What kind of ball should I use?
One too big to grab in the mouth and tough enough to stand up to claws. Gym balls are the usual pick.
Discs, balls and retrieving
Pushball
Treibball stripped down: one big ball, a target, and a dog learning to push it under control, with its nose or chest.
About the discipline
What Pushball is
Pushball is more of an activity than a sport with an international rulebook. The idea is simple: the dog pushes a big ball in the direction you show it.
Lots of people use it as a first step towards treibball, or as a brain game at home. You don't need a field, pricey kit or anyone else to play.
It looks trivial, but the dog has to concentrate. It needs to work out that the ball isn't a toy to chase around and that the job is to get it to one particular spot.
How it works in practice
How it is taught
- start with a ball the dog can't grab in its mouth
- reward any touch with the nose
- add direction, then distance
- bring in a target or a goal
- build up control over the line bit by bit
Which dogs it suits
- any healthy dog, whatever its size
- dogs that need something to do with their brain at home
- teams who want to try treibball before signing up anywhere
What you need
- a big, tough ball
- some clear space, even indoors
- small treats to mark the touches
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Pushball
My dog just wants to bite it. What now?
Reward only nose touches, never attempts to bite, and use a ball too big for its mouth. Within a few sessions it'll switch to pushing.
Can it be done in a flat?
Yes, if you've got a hallway or a spare room. It's one of the few driving exercises you can do without any outdoor space.
How long does it take to learn?
The first deliberate touches usually show up in the first or second session, if your timing with the reward is right. Controlled direction takes a few weeks of short, regular work, though. Five minutes a day, every day, works far better than one long session at the weekend.
From the same category
Related sports
Dock Diving
Your dog runs off a dock and jumps into water after a toy.
Air Retrieve
The dog jumps off the dock to grab or touch an object hanging over the water.
Disc Dog
The dog catches the disc, in distance events or freestyle routines.
Fetch and Retrieve
Trials where the dog finds an object and brings it to you.
We do not run Pushball
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.