Question about BALLS! - Page 1

 Real ones.

I'm wondering about what your favorite ball on a rope is to build drive.  I've bought several, and most don't survive more than a week or two (though I only use them as a quick reward, or to toss for retrieving, not as chew toys).  I've tried making my own, and those typically don't last either.  

So far I've only managed to find Orbee and  this other brand online and I was wondering if you all had any preference, or any other recommendations.  

Thanks in advance.

How about a kong on a rope? That might be a bit more durable, though my female ate half a black kong before she was a year old!  

 That's actually a very good suggestion, but the problem is size.  I want something I can conveniently pocket (and carry so the dog isn't certain that it's there) for quick rewards, and Kongs (even the medium sized ones) are a little too long.  I've actually tried making my own with the Kong Biscuit Ball, which is very durable and bouncy and has a convenient hole drilled through it, but it's too large and to heavy (where the dog could be hurt if he misjudged a catch and was hit in the face with it).  The smaller one is too small and presents a swallowing risk.

You see my problem?  I'm like Goldilocks -- too big, too small, too long, too short, not strong enough, too heavy...

 I would recomend "Yellow Super Ball" from Joefarm. They are incredibly strong. They are made from a mix of plastic and rubber and they are shaped like a golf ball, only bigger. This golf ball shape gives a verry good grip.
I am a dog trainer and I have used this balls from over one year now on all sorts of dogs (gsd, mali, rott) and I can hardly see anny teeth marks on it. Another thing that I have appreciated about these balls is the fact that, due to the strong material, the rope never comes out of the ball, no matter how strong you play with the dog.
You can see this balls here www.joefarm.be and you look on Webshop under Toys and aports.
Good luck with your dog.

The elite K9 link balls you gave are crap, they don't last very long, if you do a bit of tug of war.

My dog didn't like Orbee when I introduced it to him, although that was a while back and I chucked it into a big pile of discarded crap.

But,then again, nothing lasts very long with my dog. I came to that conclusion when I walked him in the park. Some dudes were playing basketball at the court and the ball rolled in our direction. He looked at it a bit then picked it up (a full regulation size basketball), chewed it up, shook it and deflated it pronto. Then, carried it around a bit proudly. He was 9 months at the time and I muttered to myself, what the hell, dude, how could you even open your mouth that much...

If they were pissed, they sure didn't show it. They didn't say a word and had an extra ball. I bought them another one at Academy later on... Man, that was almost a year ago, I totaly forgot about that, no idea how I even remembered it now.

Anyway, this is what you need to do.

You can either buy - either in Petco (9.99$) orAcademy (4.99$) 2 Chuck-It bright orange rubber ballsand drill them and put a string in yourself.

I have 100s$ of dollars worth of crap and those balls are his absolute favorites or buy this one made by Gappay - size smallor medium from here: http://www.hallmarkk9.com/gappayballonstring-small.aspx

There you have it.

I use those gappay balls...they are servicable. Strong if you don't keep them stored in the heat. Once they get soft then you have a problem of the string coming out! I like them!

These are the favorite of a lot of people....
http://www.jjdog.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=jj&Category_Code=3CATWingABallWINAB  

hope the link works.. they are the wing a ball found on a number of sites but on sale at www.jjdog.com

They are one piece and you can cut the loop to make a longer rope to grab.. they are durable, come in several sizes and these are GREAT prices.. if you order in bulk you get a better discount

I have to warn about the Gappay balls... my friend just lost a dog... he was able to pull the ball hard enough he snapped the rope....... this was a larger ball, it had happened once before and the vet was able to get it out but this time it went so far and even though they worked on him out in the parking lot, they were nto able to save him this time... it is a horrible thing to happen to anyone and any dog but this was my very best friend trying to help her husband with a heavy work schedule get some work in with his dog and he was a super super dog...... I'm sure it was oneof those freaky things but its enough to stop me ... the Gappay ropes are too tough on my hands and the wing a ball is easier to hang onto.. you can also throw them in the washer if they get narly!!

defenitely gappay.... most durable I have encountered so far ... after two years and 3 dogs mine is only going to need a new string soon....LOL

Okay, I've heard of dogs choking to death before, and would NEVER EVER let my dog play with something that small. If it will fit completely in the dog's mouth, it's a choking hazard. Tennis balls and other balls of that size are the most dangerous, and THAT is the size that's designed to fit the Chuk It.

HERE IS WHAT YOU DO IF YOUR DOG IS CHOKING ON A BALL

You may have to wait until the dog is unconscious to do this, but...

Going after the ball through the mouth is a waste of time. It will only push the ball further down the throat, as dog's saliva is very slippery.

Go at the ball from UNDERNEATH THE DOG"S JAW, and push it forwards. You will not have the time to go to the vet it this happens. It will be much too late. The brain can only survive for about 3 or 4 minutes without oxygen before it dies.

If this doesn't work, you can try the Heimlich maneuver: put your fist under the dog's rib cage, and thrust in and up until the obstruction pops free.

Heimlich for dogs:

www.seefido.com/html/what_to_do_if_your_dog_is_chok.htm

In this particular instance the 2nd time the ball was a larger ball, this dog was such a monster for the ball that when the rope snapped it was literally sucked down his throat and he was at the vets who was not able to get the ball out in time....
The first time they sedated him and extracted with no problem....this time not the case and the ball was large the first time, larger still the 2nd....
For training, you still need a ball that either fits in your hand or you shirt or sports bra (in the case of some of us!).... but if its one piece the chance of it coming apart is way less...