What is Treibball?
Treibball ("try-ball", German for "drive ball" or "push ball") is a dog sport that is often described as "urban herding". The aim is to for the dog to push eight large inflatable balls over a distance of several metres and into a goal, under the direction of his handler. The handler is not allowed to leave the goal but can give as much direction, assistance, and encouragement as required.
The concept is simple - and a good dog makes it look simple - but training Treibball successfully is surprisingly challenging and complex. There are six levels, from Beginners to Masters, starting with three balls over a short distance and moving up to eight balls over greater distances, in a specific order, and through, over, or around various types of obstacles such as tunnels, bridges, and short fences.
Treibball is primarily a qualifying sport. While tournaments are run as competitions, it is not necessary to beat anyone else to achieve. If certain criteria are met, the dog earns a qualifying certificate. Six certificates at each level earns the dog an award - letters he can carry after his name. There are awards to be gained from Novice level right through to Masters, and the titles of Champion and Grand Champion for those who are more competitively-minded.
One significant benefit of Treibball is that it is very kind to canine bodies while still exercising their brain. This makes it a great sport for dogs that are not athletic, are aging, injured, or have health issues or a disability, and even still-growing puppies. As the handler has to stay within the goal, Treibball is also a perfect dog sport for those with mobility problems.
Here's a great little video of an informal Treibball session from the Czech Republic. This little dog is working hard but having plenty of fun!
A little history...
Treibball was invented in Germany in the early 2000s by a Dutch dog trainer, Jan Nijboer, who noticed his Australian Cattle Dogs pushing their water bowls around the
field after a session of herding real sheep. He switched the bowls for balls, and the sport of Treibball was born. The sport spread rapidly across Europe and the first international competition was held in Sweden in 2007. Treibball is now played all around the world, run by multiple organisations who all have their own variations on the rules, but all with the fundamental premise of eight balls pushed into a goal by the dog while the handler stays put.
