How to Train My Dog to Use the PetSafe® Automatic Ball Launcher
Important Information
For effective training, you will need treats to give your dog to reinforce the desired behavior.
Each dog is different, so training times will vary. If your dog seems afraid about the sounds the launcher makes, it may take them more time to become comfortable around it. Make sure you do not force your dog to be around the launcher.
Be patient and consistent with your pet during training. If you start to see your pet getting stressed out, give them a break, and come back to it later.
Slowly Acclimate Your Dog
With the ball launcher powered OFF, allow your dog to approach the launcher and explore it. Practice with commands your dog already knows, like sit and lay down. Praise your dog and offer them treats when they get near the ball launcher to help them get more comfortable with being around it.
If your dog is relaxed while playing and training near the automatic ball launcher, start getting them used to the sound it makes. Set the ball launcher at a distance away from your dog and power the unit on. Let your dog get used to the beeps and tones the launcher makes. Then launch a ball from the device. Watch your dog’s response to the sounds the launcher makes when a ball is launched. Only move closer to your dog with the launcher when your dog seems relaxed and no longer concerned about the noises.
Standing to the Side and Waiting
The Motion Detection Sensor is a safety feature that prevents a ball from being launched if motion is detected in front of the unit. Because of this, you will want to teach your dog to stand to the side of the ball launcher instead of in front of it.
Stand to the side where you would like your dog to stand. Encourage your dog with treats to stand there as well while you wait for the ball to launch. You may need to give a command to stay to reinforce that this is where they should be.
Once the ball has launched, you can encourage your dog to begin the chase. When your dog returns with the ball, again encourage them to stand to the side where you are before accepting the ball and returning it to the hopper.
Returning to the Hopper
You can train your dog to return the ball to the hopper themselves. Start by training your dog to drop the ball on command.
Your dog should only use the ball launcher while supervised.
Hold your hand palm up and tell them to drop it. Give your dog a treat every time they successfully drop it on command.
When your dog is consistent with dropping the ball on command, hold your hand over the hopper with your palm up. Give your dog the command again to drop it, allowing the ball to fall into the hopper.
Phase out the use of treats and your hand once your dog is consistently dropping the ball in the hopper.
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If you need further assistance, please contact our customer care team.