Magnetic Balls - Page 1

In an effort to move the forums away from the current witch hunt and on to conversations that are more productive...

I bought a magnetic ball at NASS this year and am having great success using it with Jagger on focused healing.  For a (not so) little guy at just under 5 months, I think it's a great tool.  I've never had a pup healing so well at this age but I also have reservations about what happens when the ball is removed from the equation and would like some input from others about their experiences using it.  I was thinking of getting a ball-drop vest but don't think I actually need one now.

I am interested in hearing from those of you using this tool...pros and cons.  This is an actual training question so I would appreciate it if those of you who do nothing with your dogs and only exist on this forum for the sake of creating drama in your shallow little lives would refrain from commenting.

So what kind of injury are you using the magnetic ball to focus heal on little Jagger, Keith?  I myself have never observed magnet therapy to be of much use on a broadscale basis, though I have seen a few instances where it appeared to have been of some help in reducing joint inflammation....


<crickets>




Yes, I'm being obtuse deliberately, because I do have a thing about interchanging 'heal' and 'heel'... Seriously, though, I've not seen these magnetic balls--what's the premise the tool is based on?  Naturally, I'm familiar with the whole concept of using a ball or toy or other object to teach focus while heeling, but I'm having trouble imagining what effect the magnet has that makes it more advantageous than the old-fashioned stuff?  Can you post a picture of the item?

Unless there's something radically different about the magnetic ball that will make its absence more glaringly marked than using any other reward tool, it shouldn't be much of a transition for Jagger when you start fading the item out...not if he likes the work, at least. If he gets a 'punk' attitude as he matures, you'll have to figure out a new strategy, but it sounds like he's a biddable pup who wants to work for you, which is a treasure to have.

I'll try to post a pic tomorrow, hexe, but we're hosting a club trial tomorrow so it might be Sunday.  It's a cool tool, really...just one of many....

I love my magnetball..

It frees up my hands, gives more natural movement and position for the dog, and gives them a better target.. much better than trying to keep a toy or tug under my arm.. where they often miss and grab something else..

(It's also a cool fashion statement, for the gossipy group watching under the trees....)

The downside would be that you stick to everything metal... like the legs on the blinds and the club trailer... 
Other than that, and the cost..  its a nice tool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sbGD1Bi0iY

Thanks, Denwolf....pretty clever idea!  Are either of you using it as it seems to suggest in the video, pairing it with the clicker?  

When it comes to fading the reward out, though, it seems to me that you'll actually need to fade out 2 cue items--the ball[s] AND the apparel...don't think the dog won't learn to recognize the outfit by sight!  Still, the whole thing looks like it would be quite helpful to a clutzy handler such as myself!

I pruchased a magnet ball (with a tug as well) and am having great sucess with it as well!

I JUST LOVE IT!

I have a young, enthusiastic, sharp little Czechy girl who is too fast for her own good and find that this tool is easier for me to keep up (no fumbling with the ball under my arm pit or chin or in a pocket).

I have nothing but good things to say about this. I tend to switch up where I position it (front, back, side, heights, etc.. ) to keep things interesting and it really helps.

Definitely a tool to have in your tool box.. I am not a huge tug person (my dogs are!) because I have a back back, but the tug is great as well.

Keith, please post pictures using it.  I have never heard of it and would like to see it in action.  (Plus I am living my new found love of the black GSDs through you, so any excuse to see another picture)

Not cheep, but wonderful.

I set it up so the ball is on my back within easy reach. Bravo's focus is on me and not a ball or tug under my arm..... when he works well I give him a click and throw the ball....

I can not figure out how to write on the same post as the picture. Anyway, there is the Top Matic ball on my back while heeling with my dog Jacco. Great tool for sure. The dog knows the ball is there...but must look at my face...grabs the ball himself once I release him.