The Nero Ball Classic TM - K-9 Ball On a Rope Reward and Exercise Toy - Police K-9 - Schutzhund

Just got my Nero Ball. Only used it once, but really like it. I've tried other "ball on a string" type toys, with unsatisfactory results. I'll be using it as a training reward, and my boy, who is a pretty ferocious tugger, is going to learn 2 new things with this ball. 1st, to target the ball instead of the rope, and 2nd, that it's for a little gentle tugging instead of the full throttle stuff he does otherwise. After our 1st session with the Nero Ball, he's picking up on the new rules quickly. We'll see how it does long term, but I think this is one I'll stay with.*UPDATE* Been using my Nero Ball for a month now. I'm tempted to call it the 'Hero Ball' because it's just that terrific!! For me, the key has been putting in the time to allow both myself & my dog to develop the skill to use this tool smoothly. May sound strange, but using a toy as a training reward requires practice, and each different toy configuration requires different handling. It's time well spent - we're both having a lot of fun!Kudos to the designer of this ball. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the length & material of the rope (just the right length that the dog won't step on it; material is easy on the hand while still being tough enough to withstand a few toothy grabs; the loop is the perfect size to grab for a little tug or to pass the ball through to slip-knot it onto a belt loop). The ball is also just right. The knobs make it non-slip, the rubber eliminates tennis ball fuzz concerns, and being semi-hard and hollow makes it slightly compress-able, which makes it a higher value reward than a solid ball that can't be compressed.While this ball will not work for every application or for every dog, if you carefully read & understand the information provided and don't expect it to work outside those parameters, you will be pleasantly surprised by a very well designed, well constructed tool that you can use to enhance your training or play sessions with your dog.

Awesome ball. This ball is perfect for my IPO (Schutzhund) training with my working line GSD. We use is as a training reward and for our play sessions. They are firm, not hard because they are hallow so my dog can squish them no problem. They also have a great weight, I can throw them 60-70 yards consistently with out a whole lot of effort. I bought 4 balls to try out, because, well we go through balls like crazy. He will either crush them or we will pull the string out while play tug. We haven't broken any of the balls yet which is awesome (2 weeks is really good for us). So far so good, I will update if/when we break one.Note: These balls would NOT make very good recreational chew toys but they are great for training, fetch and 2 ball.

My dog loves this toy. She is one of those dogs who wants to put everything in her mouth and swallow. So when she started breaking off the little nibs I had to take the ball from her and cut off the nibs for her safety. Other than that... a great toy. She loves to play fetch and keep away with it. I appreciate the rope that I can grab while she has the ball in her mouth.

I use this for my working and sport dog. She loves this Ball we use it for training instead of treating all the time. This Ball is versatile as well we use for work and play. I like the orange and blue colors it's easy to find when u throw it. It fits in your hand perfectly and I like my dog can breath with this in her mouth.

Hubby was playing with the dog and the ball today. Max (the dog) took it in his Igloo bed and hubby retrieved it after a couple of minutes. He had chewed through the whole cord at the base and it was literally hanging by a thread. The ball was in great shape. Hubby says he can change out the cord for something more sturdy but, at his price, I would think they could have put on a durable rope.Really disappointed that the cord was that easily destroyed and now we have to "fix" it. I won't buy another one.

I have a working line german shepherd. He loves these balls. I mainly use them to throw and retrieve and also to practice healing and use one as a reward. They are a good size and hold up. He use to pick up 2 balls and run off, but these are just the right size where he can't hold 2. The rope makes it easier for me to throw and handle. I don't use them as tugs, and they probably would not hold up to a shepherd for that purpose long term. My trainer specifically said not to take the ball from him on an "out" by the rope. So the issue of whether they would hold up as a tug is not relevant for me. They are reasonable priced for the product. I would recommend them.

This is a wonderful training tool and just all around well loved ball. Durable, perfect size for German Shepherds and the loop makes it easy to throw and play tug to encourage "hold".

This lasted 9 months playing with my German Shepherd puppy till it was chewed by another dog and a small part of it broken out and later the rope came out which I was able to put back in place, it was still very functional but I ended up loosing it on a pond because it will not float, so I ended up buying the heavy duty version of it which I am very happy with and another one that floats for when I am playing in the water.

Je l'ai depuis quelques mois et toujours aussi solide même après avoir été perdu dans un lac pendant un temps mon chien l'adore

75lb male GSD made short work of separating ball from retention lanyard/ropeLooking for similar product that is a tad more robust for an aggressive (I must destroy u) chewer