t make that behavior better. In the beginning stages of indication building, dogs tend to offer a variety of behaviors – only one of which you will want. Typically, they offer these behaviors for only a second or two before trying something different. This is precisely the reason why it is so important to have a quality BTD: the moment you press that button, the reward has to be instantaneously launched from the box.
In order to create a top-notch detection dog, you need to have access to top-notch equipment. Imprinting materials and training aids, environments conducive to skill development and proofing, equipment, training materials and handler education are all critical to the success of handler and dog.
Ball Training Device Comparison Analysis
The following comparison analysis was conducted in an outdoor environment in mild weather conditions. Each model was tested right after another on the same day, with no change in weather or environment. All distance results were recorded on video at maximum capacity, and measured with the same tools. All other active results were recorded through appropriate software and measured accordingly.
The models chosen for this analysis are several of the most popular chosen for detection training in North America, and most readily accessible to detection K9 trainers in 2020. The brands included in this review are:
K-9 Behavior Shaping Device
$674.95
Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro
$429.99
European Ball Training Device
KAS Pump Box
$410.21
In this article, we will cover several of the most important criteria that you will want to know about each ball trainer before making the investment.
Basic Specifications
This category contains most of your standard “need to know” criteria. The dimensions and weight of each model are included, alongside the minimum size box necessary for use, allowing you to know prior to purchase if the device will comfortably fit in your boxes.
It also includes information such as if multiple remote types can be programmed and used with the device and the range in which the remote will still work.
Finally, information specific to trainers such as if any of the materials utilized in each design contain substances commonly found in explosives, and if the machine triggers automatically when dropped from six inches (this is especially useful if you’re training high drive dogs who have a tendency to knock boxes over).
| K-9 BSD | Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro | European Style Ball Trainer | KAS Pump Box | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 325' | 500' | 350' | 500' |
| Weight | 3.4lbs | |||
| Dimensions | L-6.4in/W-6.4in/H-10.4in | L-9.8in/W-4.1in/H-6.8in | Diameter-10.4in/4.9in | L-7.8in/W-6.2in/H-7.0in |
| Triggers When Dropped At 6"? | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Multiple Remotes Standard? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Minimum Box Size Needed For Use | L-6.4in/W-6.4in/H-10.4in | L-9.8in/W-4.1in/H-6.8in | Diameter-10.4in/4.9in | L-7.8in/W-6.2in/H-7.0in |
| Any Chemicals Common To Explosives | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
| Can Boxes Be Altered For Compatibility? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Batteries and Charging
This category contains any information relevant to charging or replacing the batteries in your device.
Reliability and consistency are critical in the training of your detection dog, so ease of charging/battery replacement will enable you to train more regularly. This also includes information such as if car chargers are available, the type of power source necessary to operate the divide and if you are able to purchase chargers separate from the device.
| K-9 BSD | Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro | European Style Ball Trainer | KAS Pump Box | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible After-Market Chargers | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Are Car Chargers Available | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Easy & Cheap To Replace Batteries | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Manufacturer Chargers Sold Separately | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Type Of Power Source To Run Device | 2x12V1.3Ah/20HR Lead Acid | 2 Hour Rapid Charge Battery | 9V Battery/Rechargeable |
Cleaning The Device
In order to ensure that your device continues running well, it will be necessary to keep it clean and well cared for.
The amount of cleaning necessary to maintain optimal functioning will depend on the materials used in construction and the layout of these materials. We will cover how often each machine will require cleaning and the ease in which cleaning can be accomplished.
| K-9 BSD | Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro | European Style Ball Trainer | KAS Pump Box | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designed To Be Cleaned Easily | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Required Cleaning Frequency | Monthly/As Needed | Monthly/As Needed | Monthly/As Needed | Monthly/As Needed |
Operational Specifications
Containing operational specifics such as the amount of noise each machine makes, if there are any factors that could influence unintentional cuing, how much the ball or reward is compressed during use and more, this section will allow you to compare the “in use” stats between each model.
| K-9 BSD | Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro | European Style Ball Trainer | KAS Pump Box | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height Of Ball When Compressed | 9.4in | 6.6in | 4.7in | 7.8in |
| Can A Frame Be Simply Constructed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Noise In Decibels | 86.5 dB | 84.3 dB | 85.2 dB | 88.8 dB |
| Delay From Activation To Release | 0.139 Seconds | 0.395 Seconds | 0.532 Seconds | 0.097 Seconds |
| Max Height Of Ball When Released | 24in | 24in | 25in | 28in |
| Is Release Height Adjustable | Yes | No | No | No |
| Easy To Reload For Each Repetition | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fires Items Other Than Tennis Ball | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Environmental Triggering
Which factors can set this model off before you’re ready to press the trigger button? When working with newer dogs that haven’t yet developed a consistent indication, it is likely that they will “test” a number of behaviors, from biting, scratching and attempting to turn the box over. All of these behaviors can inadvertently cause the Ball Training Device to launch the ball prematurely and result in rewarding the dog for an action that you do not want to reinforce. This section covers if impact can set trigger the device to release at different velocities.
| K-9 BSD | Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro | European Style Ball Trainer | KAS Pump Box | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device triggers when 5lbs is dropped on box from 4' | No | No | No | No |
| Device triggers when 5lbs is dropped on box from 6' | No | No | No | No |
| Device triggers when 5lbs is dropped on box from 8' | No | No | No | No |
Other
This category contains other information that users will find relevant to their training.
| K-9 BSD | Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro | European Style Ball Trainer | KAS Pump Box | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Factors Which Impact The Device | Just Temp if Cleaned Well | Just Temp if Cleaned Well | Just Temp if Cleaned Well | Just Temp if Cleaned Well |
| Can The Device Be Buried | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does The Device Fire At Angles Up To 90° | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Is Device Usable For Multiple Behaviors | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does Device Cause Alteration Of Training Process | No | No | No | No |
| Can 'Dummy' Devices Be Easily Made | No | No | No | No |
| Device Allows A Ball To Be Dropped Remotely | No | Yes | No | No |
In Review
Employing a Ball Training Device can offer you the opportunity to build a more solid detection dog in addition to teaching and reinforcing behaviors in various other areas of training. Each BTD that we looked at had varying capabilities and limitations but all of them seemed to be capable of reinforcing basic behaviors.
Of the four that we looked at, it was pretty evident that the Dogtra Ball Trainer Pro simply had more to offer. It delivers consistently, is more versatile (the only device that launches and drops a reward item) and the value of the device – for what it delivers – is hard to beat.