Amazon’s Giant Herding Balls Give Active Dogs a Fun Way To Burn Off Energy
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Some dogs will happily chase a tennis ball until your throwing arm gives out. Others seem much more interested in pushing, bumping, circling, and chasing anything that moves across the yard. For those pups, a herding ball can turn all that enthusiasm into an engaging game.
Unlike a traditional fetch ball that’s meant to be picked up and carried, herding balls are typically large enough that dogs push and nudge them instead. Every bump sends the ball rolling in another direction, giving dogs something to chase, maneuver, and redirect as they play.
And despite the name, your dog doesn’t have to be a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd to enjoy one.
Why Do Dogs Like Herding Balls?
Playing with a herding ball taps into many natural herding instincts. There’s even a dog sport built around the idea. Treibball, sometimes called urban herding, involves dogs maneuvering large inflatable balls toward a goal under their handler’s direction.
According to the American Kennel Club, the sport can appeal to energetic dogs that are ball-focused, have a herding drive, or simply enjoy having a job to do.
And it isn’t just for traditional herding breeds. AKC notes that Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Terriers, and even a Pug have participated in Treibball. And as a longtime Rottweiler mom, I can say firsthand that Rotties definitely have a love for this sport, something I learned many years ago with a short-lived yoga ball.
4 Amazon Herding Balls for Different Personalities and Sizes
There are quite a few versions available, from simple push-and-chase balls to designs that incorporate ropes and tetherball-style play. Size is also worth considering, particularly because these toys are intended primarily for pushing rather than carrying or chewing.
ROSUJIH Herding Ball
The ROSUJIH Herding Ball is a straightforward option for dogs that enjoy chasing and pushing a ball around the yard. It comes in small, medium, and large options for dogs of different sizes, including 12-inch, 18-inch, and 22-inch.
A tear-resistant fabric cover surrounds a textured inner ball, while reinforced handles around the outside make the oversized toy easier to carry and store. The inner bladder has a slow-leak, burst-resistant design intended to release air gradually if punctured, rather than deflate suddenly. An inflation pump is included.
Hap Tim Heavy-Duty Herding Ball
Dogs come in very different sizes, and the Hap Tim Heavy-Duty Herding Ball offers several choices on that front. Amazon currently shows 18-, 22-, 25-, and 30-inch sizes.
Inside is a puncture-resistant, anti-burst PVC bladder surrounded by a tear-resistant Oxford nylon cover. Double stitching and a hidden zipper add reinforcement, while knotted ropes around the outside distinguish it from a basic smooth herding ball.
The removable nylon cover is washable, which is a practical feature for something destined to roll through grass and dirt, and inflation accessories are included.
AsFrost 4-in-1 Herding Ball Tetherball Set
For dogs that enjoy some variety, the AsFrost 18-Inch Herding Ball Tetherball Set offers several ways to play.
Along with the ball, the set includes a bungee rope and heavy-duty ground stake. The bungee can be hung from a tree for suspended play or attached to the stake for a 360-degree tetherball-style game. Remove the bungee, and the ball can be used for traditional pushing and chasing.
The ball has a puncture-resistant PVC bladder and a removable 900D Oxford fabric cover with reinforced seams and a covered zipper. The cover is also machine washable.
Race & Herd Original Herding Ball
For larger dogs, the Race & Herd Original Herding Ball offers one of the biggest options in the group. The 30-inch set includes the herding ball and cover along with a pump, repair patch, training clicker, ball plug, zipper tool, and training guide. Race & Herd also instructs users to inflate the inner ball until it fits snugly against the outer cover and to remove the zipper handle before giving the ball to a dog.
Their size guide recommends the 18-inch small for dogs under 10 pounds, the 22-inch medium for dogs from 10 to 35 pounds, the 25-inch large for dogs from 18 to 40 pounds, and the 30-inch XL for dogs weighing 35 pounds or more. The company also suggests going up one size for especially energetic dogs.
Breed examples in the guide include Corgis and French Bulldogs for the 18-inch ball, Collies and Shelties for the 22-inch, Bulldogs and Blue Heelers for the 25-inch, and Boxers and Golden Retrievers for the 30-inch.
What Size Herding Ball Does Your Dog Need?
With herding balls, bigger isn’t necessarily better. The goal is to choose a ball your dog can maneuver with their nose, shoulders, and body rather than one they can pick up and carry away.
Consider your dog’s height and build, how they interact with large toys, and the individual manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing a size.
How To Introduce Your Dog to a Herding Ball
Give your dog a chance to investigate the ball before expecting them to know what to do with it. Rolling it a short distance can help introduce the game, and treats or praise can be used to reward interaction with the ball.
Keep the first games short and pay attention to your dog’s response.
Herding balls are designed for interactive play rather than chewing, so supervise your dog and check the ball regularly for damage. Then give them some room to run and see where the game takes them. Sometimes the simplest toys end up bringing the biggest smiles.
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Dogs love these balls!! I volunteer at a shelter and they all go crazy for em