Race&Herd 18-Inch Herding Ball, Cherry, with Replaceable Inner Ball and Pump

Race&Herd 18" Original Herding Ball is a livestock-style push-and-steer play ball for herding breeds, with an 18-inch (45.7 cm) cover and a replaceable inner ball.

• 18-inch Small size — a starter option for small breeds and puppies beginning herding play.
• Weighted to roll and stop like livestock — encourages dogs to push and steer with their shoulders and nose.
• Protective zip cover and replaceable inner ball — two layers let you replace or repair the ball after a puncture.
• Complete set — includes a hand pump, repair patches and an IACP-approved herding training guide.
• Inflates to 2–3 PSI (14–21 kPa) — a stated pressure range for setting up the ball for supervised play.

Fetch balls are made to be carried; this ball is designed for a different kind of activity. Its livestock-like rolling and stopping behavior gives herding dogs an object to chase, push and steer during play. The Cherry-colored 18-inch size is intended for small dogs and puppies starting out with herding play.

How is this herding ball different from a fetch ball?

Race&Herd’s 18-inch Original Herding Ball is built to be pushed and steered rather than carried. Its weight helps it roll and stop in a way intended to resemble livestock, so dogs can work it with their shoulders and nose. Use it for herding play, not as a chew toy.

• Designed for chasing, pushing and steering.
• Supervise your dog during play.

Which dogs is the 18-inch size for?

The 18-inch Small size is a starting size for small breeds and puppies beginning herding play. For dogs over about 20 lb (9 kg), the suggested next sizes are 22 inches (55.9 cm) or 25 inches (63.5 cm). Choose the size with your dog’s weight and stage of play in mind.

• The 22-inch and 25-inch sizes are the suggested step up above about 20 lb.
• The listed color for this ball is Cherry.

What comes with the Race&Herd herding ball?

The set contains the protective zip cover, inner ball, hand pump, repair patches and an IACP-approved herding training guide. The cover takes the pushing during play, while the replaceable inner ball provides a second layer that can be patched if punctured.

• Two-part ball construction: cover plus inner ball.
• Repair patches are included for the inner ball.

How do you inflate and care for the ball?

Use the included hand pump to inflate the ball until firm, within the 2–3 PSI range. Keep the ball out of direct heat and use it only for supervised herding play. These directions help set up the ball and support its intended use.

• Inflate until firm.
• Keep away from direct heat.

This ball suits owners of small herding breeds and puppies who want a play object to push and steer rather than carry. It is intended for supervised herding play, not chewing, and the 18-inch size is the starter option for smaller dogs.

Read our guide: Helping a dog or cat keep a healthy weight