The Best Herding Ball for Dogs – Our Top 8 That You’ll Love

BarkingTalk is a canine community which means we may earn a small commission on some products purchased through links on our site. You can read more here

Are you in search of a herding ball that will bring joy and satisfaction to your furry companion? Whether it’s a toy or an activity that you can do together, having the right herding ball is essential.

From interactive play to engaging exercise, these balls add another layer of fun and enrichment for your pup! But with so many options out there, how do you know which is the best herding ball for your dog?

In this blog post, we’ve rounded up our top 8 herding balls to give your pup the ultimate playtime experience. What type of ball will be their favorite? What features should you look for in a great herding ball? We’ll answer all these questions and more so that you can give your pup an unforgettable playtime! 

What Are the Herding Balls?

Herding balls are an exciting and interactive way to keep your dog entertained. They are often larger than traditional balls, have a textured surface that allows them to be gripped easily by your pup, and can provide hours of exercise and mental stimulation for your four-legged friend. 

But why are herding balls great for dogs? Not only do they provide physical and mental stimulation, but they also offer an opportunity to practice the skills that are essential for herding dogs such as tracking, chasing, circling, and nipping. 

So, why not challenge your pup’s mind by seeing how long they can chase or circle their herding ball?

You can also check out our blog on the best puzzle toys for even more mental stimulation.

Which Dog Breeds Can Use Herding Balls?

Herding dogs are masters of the herding ball, utilizing their innate abilities to round up livestock. Breeds like the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd were bred for herding – each bringing unique traits which help them excel at rounding up animals with ease. 

Not only that, but Welsh Corgis, Old English Bulldogs, and German Shepherds also fit the bill perfectly! Thanks to years of selective breeding, these remarkable canines now have a seemingly effortless knack for controlling herds using nothing more than herding balls.

In addition to herding breeds, If your furry friend is a Retriever, Pointer, or Spaniel that loves the active life and has an abundance of intelligence, then a herding ball could be just the activity they need to keep their mind and body stimulated.

With specially designed herding balls for dogs, your pup can have a way to exercise its instincts while keeping itself entertained for hours on end!

Benefits of Herding Balls

Training and playing with herding balls offers countless rewards to you, your dog, and the relationship between the two of you. Here are some of the top behavioral advantages these herding balls can bring to pups and ultimately to the dog owners

1. Reduces Anxiety

Herding balls bring a new level of entertainment and stimulation to your pup, which can help reduce their anxiety. With the herding ball, they use their paws and snout to work out how best to play with it – this problem-solving is mentally stimulating for them! 

2. Best Solution for the Hyperactive Dogs

Herding balls provide a fantastic outlet for exuberant pups to expel their excess energy in a positive and nonviolent manner. With their unpredictable movement, these playthings can capture canine attention more effectively than most other toys, helping them wind down and maintain composure.

3. Checks Your Dog’s Aggression

Herding balls provide your pup with an effective and safe method for channeling energy and frustration. When used regularly a herding ball for dogs during playtime sessions, can act as a deterrent to aggressive behaviors by providing them with an outlet to express their pent-up emotions without resorting to lashing out. 

4. A Good Source of Entertainment for Your Pup

Herding balls are an excellent way to keep your furry friend stimulated and engaged. They reduce boredom and discourage destructive behaviors. A herding ball not only exercises their mind and body but also enhances their self-assurance. You might also want to get your pup one of the best squeaky toys as another source of entertainment.

5. Prevents Nipping at Heels

Herding balls can be a great way to keep your dog entertained and engaged while also discouraging them from nipping at people’s heels. Such behavior can not only be dangerous, but it is also irritating. Thankfully, your dog’s herding ball will provide them with an outlet for their energy so they are able to participate in productive activities that won’t cause harm!

6. Prevents Digging Behaviour

Prevent your pup from reverting to their digging habits by introducing them to herding balls! Not only will it keep them stimulated and engaged, but provide an enjoyable activity that is both mentally absorbing as well as physical. 

7. Perfect Tool to Train Your Pup for Herding

Herding balls are a perfect tool to make your furry friends good herding dogs. They will diminish the risk of chase-related behavior problems and strengthen the bond between you and your pup.

What to Look for When Buying a Herding Ball for Dogs

Every dog enjoys chasing after a herding ball, so if you’re looking to purchase one for your furry friends, you must make sure to get the right one. Here are some key points to remember when making this decision:

Size of the Ball

When selecting the perfect ball for your pet, size is everything. Aim to find something that’s neither so small it can be swallowed nor so large it becomes unmanageable. A too-small toy could lead to choking hazards while a too-large one may be tricky for smaller dogs to pick up and carry.

Material of the Ball

The ball should be very durable so it withstands significant pressure. The material should ideally be tear-proof, non-toxic, and secure for your pup – ideal for lengthy playtime no matter their size or breed! Additionally, it should be easy to clean up after the fun has ended.

Color of the Ball

Ideally, the ball should be a bright color so it stands out wherever it is. Not only will this make it easier for your dog to spot the ball while they are playing, but it is also beneficial for helping your pet maintain focus and stay on task.

Price

One of the best things about herding balls is that there is a huge price range so every owner can find a ball that suits them and their dogs. This list includes some on the higher and lower end of the spectrum.

Top 8 Herding Balls for Your Dog

If you’re on the hunt for the highest quality accessories to meet your pup’s needs, then search no further. We’ve gathered a selection of herding balls that are unbeatable in terms of strength, cost-efficiency, and many more important attributes – just perfect for your furry friend!

1. Jolly Pets Push-N-Play Ball Dog Toy

The Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball is our top pick for herding ball excellence. It is designed to survive even your most robust pup! Crafted with durable rubber and textured for convenient gripping, not only can this toy endure watery adventures such as playing fetch at the beach or pool but it also creates an ideal opportunity for interactive playtime indoors. 

Your furry friend will be thrilled every time you take out their very own special ball – get ready to watch them zoom around chasing after it!

Key Features

• Water Toy

Pros

• Will withstand the toughest of canines.
• Perfect for chasing and swimming
• Suitable for all sizes and breeds
• Provides excellent physical and mental stimulation
• Can’t be broken or chewed

Cons

• Some dogs may not like this hard plastic ball
• It can get quite noisy on the cemented floors or indoors

2. Jolly Pets Bounce-N-Play Dog Toy Ball

Coming in at an incredibly close second, the Jolly Pets Bounce-N-Play is an absolute must-have! Not only can it bounce and float, but it also comes scented to truly tantalize your pup’s senses. Specifically, light blue smells like blueberries; pink like bubblegum; and orange with a hint of vanilla – what more could you want for your beloved canine companion?

Jolly Ball’s JollyFlex material ensures that your pup’s toy won’t lose its form, no matter how hard they try to put a hole in it! This means that this is The ball for dogs who love to chew – get ready for hours of entertainment and durable fun.

Key Features

• Water Toy

Pros

• Highly indestructible toy
• Big enough to not cause choking
• It stays round and usable even after a hole

Cons

• Some pups might not like the material
• Most dogs love the smells but some might not!

3. The Virtually Indestructible Ball Dog Toy

The Virtually Indestructible Ball Dog Toy is aptly named, as it can withstand even the toughest of pooches!

Crafted from ultra-durable polyethylene, this ball can survive rough play and even biting or chewing. It is designed for all herding dogs as well as all breeds of dogs that love to chase and push objects.

Additionally, the ball floats on water – making it a great choice for aquatic fun too. Available in three sizes which are ideal even for small pooches – get ready to have some serious tail-wagging action with this amazing toy.

Key Features 

• Exercise
• Tough Chewer

Pros

• Can withstand the most powerful chewers and toughest dogs
• Tear Proof
• Variety in sizes
• Provides interactive play
• Promotes herding instincts

Cons

• Can damage indoor furniture due to heavyweight
• Smaller dogs may get afraid of noise when playing in cemented areas

4. Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball Horse Toy

Are you seeking an oversized dog herding ball? Look no further. The Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball is large and durable. Perfect for large dogs like Shepherds, this amazing product will provide hours of fun and entertainment. 

Designed for horses, the ball can also be a great option for herding dog breeds. If you have an energetic Great Dane or Shepherd, they will happily chase and capture this amusing toy for hours.

Key Features

• Durable and anti-burst design
• Includes foot pump and plug
• Plastic

Pros

• Withstands toughest play
• Safe and durable
• Provides hours of fun
• Inflatable
• Highly suitable for larger breeds

Cons

• Not the best pick for short breeds and indoor play

5. Gnawsome Squeaker Ball Dog Toy

Make playtime for your pup even more fun with the Gnawsome Squeaker Ball Dog Toy. This exciting toy is shaped in a unique way that massages gums when it’s fetched and has an embedded squeaker inside perfect for plenty of interactive activities.

Thanks to its food-grade, BPA-free TPR rubber construction, this selection is safe and non-toxic – ideal for everyday use anywhere from the park to your backyard! 

Plus, each one comes in various colors and sizes sure to fit any canine companion. Whether you have teething puppies or extra tough players on hand; they will adore these awesome squeaking balls!

Key Features

• Squeaky
• Teething

Pros

• More interactive time
• Equally, fit for indoor and outdoor
• Non-toxic and completely safe

Cons

• Squeaker may be annoying when played for long

6. Frisco Fetch Squeaking Tennis Ball Dog Toy

If your pup loves to play fetch, then this squeaking tennis ball is perfect for them! It has all the bouncing fun and loud noise that dogs love from a traditional tennis ball, with the bonus of being gentle on their teeth. With regular usage during playtime and exercise, it will be sure to provide endless hours of entertainment for you both.

Key Feature

• Squeaky

Pros 

• Available in various sizes
• More exciting playtime 
• Non-abrasive and gentle
• Good Bouncing action

Cons

• Some canines may find it too difficult to squeak this toy.

7. Jolly Pets Romp-N-Roll Dog Toy

Whether you have a pup or an adult dog, the Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Dog Toy will provide hours of fun and entertainment! Its attached rope allows for interactive games such as tug-of-war. Let your pet pull or drag it across the kitchen floor for an added thrill. This toy is perfect for pups who enjoy activities like herding fish (so many dogs with webbed feet). Get ready to experience playtime in a totally new way with these amazing interactive dog toys.

Key Features

• Water toy

Pros

• Best for heavy chewers
• Good to play tug of war
• Multiple sizes
• Suitable for toss, tug, and water activities

Cons

• Although sturdy, this product may not withstand the force of lively dogs.

Conclusion

We hope our reviews have enabled you to make the best decision about the best dog herding ball for you and your pooch. Ultimately, all that matters is your pet’s contentment and health. Every dog interacts differently with toys, so it’s important to constantly monitor them when playing with dog toys in case things take a wrong turn. Not only will supervised play help keep your canine friend safe but also ensures that their herding ball lasts longer!