A football World Cup gets even those people going who would normally have no interest at all in the leather bladder. Dogs are a bit different: to them, any shape or size of ball is just great - for chasing after, catching or biting to bits. The experts from the specialist retail chain Fressnapf know just how dog owners can support this appetite for ball games.

Anyone who has observed dogs playing ball will know how much spare energy they have for it. They can be virtually tireless. Such games are therefore important for the development and exercise of your four-legged friend. It's best to practice as early as the puppy stage. This way, the animal can get a feel for it and learn all the things it can do with a ball.

The material
Because our canine partners like to go in hard, jerk and even gnaw around on the ball, the material has to withstand this treatment. So it's best to get hold of toys that have been specially developed for dogs - whether it's rubber, plush or in the style of a tennis ball. Real tennis balls are not recommended because they have a "sandpaper" effect on the dog's teeth. For power play, balls made from hard rubber, hard plastic or natural rubber are suitable and for water there are also balls made of foamed rubber. If you don't have any (more) balls to hand, that stick lying at the side of the road can be tempting. But be careful: the risk of injury when playing with sticks is very high! Depending on how much oomph Fido grabs the bit of wood with, small pieces can splinter off and cause a lot of damage in the muzzle or throat.

Variations in play
It may appear obvious what one can do with a ball. But in doggie terms it's really worth having a closer look. You could throw a ball in the classic way where Fido then sprints after it. However, the abrupt starting and stopping can seriously strain the joints, especially in older dogs. Here's a somewhat gentler variation: you move a distance away from the dog who has to remain sitting and throw him the ball which he can then bring back to you. By contrast, playing ball in the water is totally kind to the joints as is letting Fido find a hidden ball. Treibball, the new pet sport from Germany, is also great fun. Here, the dog hustles a large (gymnastics) ball with his head or shoulder. The ball has to be big enough that your dog can't grab it with his teeth. You can set your canine partner a specific target to which he has to drive the ball. Guard dogs and herding dogs love this game but others also take to it. Give it a go!

What to bear in mind
Choose a ball which is at least big enough that your dog can't choke on it. Quite apart from the strain on the joints there is a further important point in the matter of health: avoid letting Fido chase tirelessly after a ball in the blazing sun. That could overtax his circulation. It's best to rearrange such activities for the early morning or evening hours or in the cool water.

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Football crazy Fido Ball games are fun and keep both dog and master - or mistress - fit! Photo: Fressnapf /Ulrike Schanz (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)