Dutch Shepherd Forum

Can anyone recommend a brand of ball-on-a-string that might last longer than one agility practice? Elete K9 is a fail

Such disappointment in those eyes

I've had good luck with the Gappay ones. Of course, any ball is going to get destroyed if the dog is allowed to play with it on his own, but since you said it was in agility class, I'm assuming this is just from regular tugging?

Right now, I use large black Kong extremes and thread them myself with paracord and put a big ole knot in the middle. I get the kongs from Ryanspet for really cheap and the paracord is $5 for over 100 feet of it. You can add whatever knot, loop, or handle to the paracord and cut it to whatever length you want.

Thanks for the suggestion Stephanie. I've heard some brands are softer/harder. It probably makes a difference in the puncture and tear factor. And, yes, this happened during normal tugging. He goes through toys pretty quick anyway, but I did expect longer than one training session.

The kong is a great suggestion. I might try recycling the string into one. I'm just concerned any kong big enough to last any length of time might be kind of dangerous. I can see me smacking myself or my dog in the head. I think I might try a smaller one. Can't be any more expensive than another ball.

Oh, and I just remembered that bumper he ripped in half at dockdiving... He may just get non-plastic toys from now on. (FWIW, half of a bumper does not float. )

I use a lacrosse ball went to a local sports store got a pack it came with 15 balls (we tend to lose some) and then i drilled a hole in them(got to do it slowly because the rubber will burn) it smells terrible when you are doing it so id recommend doing this outside and then i tie a string through it home depot sells great string 50ft for like $3 very cheep and easy to reproduce. Not quite at heavy as a Kong ball so on worries on hitting yourself in the face lol and these last a very long time!

I used either a regular tennis ball or my tug for the reward. Thalie got smart and as soon as she was done with the course, she would go take it out of my pocket herself !