Dog Soccer Ball Toys
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Last updated on June 8, 2023 by Beau Bridges
Introduction
For many of us, our dogs are considered our children. Sometimes more behaved than our little humans 😉
Dogd are not only loyal companions but also provide a great source of entertainment and fun.
One way to keep your furry friends engaged and active is by playing soccer with them. We love to kick a soccer ball around and they love to chase it…win/win!
A good dog soccer ball should be durable, chew-proof, and able to withstand rough play.
I’ve personally purchased many soccer balls over the years for my dog. In this guide, I’ll provide some of the best soccer balls for dogs from my own experience.
BEST SOCCER DOG TOYS
This list is the best of the best soccer ball dog toys! Check them out…
Medium-sized soccer ball (7 inches in diameter) with an annoying squeaker that dogs absolutely love. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, this ball isn't for you.
Comes in 3 colors. This ball won't deflate! This is perfect for pets that love to fetch in the water. The ball will float and withstand tough clenches.
Interactive soccer ball for your dog. Made from durable material, you can kick the soccer ball then it can be retrieved by your dog using the straps.
Similar to the other soccer ball with straps but comes with a cute design. Comes in two sizes (large and small).
Made from tough TPE material, the Orbee-Tuff soccer ball comes with a hole for treats. This can be used to play or train your pup! It will also float in water if your dog loves to play fetch in the water.
Soft and plush soccer ball dog toy with a squeaker. Ideal for dogs who love softer toys to play with.
This unusual-looking soccer ball toy is great for dental and gum hygiene. Comes with a squeaker and gum-massaging spikey design!
How to Train Your Dog to Play Soccer
If you’re looking to develop the next Air Bud, here are some tips and techniques to help you.
As a disclaimer, it’s not easy! My 6-year-old Golden Retriever has been at it for years and he’ll just grab my son’s soccer ball and take off. Of course, you can blame it on the coach/owner.
Start with basic commands
Before you can teach your dog to play soccer, it is essential to ensure that they have mastered basic commands such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come.’
These commands will come in handy when you are teaching your dog to retrieve the ball or stop playing when you ask them to.
Introduce the ball
The next step is to introduce your dog to the soccer ball. Start by placing the ball on the ground and encouraging your dog to sniff and investigate it.
Once your dog is comfortable with the ball, you can begin to roll it towards them, encouraging them to push it back with their nose or paw.
Reward good behavior
When your dog successfully pushes the ball back to you, reward them with praise and treats.
This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue playing and learning.
Teach your dog to retrieve the ball
Once your dog is comfortable with pushing the ball, you can start teaching them to retrieve it.
Start by throwing the ball a short distance and encouraging your dog to fetch it.
When your dog retrieves the ball, reward them with praise and treats.
Practice dribbling
Dribbling is an essential skill in soccer, and you can teach your dog to do it too.
Start by rolling the ball towards your dog and encouraging them to push it forward with their nose or paw.
When your dog is comfortable with this, you can start teaching them to move the ball in different directions.
Throw the ball in the air and teach them to pass back
Some dogs will naturally jump in the air and hit the ball with their nose. If your dog does this, you should take advantage of it.
Throw a soft soccer ball up and they’ll try to grab it with their mouth but it will look like they are passing it back to you.
This is one thing my dog can do and it’s pretty funny to see.
Final Thoughts
Have fun with it. The dog soccer ball toys that I’ve recommended above are affordable and durable. I’ve listed a variety of styles since dogs have different appetites for fun.
There’s probably a 2% chance your dog will learn to play soccer but it’s worth a shot! It might be a great activity to keep both your dog and kids busy.