Which ball is right for me?
Use these to pick which ball would be best for you and your dog! If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to me through my Instagram or Facebook DMs or via my Contact Me page!
Regardless of which ball you pick, I recommend putting the ball away between play sessions. This prevents destruction of the toy and any obstructions. It also makes playtime more exciting because they get to play with the special toy!
Do you need the ball to float?
If you often play in bodies of water, you want the ball to float! (Unless you have a diver!) The foam balls are the only ball that are sure to float! If your dog already loves the game and is a larger dog, I would recommend the 9cm foam ball, and if your dog is smaller or still learning the game, I would go with the 7cm foam ball.
The Kong Squeezz balls will also float, but they are much less durable. As soon as a hole is made in the ball, it will sink too!
Do you want a squeaky ball?
The Kong Squeezz balls squeak but are much less durable than the other balls. I do not advise leaving these balls out with your dog at all, except during active playtime.
Do you have a larger dog who already LOVES the game?
I would recommend a larger ball like the 3" Chew King, or the 9cm foam ball. They are both very durable. The 3" and 4" Starmark balls are also a favorite by these dogs but are slightly less durable and more squishy. Chuckit Rebounce balls are also a great smaller but firmer option for these dogs. They're more durable and a great reliable ball.
Do you have a small dog?
For small dogs with soft mouths, I recommend the Chuckit Air balls. They are soft and easy for small dogs to bite. They're also great for brachycephalic dogs since they can breath through the holes in the ball. They come in 3 sizes which I would pick based on the size of your dogs mouth.
Do you have a puppy who's still teething? Or a dog who's still learning the game?
If you have a dog who'll likely be a strong player later but are still a puppy, I recommend the 2.5" Chew King Balls. These are squishy and soft which is great for dogs still learning the game and puppies who might be teething. The 2.5" Starmark balls are also great for these dogs, but are slightly less durable than the Chew King balls.
What about the handle style?
This is mostly personal preference. The standard Ball on a Rope is the most popular option, but I personally use the Lyte handle. If your dog prefers fetch over tug, I would advocate for the Lyte handle. If your dog is a strong tugging dog, the standard or Loop handles would be easier on your hands! Regardless of which type of dog you have, they often start out biting the handle instead of the ball. This is why I prefer the Lyte handle, as it encourages the dog to bite the ball instead. Once your dog understands the game, you can graduate to a larger handle.
What about the length of the handle?
For the Lyte balls, I allow you to pick how long you'd like the rope to be. This is again, mostly personal preference. A longer rope allows you to grab it more easily when your dog comes back to you and you can keep the toy "alive" from further away. Generally, younger dogs or dogs still learning would benefit from a longer rope, and dogs who know the game well, will do just as well with a shorter rope.