Read what some of the top trainers in the USA say about using a tennis ball to train with. Taken from the k-9 Training list.
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Training Drug Detection Dogs Re: [k9training] Ball Drive I assume with the toy that your department wants an active alert. Next, I assume you know that tennis |
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What department was that? I have heard of dogs getting small balls lodged in their throat but never a tennis ball. I have heard of dogs getting intestinal blockages from consuming tennis balls, also had a couple consume a Kong and need an operation. Fact is some of them can almost consume anything like that if you leave it with them.
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I never leave a tennis ball with a dog. If the dog only likes tennis balls, then I use them as a detection reward and take them away before they can be consumed or the dog "wears his teeth down". The rope is a good idea because it keeps the ball from rolling and bouncing all over when you reward. This can be hazardous. I prefer a bite type toy, jute ,etc., that does bounce or roll all over the place.
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I know this might sound unconventional to some but I check out the dogs drive and if it is suitable then I do not too much "formal" searching for the hidden toy. I think this just develops a conditioned response to search for the wrong target odor. I try to form a bridge ASAP between locating the target odor and receiving the toy. Not locating the toy odor to receive the toy.
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I personally train w/ as many 'toys' as I can think of to use. Rubber hose, fire hose, wooden dowels, pvc pipe, towels, kongs, rope, to name a few. I never personally use tennis balls. The reason: I have heard that the glue used in some balls can be toxic. I have never had it happen personally or w/ any dogs I know. Also, I don't want ANY other chemicals or odors to interfere w/ the odor I am training on.
Just my two pennies
Mike Herstike
This is just a few of the many posts that have been made on the k-9 training list about tennis balls. I would like to express what really does happen with the tennis ball. For training any odor detection it is a mistake to use a tennis ball because it,
Has the wrong odor (RUBBER SMELL) to be training a detection dog with.
The dyes in the tennis ball are toxic to the dog.
The ball can explode and small pieces get lodged in the stomach
The tennis ball is a danger to use on the street for a reward because of it’s ability to bounce and roll out in front of autos.
Jim Hornbeck
Missouriwhiteshepherds.com
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