Does it have to be a herding breed?
No. The driving instinct helps, but the discipline is learned. Crossbreeds, small breeds and dogs with no connection to livestock are seen regularly.
Discs, balls and retrieving
Treibball
Herding without sheep: instead of a flock there are eight large gym balls, and the dog must push them with its nose, one at a time, into a goal - directed from a distance, by voice and gesture alone.
About the discipline
What Treibball is
Treibball was invented in Germany as an alternative for urban herding dogs that have the driving instinct but no access to livestock.
Eight large balls are set out in a triangle, like billiards. The dog starts beside the handler, goes around behind the balls and pushes them one by one towards the goal, against the clock.
The handler stays by the goal and directs by command alone. It is essentially a sport of distance communication - which is why it also appeals to teams who cannot run.
How it works in practice
How it works
- eight gym balls, set out in a triangle
- the dog starts beside the handler, on command
- going around the balls from behind, as in herding
- pushing with the nose, ball by ball
- the handler stays in the goal area
- a time limit for the whole exercise
Which dogs it suits
- shepherds and dogs with a driving instinct
- dogs that work well at a distance
- handlers with limited mobility
- senior dogs, at an adapted pace
What you need
- large, durable gym balls
- a goal or two markers
- level ground of moderate size
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Treibball
Do the balls burst?
Not if you use good-quality gym balls, too large to be gripped in the mouth. It is precisely their size that forces dogs to push with the nose.
Is it a good sport for an older dog?
Yes, one of the best. It involves no jumping, no sharp turns and no speed - only walking, thinking and communication.
How do I teach the pushing?
Start with a ball too large to be gripped and reward any contact with the nose, even accidental. Then ask for deliberate contact, then a push of a few centimetres, then direction. Going around from behind, the herding part, is added last, once the pushing is reliable.
From the same category
Related sports
Pushball
Controlled pushing of a large ball towards a target.
Dock Diving
Jumping from a dock into water after a toy.
Air Retrieve
The dog leaps to grab an object suspended over water.
Disc Dog
Catching the disc, in distance events or freestyle routines.
We do not run Treibball
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.