Some breeds are natural herders. If you have one of these breeds or want to buy a herding dog, you’ll need to get him some good herding balls. Border Collies and Shepherds do well with herding balls, but any dog can play with them. They are a great way to keep your pet entertained and exercised.
If you are looking for the best herding balls for your dog, you have come to the right place. This buying guide will give you a comprehensive overview of the eight best herding balls on the market and some tips on choosing the right one for your dog.
- Pros
- Good play style guide
- Enhances mental stimulation
- Provides good exercise
- Teaches dogs to herd
- Works with all breeds & sizes
- Suitable for chase, swim & play
- Will stand up to the toughest dogs.
- Cons
- Super hard ball with no give
The Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy herding ball stands up to the toughest dogs. It is durable rubber and has a textured surface to make it easy for dogs to grip. The ball floats in water, perfect for playing fetch at the beach or pool. This toy is also great for interactive playtime indoors. Your dog will love chasing and playing with this ball.
The Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy is 14 inches in diameter and is available in blue. It is also available in a smaller size for smaller dogs. This toy is recommended for dogs that weigh over 25 pounds. The Jolly Pets Push-N-Play is ideal for chasers and Retrievers and features numerous sizes for all dog breeds. This product features over 5,400 positive reviews and is one of today’s most popular herding balls. Here’s the takeaway:
Features
- Affordable
- Plastic
- Push-N-Play is available in 5 sizes
- Three color options
- Suitable for energetic dogs
- Made for continuous movement
- Over 5,400 positive reviews
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Stimulates dogs & provides plenty of exercise
- Well-suited for high-energy dogs who need a tough toy!
- Impossible to puncture
- Great for outdoor use
- It is suitable for dogs who love to herd and push balls around with their noses.
- Mentally stimulates dogs for hours.
- Eases boredom & encourages exercise
- Super heavy & durable
- Cons
- A super hard ball with no give
The Company of Animals Boomer Herding Ball is an interactive toy that will keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. The ball is designed to bounce erratically in all directions, simulating the movements of a real sheep or cow.
This will engage your dog’s natural herding instincts and provide them with hours of playtime fun. The Boomer Herding Ball is available in blue or red and is sized small for dogs under 25 pounds. If you’re looking for an interactive toy that will keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. This product features over 5,900 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable
- Over 5,900 positive reviews
- Blue or red options
- Size options for all dog breeds
- Made from polyethylene.
- Tough & durable
- Floats
- Therapeutic dog
- Pros
- Textured design makes this ball easy for dogs to grab
- Perfect Christmas & birthday gift for dogs
- Buoyancy design for extra fun
- Surface of the dog ball is covered with uneven massage points.
- Suitable for grass, water, indoor & outdoor use
- Eye-catching colors make it easy for dogs to see
- Cons
- Only for herding, not for aggressive chewers
The THIOPAR Dog Toys Balls is a great interactive toy for small to medium-sized dogs. It is made of durable rubber and is easy to herd, providing hours of entertainment for your pet. The ball is also buoyant, making it perfect for water playtime.
This toy is a must-have for any active dog! It’s made of high-performance EVA material (the market is with PU, rubber material), soft texture, with no need to pump, which means this ball can be punctured without deflating or losing shape. We like this herding ball for dogs because it weighs only 0.39 pounds and is suitable for small, medium, and large dogs to play with for a long time.
- Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Four color options
- Numerous size options for all dog breeds
- Crafted with high-performance EVA material
- EVA material features good softness, & rubber-like elasticity
- Non-toxic
- Ideal for water play & floats
- Flexible herding ball
- Pros
- This is a cheaper version of the MidWest Double Door Dog CrateProvide clear sight while herding with two-color dichromatic vision.
- Suitable for medium to large dog breeds such as German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussie, Corgi, etc.
- Features tough cover & seams (anti-burst 1575 micrometers thickness.)
- Safe zip closure
- Inflates easily
- Proven to improve behavior & well-being in dogs and horses
- Promotes play and mental stimulation
- Encourages Exercise
- Suitable for all dog breeds & life stages
- Cons
- It may be pricier than other brands, but well worth it.
- Not suitable for dogs that are super chewers
We sometimes find that equine products like horse balls work well for herding dog breeds if you’re like us. Horses love these herding balls to play with when out in their paddocks. This is a high-performance herding ball for both horses and dogs, and it makes groundwork plenty of fun. This is a soft, lightweight, yet durable herding ball for dogs and horses that does not hurt your dog’s mouth. It also boasts a 100% machine washable cover thicker than any polyester covers.
The Race & Herd is one of our favorites because it measures 25″ and is a super large herding ball that all animals can use, providing plenty of mental stimulation. This dog herding ball comes with a hand pump and easy-to-follow instructions.
It’s perfect for equestrian farms and gardens where you can encourage your pup to play and get the exercise he needs. Its’ also much softer than some of the other herding balls. This dog herding ball is favored by veterinarians made for horses, dogs, pigs, goats, and other pet animals and is a must-have for all equine-friendly pet homes.
Features
- Soft & lightweight
- Anti-burst tough PVC ball
- Calming blue color
- Longer lasting, damage & abrasion resistant for high performance. Crafted with heavy-duty material
- Inflatable
- It comes with a hand pump
- Durable zip
- Made specifically for dogs & horses
- Pros
- Suitable for herding, retrieving & playing in the pool with
- Textured design makes this ball easy for dogs to grip
- Designed to withstand intensive/destructive play
- Bounces on land to nurture chase instincts
- Encourages healthy exercise & play
- Dogs can carry this ball too.
- Cons
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers
This Jolly Pets Large Soccer Ball Floating-Bouncing Dog Toy is 8 inches in diameter and is made of durable rubber. It is designed to bounce erratically around for your pet’s amusement. The apple green color is bright and cheerful. We like this ball for herding because it doesn’t deflate.
The large size is 8 inches in diameter and is ideal for dogs over 40 lbs. The textured design makes this ball easy for dogs to grip, even when wet! Jolly Pets Soccer Balls are bouncy and encourage jumping, catching, herding, and chasing during play. This toy is also an excellent choice for playing fetch with your dog. The ball floats in water to be used in the pool or at the beach. It is also easy to clean. Your pet will love playing with this fun toy. This product features over 13,000 positive reviews and comes in 3 fun colors.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Over 13,000 positive reviews
- Durable & tough yet soft on the nose and mouth
- Available in 3 sizes & 3 colors(Medium is 6 inches in diameter& ideal for dogs under 40 lbs.)
- Textured design
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Perfect for dogs who love pushing & herding
- Good sizing chart for all breeds
- Floats in water
- Designed for push & herding style play.
- Non-toxic
- 14 "largest size for large breeds with 4.5" for small breeds
- Almost indestructible
- Cons
- A super hard ball that some may not like
This ball is perfect for those who have a pup that enjoys rough play. It’s virtually indestructible and will last through even the most aggressive play. The bright colors are also perfect for visibility, so you can watch your pup even when they’re playing in the distance. This makes for a good herding ball for dogs, and it’s perfect for dogs who love pushing and herding. It’s made from a hard, high-density polyethylene that’s very durable. The ball is also bouncy and has a good grip, so your dog can get a good hold of it and play. This product has over 6,900 positive reviews. Keep in mind that all herding balls should not fit inside your dog’s mouth.
Features
- Made in the US
- Assorted colors & sizes for all dog breeds, small & large
- Washable & durable.
- Hard plastic herding ball for dogs
- Affordable
- Pros
- Encourages play & exercise
- Shipped without inflating
- Gentle on a dog's gums & teeth
- Non-abrasive felt that's durable & longlasting
- Suitable for chasing & playing
- The bright green color & oversized design encourage play.
- Cons
- Need to purchase a pump for this
The Banfeng dog ball is the perfect ball for dogs that love tennis balls and herding. It is made of durable rubber and is designed to bounce. The Banfeng dog ball is 9.5″ in diameter, making it the perfect size for larger dogs. It also comes with an inflating needle for easy inflation. Your dog will love chasing and herding this ball around!
Most pet parents were happy with this purchase because their dogs loved it and found that the ball is durable and well-made. Additionally, it’s non-toxic, and the non-abrasive felt is safe for your dog’s teeth. The Banfeng herding tennis ball dog is an ideal 1st training ball for puppies of all ages and breeds. It’s also priced well and has over 7,800 positive reviews.
Features
- Giant dog’s tennis & herding ball
- Crafted with safe, natural rubber & felt
- Suitable for small, medium & large dogs
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Over 7,800 positive reviews
- Non-toxic
- Pros
- Can withstand high pressure
- Ball does not suddenly burst if punctured
- Brightly colored for high visibility
- Textured & ribbed for an easy grip
- Suitable for medium & large breeds
- Cons
- It may be pricier than others.
This is another equine ball that your herding breed can enjoy. Not only is this herding ball durable and fun, but it’s made to last. Dogs enjoy this ball because it builds curiosity, courage, and confidence. The Bright blue allows for high visibility. The anti-burst rubber compound design can withstand high pressure and prevent the ball from violently bursting if punctured so that your pup doesn’t get frightened. The takeaway with this equine horse and dog herding ball is that it’s textured and ribbed for an easy grip giving your dog more confidence as he plays.
This ball is a bright blue and is made for horses and dogs. The ball is 40 inches in diameter and is anti-burst. If your horse steps on it or kicks it, the ball will not burst. Additionally, the ball includes a pump to use right away. This product has close to a thousand reviews and a one-year warranty.
Features
- Two colorways
- Comes with (1) inflation kit (inflation manual foot pump, 36-inch long air connection hose, air pump nozzles, ball plug).
- One year warranty
- Horse & dog herding ball
- Anti-burst rubber compound design
What to consider when purchasing a herding ball for dogs
Not all dog breeds enjoy playing with herding balls. It’s important to purchase the right size ball for your dog. A ball that is too small can be easily swallowed or cause choking. A too-large ball can be difficult for a small dog to pick up or carry.
When selecting a herding ball, make sure that the ball is made of a durable rubber compound that can withstand high pressure. The ball should also be brightly colored to be easily seen.
The herding ball is designed to build confidence in dogs and horses while they play together. Additionally, the ball is textured and ribbed for an easy grip. This will help your dog maintain his grip on the ball while playing. Herding balls are interactive dog toys that encourage dogs to play and exercise.
Herding breeds and mixes
There are many herding breeds mixes that you can adopt through shelters, especially in farm areas. Herding breeds are prevalent in areas where farm cattle or sheep. Today we also see many herding breeds like the Australian shepherd and Border Collie in urban areas. As these breeds increase in popularity, so does the number of mixed herding breeds. These are extremely high-energy dog breeds that become increasingly hyperactive without the right amount of exercise.
Herding breeds make exceptional pets, but their intelligence and high-energy demands mean they need daily exercise, dog sports like agility, and plenty of mental stimulation.
- Agility, flyball, and herding will keep herding breeds fulfilled and happy. Herding breeds are also prey-driven, so having a few herding balls can help with their exercise needs. Some herding breeds include the following:
- Border Collies
- Australian Cattle Dogs
- Australian Kelpies
- Australian Shepherds
- German Shepherd
There are many classes available in the US for pet parents interested in introducing their dogs to herding. These dogs can then compete in herding via AKC, UKC, the American Herding Breed Association, and the National Stock Dog Registry. There are also events held by the Australian Sheperd Club of America and the North American Sheepdog Society open to all breeds.
Herding balls
So, what are herding balls? Herding balls are a type of ball that is specifically designed for dogs who like to herd animals. They are larger than traditional balls, and they have a textured surface that makes them easy for dogs to grip. Dogs can spend hours playing with this ball and getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Herding balls are designed to not be picked up by the dog, so the ball should be a size bigger than the dog can carry.
What to consider when purchasing a herding ball for dogs
All dog breeds enjoy playing with herding balls. Therefore, it is important to purchase the right size ball for your dog. A ball that is too small can be easily swallowed or cause choking. A too-large ball can be difficult for a small dog to pick up or carry.
When selecting a herding ball, make sure that the ball is made of a durable rubber compound that can withstand high pressure. The ball should also be brightly colored to be easily seen.
The herding ball is designed to build confidence in dogs and horses while they play together. Additionally, some herding balls are textured and ribbed for an easy grip. This will help your dog maintain his grip on the ball while playing. Here’s the takeaway:
The ball’s size: The ball should be large enough for the animal to play with but not so large that it is difficult to manage.
The ball’s material: The ball should be durable and withstand high pressure, and will not burst if punctured. Tear-proof materials include polyethylene that’s 100% non-toxic and safe for your pup to play with. This material is also easy to clean and can endure hours of hard-hitting and rough playing by any dog breed.
The color of the ball– The ball should be brightly colored so that it is visible in all environments.
The ball’s price: Most consumers should be affordable, especially if they have a few pets.
Materials used in dog herding balls
Many different materials can be used to make dog herding balls. Some of the most popular materials include rubber, plastic, and cloth.
Rubber balls are often favored because they are durable and bouncy. Plastic balls are also popular because they are durable and can be easily cleaned. Cloth balls are softer than other materials and are often used to train puppies.
No matter what material is used, the ball must be durable and bouncy. This will help keep your dog entertained and engaged. It is also essential to ensure that the ball is the appropriate size for your dog. For example, a herding ball that’s too small or too large ball can be dangerous and may cause injury.
When choosing a dog herding ball, consider your dog’s needs and preferences. With so many different materials and sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect ball for your pup!
Behavioral issues
- Herding balls for dogs can help with behavioral issues like the following:
- Boredom: A herding ball can help keep your dog entertained and engaged. This can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
- Anxiety: A herding ball can provide a sense of stimulation and excitement, which can help reduce anxiety.
- Aggression: Playing with a herding ball can help channel your dog’s energy and aggression in a positive way.
- Hyperactivity: Herding balls can help tire out hyperactive dogs, leading to a more relaxed and calm demeanor.
- Excessive barking: A herding ball can help distract your dog from barking and provide an outlet for their energy.
- Digging: A herding ball can help keep your dog from digging in the yard or garden. This will help keep your dog entertained and engaged.
- Chasing people, dogs, & cars: A herding ball can provide an outlet for your dog’s natural chasing instincts. This can help keep them safe and out of trouble.
- Nipping at heels: A herding ball can help stop your dog from nipping at people’s heels. This behavior can be dangerous and annoying.
What breeds can use herding balls?
All herding breeds can use herding balls. This includes Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, Welsh Corgis, Old English Sheepdogs, and German Shepherds.
Herding dogs are bred to move livestock using instinctual behaviors such as barking, biting, and nipping. The herding ball gives these dogs a way to practice their herding skills when there is no livestock around.
In addition to herding breeds, other dog breeds can also use herding balls. These breeds include Retrievers, Pointers, and Spaniels. The herding ball is a great way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated for these dogs and help them improve their obedience and agility skills.
What is Treibball?
Treibball, also known as “Drive Ball,” is a relatively new sport developed in Germany in the early 2000s. It involves herding a group of balls into a goal area using only your dog’s body. The game can be played indoors or outdoors and enjoyed by dogs of all ages and breeds.
To play Treibball, you will need a few items:
- A group of large balls (ten is ideal)
- A space to play (minimum 30×30 feet)
- A Treibball goal (a cone or other marker will do)
- A stopwatch or timer
The basic rules of Treibball are as follows:
- The dog starts at one end of the playing area and is directed to herd the balls into the goal area.
- If a ball is dropped, the dog must return to the start point and begin again.
- A point is awarded for every ball successfully herded into the goal area.
- The game lasts for ten minutes, and the player with the most points wins.
Many dogs instinctively know how to play Treibball, but some basic training may be needed to get started. You can teach your dog by following these steps:
- Start by placing the Treibball in an open space and letting your dog approach it. If your dog shows interest in the ball, praise him and give him a treat. You can also encourage your dog by making clicking noises with your mouth.
- Once your dog is familiar with the ball, start playing “chase.” Throw the ball away and let your dog chase after it. As he brings the ball back to you, praise him and give him a treat.
- Next, start directing your dog to herd the ball into the goal area. You can do this by pointing at the goal area and saying “Treibball” or “Goal.” As your dog gets better at herding the balls, increase the distance between the ball and the goal area.
- Finally, time your dog’s efforts by using a stopwatch or timer. Try to get him to herd as many balls into the goal area as possible in ten minutes. Be sure to praise and reward your dog for his efforts!
What are the benefits of playing Treibball?
Treibball has become extremely popular because it offers many benefits for dogs and owners. Some of the benefits include:
- Exercise and stimulation for dogs of all ages and breeds
- Improved obedience and agility skills
- A fun way to bond with your dog
- Teaches teamwork and communication between dog and owner
- Develops problem-solving skills
- Enhances dogs natural herding instincts
- Provides mental stimulation
- It can be enjoyed by dogs of all ages and breeds.
Conclusion For Best Herding Balls for Dogs
The herding ball is a great way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. It can also help them to improve their skills in obedience and agility.
As with any new activity, start slow and be patient. Remember to praise your dog for his efforts, and have fun playing Treibball together! You can also take up a class of Treibball at your local Triebball club or nearest dog obedience school.
Many people find this to be a great way to spend time with their furry friends and get some exercise while they are at it.
Want to see a dog herding ball in action? Check out the video below:
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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