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Are you in search of the perfect herding ball to engage and entertain your hardworking and energetic dog? Look no further! Finding the best herding ball for your working dog is another option to ensure they stay mentally stimulated, physically active, and fulfill their natural herding instincts. Whether your dog is a Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, or any other herding breed, a high-quality herding ball can provide hours of fun and engagement. In this article, we will explore the top herding ball options available in the market, their unique features, and what to consider when choosing the perfect one for your furry companion. Get ready to discover the ideal herding ball that will not only keep your working dog entertained but also help them channel their innate herding skills in a safe and enjoyable way. Let’s dive in and find the best herding ball that will have your working dog happily herding to their heart’s content!
For further information about herding dogs, see our article Herding Dog Breeds – Traits and Behavior Problems
Benefits of Dog Herding Balls
Herding balls are similar in size to a soccer ball, but of a tough hard material that is difficult for your dog to chew. The idea is that they are unable to fit the ball in their mouth, so they push it with their nose.
Finding the best herding ball for working dogs is a great way to mentally and physically stimulate your puppy. This is especially true for herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Kelpies, Australian Shepherds, etc.
The best herding ball will keep your dog entertained for hours and encourage physical and mental stimulation, they are one of the best outdoor dog toys available. Since herding dogs are born to chase moving objects and other animals around, a herding ball will prepare them for this kind of work.
It will promote good herding instincts and prevent destructive behaviors. Otherwise, boredom and lack of stimulation can cause them to develop behavioral problems such as:
- Excessive barking
- Chewing
- Chasing other pets or people around
- Nipping or play biting
Proper training and discipline will reduce these behaviors, along with using a great interactive toy like a herding ball.
Lets jump into the list – Which will be best best herding ball for your Aussie?
Our Pick for the Top Herding Balls for Dogs
Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy
The Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy makes it to the top 1 of our list! Are you looking for a herding ball that’s will stand up to anything your dog can throw at it? This one takes the trophy with multiple sizes to suite your dog. If your pooch loves chasing, pushing, or herding, this Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy is a must-have. It’s the perfect dog herding ball for your energetic dog!
Pros:
- Available in Blue, Red, and Purple
- Suitable for land and water
- Durable
- Designed for chasing/herding
Cons:
- Some parts can cause a choking hazard when removed
- Excessive chewing can cause tooth wear
Boomer Ball
The Boomer Ball is a durable herding ball for dogs of all breed sizes. It’s available in three sizes (Small, Large, and Enormous) and two colors (Blue or Red). This one’s the best and toughest dog herding ball for hyperactive dogs because it can withstand punctures and rips.
Another best feature of this herding ball is it’s specifically designed to be bigger than the dog, so it’s challenging to carry and pick up. Use it to train your dog and strengthen your dog’s herding instincts by chasing and rolling it around.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality and tough material
- Suitable for high-energy working dogs
- Promotes mental and physical stimulation
- Virtually indestructible
Cons:
- Hard plastic and can potentially damage your dog’s teeth
Doggie Dooley Virtually Indestructible Ball for Dogs
A large ball for large dogs. This 14-inch Doggie Dooley Virtually Indestructible Ball for Dogs caters to large dog breeds who are looking for a good herding ball to herd and push around. Its name does not deceive you, when they said virtually indestructible ball they really mean it.
Customers even gave it a 5 out of 5 when it comes to its chew-proof feature. Meanwhile, it received an astounding 4.3 out of 5 in all its other features such as longevity, durability, and sturdiness. Now that’s the perfect herding ball for dogs!
Pros:
- Floats in water
- Size-appropriate
- Hard plastic ball for the toughest dogs
- Available in Red, Blue, Orange
Cons:
- Too hard for some dogs
Jolly Pets Jolly Egg Dog Toy
Let your dog enjoy chasing and pushing this unique-shaped Jolly Pets Jolly Egg Dog Toy around to encourage their herding behavior. It comes in medium and large sizes, ideal for dogs weighing over 40 pounds. Keep your dog entertained and physically stimulated with this fun dog herding ball from Jolly Pets.
Pros:
- Designed for herding dog breeds
- Available in Red, Yellow, and Purple
- Floats in water
- For pushing and herding
Cons:
- Can wear your dog’s tooth
Race & Herd Herding Ball for Dogs
Are you looking for a bigger challenge for your herding dog? Get a load of this impressive Race&Herd Herding Ball for Dogs made to test your dog’s herding skills. The materials are heavy-duty and durable, perfect for large dogs, horses, pigs, and more.
Give your working dog proper training using this herding ball to promote mentally and physically stimulating activities. The Race&Herd Herding Ball is suitable for medium to large breed dogs like the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, and German Shepherd.
Pros:
- Soft, inflatable, lightweight
- Durable nylon cover
- Easy to inflate
- Improve herding behaviors
- Built to last and withstand high pressure
Cons:
- Zipper is flimsy
- Not for aggressive chewers
How to Train Your Dog To Use Herding Balls
You can use many techniques to teach your dog how to play with the herding ball. One of these techniques includes using treats to teach your dog how to push the ball. Of course, this requires a lot of patience and repetition to master.
- First, teach your dog to touch or push your hand with their nose. Hold out your hand to them with your palm facing their face and let them touch it with their nose. If they do it right several times, give your dog a treat or two to reward them.
- Teach your dog to push a few other things, like the door with their snout, so they can slightly increase the pressure of their push. Reward them with treats every time they do it right.
- Next is teaching your dog to go around obstacles. You can do this by placing a chair on the floor and putting a few treats behind the chair. The goal is for them to go around the chair to get to the treats.
- You can use the herding ball for the next step. Place the ball between your knees and see if your dog tries to push it. A good trick is to put tape on one spot of the ball and have them practice pushing around that part repeatedly. Remember to give them treats if they do it properly.
- Next, try putting the ball in a corner and have him move it toward you. Use hand signals or commands to help your dog navigate his way to you while pushing the ball. And remember the treats!
- Try a little more distance from the ball to you. Use a variety of hand signals or verbal cues to help your dog figure out his way toward you. You can even design a zigzag course to make things more exciting for your puppy.
- Finally, give your furry friend treats for being a good boy!
How to Choose the Right Herding Ball for Your Dog?
Choosing the right dog herding ball is essential for ensuring you’re getting a high-quality product that can help maximize your dog’s herding abilities. Remember these factors when picking out the best herding balls for dogs.
- Pick the right size for your dog – Ideally, you want the herding ball to be bigger than your dog so your pooch is not at risk of choking on it. Also, make sure that the ball is challenging to carry or fit in their mouth because the main purpose of a herding ball is to get them to push it around and not just lift it around.
- Durable material – Let’s face it. Chewing is an unavoidable behavior in dogs. That’s why it’s best to buy a heavy-duty ball that can withstand your dog’s chewing but, at the same time, does not cause damage to your dog’s teeth.
- Weight – The weight of your dog’s herding ball should be just right for them to push around. It shouldn’t be too light because it can bounce, making it look like a fetching toy instead. Remember, it’s your dog’s herding instinct you’re training.
Dangers in Using a Herding Ball for Herding Dogs
Herding balls are not all fun and games, especially for a herding breed that has a habit of chewing or biting. It can be dangerous for your furry friend if they like to scratch, bite, or chew on the ball because these can create an unpleasant and rough surface on the ball.
The danger is when your dog tries to chew on it again, it can cause abrasions to your dog’s mouth or, worse, wear down their teeth. So if you have an aggressive chewer, be cautious of this and only pick a herding ball that they can’t easily pick up or chew.
Carylle Gonzales
Growing up, I have always been fond of dogs. For me, nothing can replace the sheer joy of having a loyal furry companion around and being able to experience the unchanging love, affection, and compassion dogs have for the people around them.
Now, writing about dogs is my favorite part of the day as I learn more about what makes each dog unique and special. Hopefully, these articles can teach you to celebrate all the good things that come with being a good dog owner for you and your beloved dog.
