Herding Ball with Handles, 18 in (45 cm) Inflatable

Herding breeds love to chase, nudge and steer, and this large ball is made for that kind of play. It inflates to 45 cm (17.7 in), too big for a dog to pick up in its mouth, so it gets pushed and herded rather than carried. Built-in handles make it easy for you to grab, roll back or tug, and a rope helps with bringing it back during fetch-style games.

The cover is reinforced nylon fabric in orange, yellow and blue, colors that stand out on grass and are easy to spot at a distance. The ball is described as suited to medium and large dogs, such as Australian Shepherds and collies. It weighs about 1.5 lb (700 g) in its packaging, which measures around 11.8 x 9.8 x 3.9 in (300 x 250 x 100 mm).

The ball cannot hold food, so use treats as rewards for commands while you play. Inflate it firmly, play on grass or another soft surface, and keep sessions fun and short. Chewing and tugging wear on any fabric, so check the cover and seams regularly and put the ball away once your dog stops playing. Supervise all play, and deflate it if the cover shows damage.