Are Tennis Balls Good For Your Dog?

You just got home from a stressful day at work. Nice. Home. Even better... you are greeted at the door with a huge wag and your dog, tennis ball in mouth! Seriously you can’t help but smile. Play time. After all we all need to live a little more in the play moments like our dogs do so often. It is what makes our dogs so dear to us. Unconditional love and the insatiable idea of play.

Most dogs have a favorite toy and high on the list seems to be the age old tennis ball. Yet there is the concern that tennis balls aren’t safe for your dog. While nothing is absolutely fail safe, let’s take a look at the tennis ball and is it safe for your dog.

One of the big reasons tennis balls are touted as bad for your dog is tooth wear and tear. After doing a little research it turns out it might not be the ball but the dirt. Tennis players tend to get new balls frequently due to the fact that after a short amount of play the ball’s diameter is smaller. Tennis players will tell you that the racquet strings will quickly abrade the softer surface of a tennis ball which is covered with a substance made of wool and nylon or a felt type surface.

Tennis players who play on clay courts will tell you that the strings on their racquet will get worn down quickly by the tennis ball due to the fact that clay, ultimately dirt and/or sand picked up on the surface of the ball is very abrasive.

So there you go. It may not be the ball but the dirt. Your dog needs clean tennis balls to save the teeth! Or at least cut down on the wearing of the teeth.

Other considerations are if your dog chews a tennis ball to pieces and ingests them big danger could make for a really bad play session in the end. As well there is latex in the “ingredients” of a tennis ball and like people some dogs could have an allergic reaction.

So, ultimately it’s up to you to decide if you feel it’s safe enough to continue your dog’s obsession with the tennis ball or deprive your dog of the wild wagging that starts with a mere glimpse of tennis ball.

Should you be looking for alternatives K9 Coach dogs give a big paws up to both Kong Toys and Nylabones. Whatever dog toy you choose take the time to go and have some fun with your dog whether its a nightly game of fetch or a dog friendly event.

Article Jt Clough© 2009

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Godiva’s Great Adventure - Dog Training Camp 3

Godiva, a Pocket Beagle has been on the adventure of her life and honestly an adventure most dogs never get the chance to be a part of. She’s came to San Diego Dog Training Camp 3 as a way to move her along in her obedience while her family went on a vacation.

As part of her camp and on upon agreement with her owner, she came to Wisconsin with me as I am the co-instructor with Robin MacFarlane for an Advanced Dog Trainers Personal Development course. She’s been with me through a flight (small enough to fit under the seat), new living space for her, meeting other dog trainer’s dogs and has been very well behaved in front of a group of people sitting on her special little dog bed while I present.

As a city girl, seeing cows was a real surprise and we’ll try to get the photos of her checking out the toads at night too. Very funny stuff. If dogs could talk I’m sure she would give you an account of her many other experience from a dog that stands less than a foot high!

The exposure at her age makes for a well rounded dog with the ability to adapt. It a part of dog training that gets consistently overlooked.

For now enjoy her cow video. We are off to the E Palooza 5 with more presenters coming in, many trainers from around the country and a good time for both professional dog trainers, dog enthusiasts and the dogs that accompany them in life.