Herding Ball for Australian Shepherd
If you’re the proud owner of an Australian Shepherd, you know these high-energy herding dogs need plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy.
One great way to keep your Aussie entertained and engaged is with a herding ball. But with all the different size options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
First, let me give you a little background on herding balls and why they’re so awesome for Aussies.
These tough, bouncy balls are designed to mimic the movements of livestock like sheep or cattle.
When your Aussie nudges, herds, and chases the ball around, it satisfies their deep-rooted herding instincts in a safe, fun way. Plus, it’s a great outlet for all that endless energy they seem to have!
Getting the Right Size
Now, on to sizing. You might be tempted to just get the largest herding ball you can find, thinking “bigger is better” for such a high-energy breed. But that’s not necessarily the case.
An oversized ball could actually be dangerous if your Aussie tries to pick it up or gets struck by it. And it may be too unwieldy for indoor play.
The general rule of thumb is that the herding ball should be about the same size as your Australian Shepherd’s head.
This allows them to move and control the ball effectively with their mouths, necks, and bodies while herding.
Any smaller and it loses its challenge and appeal. Much larger and it becomes unmanageable.
Measuring for the perfect fit
So let’s talk actual measurements to make sure you get the size just right for your Aussie.
Most Australian Shepherd heads measure somewhere between 8-10 inches long from the tip of the nose to the back of the skull.
Therefore, you’ll likely want a herding ball in the 8-10 inch diameter range.
If your Aussie is on the smaller side, like a mini or toy variety, you may want to go down to a 6-8 inch ball.
For a larger Australian Shepherd male who tops 60+ pounds, a 10-12 inch ball could be appropriate.
Overall, just use your best judgement based on your dog’s dimensions.
Choosing the Right Herding Ball
When picking out the actual herding ball, look for one made of durable, non-toxic plastic or rubber that can withstand plenty of energetic chewing and bouncing.
Avoid any balls with small parts that could present a choking hazard if chewed off. And make sure there are no openings that could get your Aussie’s jaw stuck inside.
Inflatable exercise balls and jolly balls can work for herding in a pinch, but they aren’t designed for that purpose long-term.
The dimpled surface and irregular shape of a true herding ball better mimics livestock movements to keep your Australian Shepherd engaged.
Handle or No Handle?
One thing to consider is whether you want the ball to have a handle or not. A ball with a rope or plastic loop handle sticking out can give you more control for interactive games of fetch or herding.
Your Aussie can also grab the handle to pick up and move the ball around. Handleless balls are great for solo play and may be preferred by rougher herders.
Indoor vs Outdoor Play
Finally, think about whether the ball will be used indoors, outdoors or both. If playing primarily inside, you may want to go a little smaller to prevent damage to your home.
Outdoor balls can be larger since you have more space. Some people even get two different size herding balls – one for indoor use and another for the yard.
Supervised Play is Key
No matter which ball you choose, be sure to supervise your Australian Shepherd during herding ball play at first.
This ensures they play properly and don’t try to chew it into pieces.
With a little training, that herding ball can become your Aussie’s favorite indoor and outdoor toy! Just interact with them, have fun, and let their natural born herding abilities shine.
I hope this gave you a better understanding of how to pick the perfect size herding ball for your amazing Australian Shepherd.
Let me know if you have any other questions! An energetic working breed like the Aussie needs the right toys and activities to stay mentally and physically challenged. With the correct sized ball, you’ll raise a happier, healthier dog.