Have you heard of treibball?

[Bonne Bouche]

Canidae sent a newsletter detailing the "sport" of treibball (link to blog), it seems really cool. Kind of like 'dog soccer'. Probably a really nice sport for doodles as its intended to both physically and mentally stimulate the dog. Here's a video on youtube:

here's the wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treibball

You can see the connection to "herding" especially in the video above with the Border Collie. Kind of cool...

We just got BB an 8 inch Jolly Ball without a handle (bounce-n-play) and he can just barely pick it up, instead he just rolls around it. I am thinking it would be fun to teach him to try to roll it into a goal. As its not really a "retrieving" game when we throw it... but its very cute, and he loves it!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I say, give up food and order the ball, Bonnie. Ha

[F, Calla & Luca]

Just ordered : )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You Rock F.

A hint: On introduction, use the " touch" command.  It helps them understand what to do with the ball at first.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hope they remember touch. We haven't used it in a long time, I haven't found much use for it. Bought my poly rope today too. I need to cut it into lengths so I'll have something to hook through the collars quickly when we are out in the yard and the need (read critter here) arises.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Touch--we used it with Starlit constantly but Spud I don't think has used the command in over two years.

Three tries and he knew what to do. Like riding the bicycle thing. 

Calla and Luca will have no problems remembering.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Okay. I'm convinced... off to amazon! haha

[Bonnie and Kona]

I got the ball this weekend, unfortunately also got the stomach flu! My DD pumped it up today and scared Owen spitless. Now Kona wants to play with the ball so Owen came up to my bedroom to hide. Oops! Owen is the one we need to wear out. Gonna have to work on this a bit. Spud looks like a pro in those photos.

[GBK]

We have our ball too, and Buddy loves it!  Our Kona runs and hides :)  She will take food off of it though, I think it will just take a little getting used to for her. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

The funny part is Owen was the one that played with the exercise ball we had until he popped it. I think watching this one get blown up is what freaked him out. It's only been 15 minutes. We'll give him a little time.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

OMD this looks awesome! Another reason why I need a back yard for my doodles!!!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Wow, I don't know how I missed all this...got to get one of these for Riley.