Herding Ball for Dogs Review: The Ultimate Play and Training Toy for Active Herding Breeds
Introduction
Has your herding-dog fresh from the furniture, orbiting the yard or barking for more than an ordinary chew toy? If you are looking for a game-changer toy to help them harness their herding instinct, and something in the house they can safely push along, roll on top of or simply interact with consider this 18” Herding ball. It’s designed to be as tough as the energy of breeds such as Corgis, Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs weighing under 27 pounds, with sturdy construction, double-layer cover and that irresistible real movement they get under their paws.
Product Overview
This herding ball has been developed for the small-type of herding dogs that weigh up to ~27 lbs and love rolling, pushing, and “herding” type activity– even if you don’t physically have any animals. It has a heavy duty dual layered cover, along with its slow leak anti-burst design inner ball it is one of the most durable balls on the market. A high-volume foot pump comes included to allow you to inflate it to the right density for safety and durability. The goal: hand your dog a toy they can manipulate with their body, activate mentally and physically and use to burn off energy for the better.
- 🐕OVAL SHAPE DESIGN:The Herding Buddy Ball features an innovative oval shape, designed to mimic the natural movement and feel of herding livestock, providing a more instinctual and engaging experience for your herding dog.
- 🐕🦺DOG-FRIENDLY COLOR: The blue cover, designed for dogs’ dichromatic vision, makes the herding ball more visually engaging, encouraging better interaction and longer playtime.
- 🐶ANTI-BURST CA65 CERTIFIED INNER BALL: Dog safety is our priority. Our ball is CA 65 certified with a 16P rating, meeting strict safety standards for materials and construction offering durable, safe, and anti-burst play.
- 🐕HIGH FLOW FOOT PUMP: Quickly inflate the herding ball in minutes. Delivering high airflow on the up and down strokes, inflating the 25” ball in under 2 minutes 30 seconds and the 18” ball in just 60 seconds.
- 🐕🦺PROPER INFLATION: Ensure proper inflation of your herding ball with a bit of give when pressed. Over-inflation can strain the zipper and stitching, risking structural damage. Regularly check firmness to maintain safety and performance.
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Features & Details
Key Features & Materials
- Designed in 18 inch diameter for herding breeds up to 27 lbs, so you’ve got better size and movement.
- Heavy-duty, dual-layer cover: Durable ballistic nylon and tough Velcro work together to make a long-lasting chew toy.
- The inner ball is a thick anti-burst design that will resist pokes and avoid sudden pops up most dog’s alley!
- High-flow foot pump included: So you can inflate right and stay hard, inflated to performance and durability.
- Designed for herding instinctual play: This ball gets into the “drive” and push motion they would if they were corralling their baby animals. #More than a regular chew or fetch toy.
How to Use / Application Tips
- Use the foot pump to inflate inner ball to its optimal point, you want it firm but not over inflated.
- Put the inner ball into 2 layered cover, tighten any closure.
- Put the ball where your dog can roll it safely—grass, yard, large indoor area.
- Lure your dog to push the ball using body and paws: “herding” motion, pawing it around, play-chasing it.
- Monitor play, particularly during the first few sessions to ensure that the dog and ball are safe.
- Inspect cover and inner ball for continued wear, clean as needed, & re-inflate as necessary. Helium Isotopes (He)Hermetically Sealed The resistance to wear makes it safe and also prolongs the life of your product!
Why It’s Effective
Dogs bred to herd do well with movement, pushy, body pressure and going somewhere else. This herding ball appeals to that instinct, allowing them to “drive” the ball and get their herding fix for some good play. Instead of infinite fetch or tired, chewing toys this provides endless interaction and mental activation for active dogs. The longevity is important since so many active dogs are going to push a toy to its limits, and the double-layer cover over the anti-burst core helps ensure it.
Key Specifications
- Size: 18 inch diameter, fits dogs under ~27lbs
- Cover: Heavy-duty dual-layer fabric
- Inner Ball: Heavy duty anti-burst PVC or similar tough material
- Pump: Inflates using the included high pressure foot pump
- Target Use: Herding breed play, push/chase action, mental and physical stimulation
- Audience: Corgis, Collies, Cattle/breed dogs < ~27 lbs high-energy herding types
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Has rolled work with herding breeds ~27 lbs buffs.
- Designed for long term, safer use: (Red: 45 cm, Blue: 55 cm, Purple: 65 cm and Black: 75 cm) Stability balls you can sit on with confidence. Dual-layer construction + anti-burst material prevents sudden bursting.
- Utilizes your dog’s natural instinct to herd the EZ ball around the broomerang.
- Comes with a pump — helps set up easily and inflates properly.
- Great for a dog that already knows how to push, roll or chase heavy toys.
⚠️ Cons
- You need space — because it’s big and designed to move, you will need a good amount of room (yard, large living room) to use it safely.
- Dual-layered and durable materials are heavier; small dogs may find they battle to play if the ball is over-inflated.
- May be more expensive than basic chew or fetch toys initially.
- Supervised use only — active dogs can push it into danger if not closely watched.
- Cover and inner ball will however require maintenance, cleaning and the occasional re-inflation to ensure the balls last as long as possible.
User Testimonials
How to Use Pushes down and rolls Comes in 18” Sizes and tubes Many owners of this 18” herding ball say that when their herding breed dog sees a “push”, they immediately know how to play with it as opposed to other fetch toys. Owners often say: “My Corgi never stops pushing it all over the yard,” or even “My Collie pushes it with his body, paws, chest to move the ball – not just fetch.” Durability is praised — most people say the ball stands up surprisingly well to active dogs who are rough on their toys. Some users say the ball felt bulky at first and require proper inflation to transport. Overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive from dog owners with the right type of dog for this kind of play.
Personal Experience
I can’t speak to this particular model, but in the dog enrichment/toy world of herding-type movement balls, I think it ticks a multitude of boxes: breed-specific sizing; movement-oriented engagement; durability; comes with a pump. Canine enrichment experts underscore the value of toys that are more than just something to fetch or chew — particularly for dogs who were bred to move, herd, drive or engage physically in a manner fetch alone can’t offer. The 18” herding ball size has, for this reason, become the most commonly used in “drive ball” or “urban herding” training (see sport Treibball.) (Wikipedia) If you have a dog weighing about less than ~27 lbs with high energy and herding instincts, this ball is an intelligent investment in enrichment.
Comparison Section
| Product | Focus | What Sets This Model Apart |
| 18” Herding Ball for Dogs (this one!) | Compact herding ball for dogs ~27 lbs floor to shoulder | Double layer cover, anti burst core, pump included |
| Generic Large Dog Ball | Push/roll toy for medium/large dogs in general | Typically lacks coverage or core durability in herding prospects |
| Specialty Herding Ball (Larger Size) | For larger breeds (ie Shephards, Cattle Dogs) | May be too big/heavy for some small herding breeds (under 27 lbs.) |
Why it’s the best: It balances size, longevity and herding-play construction with the petite to mid-size herding dog in mind. It’s better built, and comes packaged with a pump making it a cut above entry level.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Well, if you have a herding type breed under ~27 lbs (like Corgi, Collie mix, small cattle dog) and are in search of a toy that engages their natural instincts, then this 18” herding ball is a great option.
You’ll love it if:
- Your dog pushes with body or paws to move toys, not just run and fetch.
- You want enrichment beyond basic fetch or chew toys.
- You have a location on which your dog can push, roll or “herd” safely.
You might skip or wait if:
- Your dog is very tiny (<15 lbs.) and might not be able to handle ball size/weight.
- There is no room for rolling/pushing.
- You want a toy that is meant for basic fetch instead of herding-style play.
Final rating: A well-designed toy that satisfies the needs of herding breeds and delivers movement, durability and play value in a high price-to-value offering. For the right dog, this ball might be their new favorite thing about every day.
Do you want to give your herding dog something they are naturally compelled to do? See current pricing, availability and user reviews here:
Final Word
This 18” herding ball offers a great outlet for herding breeds that weigh up to about 27 lbs— one to enrich their lives by channeling their healthy instincts and providing physical and mental exercise, lots of engaging play. If your dog loves movement and your teamwork involves pushing or “herding” motion — throwing is hardly the only way to play fetch, after all — this ball will serve you well.
See the 18” Herding Ball for Dogs on Amazon
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FAQs
Q1: What kind of dog size of ball use for?
It’s 18 inches and made for Herding breeds under ~27 pounds (Corgis, small Collies, small cattle-type dogs).
Q2: What is the durablity of the ball cover / inner core?
The double thick cover, plus anti-burst inner ball make it possible to stand up against tough canine play—provided the balls are only inflated to 80% and used under human supervision.
Q3: Do I require special space or training?
Although not required, a yard or open indoor space that the dog can push/roll the ball is ideal. Control, particularly early sessions, is encouraged.
Q4: Will it replace my dog’s other toy?
Not really—it’s intended to supplement fetch, chew and puzzle toys. It is especially useful for herding-type motion and mental stimulation.
Q5: How often do I need to do the test/check/servicing?
Make regular checks to inflation, examine seam covers for wear and clean the cover when necessary. Inflated the right way to provide perfect movement and maximum durability.