What is the dog sport Treibball?

Posted On August 14, 2022

Officially recognised as a sanctioned competition in 2008, Treibball is a positive reinforcement focused competitive dog sport that started in Germany. 

The aim of the sport is to get all 8 exercise balls into a confined space around the size of a soccer ball goal within a set time period (usually about 15 minutes). 

To begin the game, the balls are set up in a triangular formation – similar to billiards. 

The handler stands close to the goal in a designated spot that they command the dog from. If they move out of this zone, they are disqualified. 

Using only whistles, verbal or hand signals to direct the dog, the handler and the dog work together to get all 8 balls into the goal. 

In order to get all balls into the goal, they both must communicate effectively. Handler and dog are scored on cooperation and direction, and can get extra points or be deducted points depending on how well they work together.

It is called urban herding because the sport is similar to regular herding but without the sheep. The balls are referred to as rolling sheep in reference to the traditional sport of herding sheep.

Is Treibball is Suitable For All Breeds?

Treibball isnt just for herding breeds! Any energetic dogs that are ball-focused, have shown herding drive or love having a ‘job’ to do will love this sport! 

Even though the sport has taken its inspiration from traditional herding trials and moving sheep around a pen, you don’t need to have a herding breed like a Collie or Shepard to enjoy this sport. Dog breeds from labrador retrievers and rottweilers to little dogs like papillons and cairn terriers can excel.

Professional dog trainer Dianna Stearns is the President of the American Treibball Association (ATA) says that “while the herding breeds have a slight edge, pushing a ball with your nose or shoulder isn’t naturally instinctive for dogs, like Barn Hunt or Nosework is. It has to be trained, and takes work, like training for Agility or Freestyle.”

Similar to Noseworks, even nervous dogs can enjoy Treibball! Dianna mentions that “one dog and one handler compete at a time. No dogs or food are allowed on the side lines, to limit distractions and to allow reactive dogs to compete equally.”

What happens in a competitive treibball trial?

Here’s how a traditional Treibball competition plays out.

• 1. You and your dog enter the competition area. You will have your dog on leash at this point.

• 2. You cue your dog to lie down in the Start Area. They wait here while you move to the Handler Area.

• 3. Similar to a billiards game, the balls are set up in a triangle. You are in the Handler Area which is at the goal. You cannot leave this area during the competition.

• 4. When you signal “ready” to the judge the time starts. Or alternatively, when all 4 of your dogs paws leave the Start Area.

• 5. You then signal your dog to “Go Out”. This means to circle behind the triangle of balls and lie down facing you, the handler.

• 6. Using verbal cues, hand motions and whistles you communicate to your dog to herd the balls into the goal. NO verbal OR physical punishment is allowed. This is a positive reinforcement sport.

• 7. At all levels its important that the “point” ball is put into the goal first. At more advanced levels, you may be expected to herd all the balls in a specific order. 

• 8.The dog can move the ball in any way it likes as long as it does not damage the ball.

• 9. Once the ball has entered the Handler Area (the goal) you can help to “pen” the ball. 

• 10. You as the Handler can reward your dog with toys, treats, or praise during competition. Be careful though, as any time rewarding counts as competition time.

• 11.​ The round ends when all balls are in the pen and the dog is lying down or sitting facing you inside the Handler Area.

Like any sport, it gets easier with practice! With enough patience and some drive, you can try Treibball with any dog as long as you have the space. And a few exercise balls!

 It’s a Positive, Force-Free Sport

Since Triebbal is an off-leash activity, your dog will ideally have a strong reliable recall and respond to basic cues from a distance. But dont stress, if your dog still struggles a little with recall its possible to trail using a long line initially. 

Eventually with practice and learning, your dog will learn how to move the balls using targeting techniques. Marking behaviours with a clicker or word can help to build consistency in your dog’s skills.

You’ll also teach hand signals and verbal directional cues, so your dog will understand where and when to move the balls.

The aim of Treibball is to be fun and build creative play between you and your dog, so no physical or verbal corrections are allowed. 

Treibball Offers Lots of Benefits For Your Dog

“We’ve been told, since the beginning, that participating in Treibball has enhanced owners’ relationships with their dogs,” says Dianna from the American Treibball Association (ATA) 

As your dog’s focus and reliability off leash improve it can help to create stronger impulse control issues and help with body awareness.

Not only does it help with impulse, it also helps to strengthen your dog’s problem solving skills. It makes your dog use their brain which is great for enrichment and wellbeing. For senior dogs, studies have shown that problem-solving activities can even help to slow the cognitive aging process.

Which means not only is Treibbal a great physical exercise, it’s also great brain exercise! Reduce boredom, train their brain and increase your bond? Sounds like a win to us! 

Dianna maintains that Treibball is a fantastic way to have fun and strengthen the bond you have with your dog. “What I most love about Treibball is the process of watching the dog and owner work through the process,” she says. “Since dogs can’t talk, it’s like in cartoons, where the lightbulb goes on when the character has an idea. When you see them get it, they really get it! After that, you can’t stop them from pushing the ball.”

How big is a Treibball?

What size ball is used in Treibball? Usually they are just standard pilates or exercise balls. Treibball ball sizes range from 45-75cm in diameter. 

How do I get started in Treibball?

Make sure to check your local area for trainers who specialise in Treibball.

If there aren’t any in your area, YouTube is a great place to start!

How do you teach a dog Treibball?

Make sure to check your local area for trainers who specialise in Treibball.

If there aren’t any in your area, YouTube is a great place to start!