Dogs
Herding balls for Border Collies
Playtime, all the time.
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All herding balls for border collies
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 for border collies
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 →
- Border Collie: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care →
- 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 Border Collies: inflatable herding balls with a pump, herding balls with handles, and balls in 25, 45 and 55 centimeter sizes, with the 45 centimeter, about 18 inch, ball the usual fit for an adult collie. This page narrows our Herding Balls range to the needs of the most driven herding breed. Below is why collies take to herding balls, which size to choose, how to build the game into training, and how to stop it becoming an obsession.
Why Border Collies love herding balls
Border Collies were bred to gather and move sheep across open hills, using their eyes, nose and body to steer the flock. Without that work, many collies look for substitutes: circling children, nipping at heels, chasing cars, or staring down the cat. A herding ball gives that drive a safe target.
Pushing a large ball that rolls unpredictably asks a collie to think and adjust, which tires the brain as well as the body. For a breed that needs mental work as much as running, that combination is the appeal.
Choosing the size for a collie
Most adult Border Collies, standing around 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder, suit a 45 centimeter, roughly 18 inch, herding ball. It reaches about chest height, is too big to bite, and is light enough to push across grass.
Puppies and small collies may start better on a 25 centimeter ball. Large, strong collies who move a 45 centimeter ball too easily can step up to 55 centimeters. Balls with handles give a collie something to grab and drag, which some enjoy.
Building the game into training
Collies learn fast, so use the ball for training as well as play. Teach a start cue, then reward your dog for pushing the ball toward you, around an object or into a goal. Add directional cues such as left and right, and a stop or lie-down cue that ends the game.
Short sessions with clear rules keep the game controlled. A collie that learns to stop on cue and wait before starting again is safer around children and other dogs, and gets more mental exercise than one that simply chases.
Preventing obsession
Herding breeds can become fixated on a game, pushing past exhaustion or guarding the ball. Keep sessions to 10 to 15 minutes, end before your collie is worn out, and put the ball away afterward rather than leaving it in the yard.
Mix herding ball sessions with sniffing walks, puzzle toys and calm downtime, so your dog learns to switch off. Collies with a strong eye-and-stalk style may need extra practice at settling after play.
Caring for the ball
Keep the ball firmly inflated with the pump, which helps it roll and makes it harder to grip with teeth. Store it out of direct sun when not in use, since heat and UV weaken the material.
Check the surface after each game for tooth marks and punctures. If your collie starts biting rather than pushing, pause the game and redirect it to nudging. Work slowly in hot weather, offering water often, since driven dogs will keep going when they should rest.
What size herding ball for a Border Collie?
Most adult Border Collies suit a 45 centimeter, about 18 inch, ball. Puppies may start on a 25 centimeter ball, and large, strong collies can use 55 centimeters.
Do Border Collies like herding balls?
Most do. The ball gives their herding instinct a safe target and works the brain as well as the body, which suits this high-drive breed.
How do I teach my collie to herd a ball?
Roll the ball gently, reward any nudge with the nose or shoulder, then add cues for start, stop and direction. Keep sessions short and always end on a calm cue.
Can a herding ball stop my collie herding children?
It gives the instinct a better outlet, which often helps. Pair it with training and supervision, and ask a trainer if nipping at heels continues.
How long should my Border Collie play with a herding ball?
About 10 to 15 minutes per session, with water breaks, especially in warm weather. End before your dog is exhausted, and put the ball away afterward to prevent fixation.