Dogs
Herding balls
Playtime, all the time.
6 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.
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All herding balls
Little essentials. Lots of love.
Herding balls
Inflatable Dog Soccer Ball with Nylon Tabs and Hand Pump
- Options
- 14 to choose from
From $19.99
A little guidance
Help choosing herding balls
Buying guides and care advice written for this range: what to measure, what matters and what to skip.
From our guides
- Best Herding Ball for Dogs: What to Look For Before You Buy →
- What Is a Herding Ball, and Is It Right for Your Dog? →
- Best Toys for Herding Dogs and Border Collies →
- Best Food for Australian Shepherds: What to Look For →
- Best Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs: How to Choose One →
- Best Dog Balls: How to Choose a Safe Size and Material →
Shop herding balls for dogs: big inflatable balls your dog pushes with its nose and shoulders rather than catching in its mouth. The range includes plain inflatable herding balls, balls with handles for dogs that like to grab and drag, and size choices from small to large, with a pump included. This page is for herding breeds, high-energy dogs and any dog that loves to chase and push. Below is how to pick the size, how to play and how to keep the ball in one piece.
What a herding ball is for
A herding ball is too big to fit in a dog's mouth. Instead of retrieving it, a dog drives it across the yard with its nose, chest and shoulders, the way a herding dog moves sheep. That makes it a natural outlet for Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Corgis and cattle dogs, who often try to herd children, cats or other dogs when they have nothing else to do.
It is also a strong workout for any energetic dog. Pushing a heavy, rolling ball uses the whole body and engages the brain, and many dogs that lose interest in fetch will push a herding ball for half an hour.
Choosing the right size
The ball should be bigger than your dog can bite, and it should come up to about your dog's shoulder or chest. Too small and your dog will try to bite it; too large and a small dog cannot move it.
As a rough guide, a small ball of around 25 centimeters, about 10 inches, suits small and toy breeds. A 45 centimeter ball, around 18 inches, suits medium dogs such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. A 55 centimeter ball, around 22 inches, suits large dogs. Measure your dog at the shoulder before choosing.
Balls with handles
Some balls here have handles molded into the surface. Dogs that like to grab and pull can catch a handle and drag the ball, which adds a tug element to the game, and the handles give a little more grip when the ball is wet.
If your dog is a heavy chewer, keep handle play supervised, since the handle is the one part of the ball a dog can get its teeth around. Dogs that only push with their noses can use either style happily.
How to teach and play
Start on grass or a soft, open surface with no obstacles. Roll the ball gently toward your dog and praise any nudge with the nose or shoulder. Many dogs get it within minutes; others need you to push the ball first so it looks like it is escaping.
Keep sessions to 10 or 15 minutes at first, especially in warm weather, and offer water often. Stop before your dog is exhausted. Herding breeds can become fixated, so end on a calm note and put the ball away rather than leaving it out all day.
Keeping the ball in good shape
Inflate the ball firmly but not to bursting, using the included pump, and check the pressure before each session. A slightly firm ball rolls better and is harder for teeth to catch. Store it out of direct sun when not in use, since heat and UV weaken the material over time.
Check the surface for punctures and tooth marks after each game. Small holes can often be patched, but retire a ball with a split seam. Herding balls are not chew toys, so take the ball away if your dog starts biting rather than pushing.
What size herding ball should I get?
Pick a ball that reaches about your dog's shoulder or chest and is too big to bite. Around 10 inches suits small dogs, 18 inches medium dogs like Border Collies, and 22 inches large breeds.
Are herding balls only for herding breeds?
No. They were made for herding breeds, but any energetic dog can enjoy pushing one. They are a good outlet for dogs that get bored with fetch or need more mental work.
Can dogs pop a herding ball?
A determined biter can puncture an inflatable ball, especially if it is underinflated. Keep it firmly pumped, supervise play, and put the ball away if your dog starts chewing it.
Can I use a herding ball indoors?
Large herding balls are best outside on grass, where there is space and nothing to knock over. A small ball can work in a large, clear indoor room for a small dog.
How long should a dog play with a herding ball?
Start with 10 to 15 minute sessions, with water breaks, and build up. Watch for heavy panting in warm weather, and end the game while your dog is still keen.