Imagine my excitement to learn that someone is offering Treibball classes at the county fairgrounds, not hideously far from us. We mentioned this new ball herding sport briefly a while back. Goodness knows we have zero time for something new, but I had hopes.
Alas, the new class at the fairgrounds started Sept 1, and with our Never Shock a Puppy launching that day, and with BlogPaws West next week, and with … you know … real life that continues to snow me under … I just couldn’t pull it off.
I still hope to observe one of the classes, if I can get the OK, so that I can learn more about how it’s taught and report back.
So, for now … we’ll just have to settle for this use of an exercise ball. Behold … Roll It! (Click here to see the video, if you cannot see the embed below.)
Very cute, Miss Lilly!
Haha! I was thinking along the same lines as KB! Kona could expend energy nervously barking at the ball but I’m afraid we wouldn’t get much further.
Hey, that’s GREAT! It’s funny how different dogs are. Lilly has her share of fears but they don’t include exercise balls. K is NOT happy around exercise balls. The day she learns a trick like that will be the day that I learn to flap my arms and fly!
How awesome it would be if you could get Lilly in to something like Treibball. It’s VERY likely that she won’t feel nervous like she does in agility class because the environmental stimuli she’s associated with scary stuff won’t be there.
Well, I did take Lilly to some agility trials at this location, Sam, when we thought it would work to get her used to the hustle/bustle. So, she might have some real issues with the location. We’ll have to see.
I never heard of this! However, for sometime I have been recommending using exercise balls (slightly deflated so nails and teeth do not puncture them) for herding dogs. Now I have a name to go with it.
You can also do this with large Push n Play Jolly Balls. They are heavier, but they last a long time.
Forgot to mention, that with Treibball, Lilly will have to have another cue for the ball, as Treiballers can’t use their paws… we use “Drive!”
Hi Roxanne–you’re still welcome to join our class at Jeffco! You missed only one–and Lilly can most likely do what we did in that first class. And yes, you’re welcome to observe, but we prefer no observing dogs, as there may be some reaction to strangers. Our 2nd class is on Sept. 8 at 8pm. The night before BlogPaws, but you don’t have to stay the whole time!
Thanks, Hilary … I’ll see if I can work something out if not next week, then later, to just come by myself and watch.
And, yes … Lilly would need a new cue, and I think that might confuse her. :o)
Wow, so cool, first time I’m seeing this! 🙂
Nice trick. And excellent use of an exercise ball!