The object is for the humans to score a point by attempting to get the ball under and through the dog’s belly. In addition it is best served when the dogs are extremely focused on the ball. The dogs training
Training should include the following so the game can be played at a comfortable pace as well as a fast pace.
* Recall and Collar grabs must be trained to a 100% reliability before playing B
elly Ball. *
Here are the basic cues needed.
1 – Sit and Wait
2 – Leave it
3 – Drop it
4 – Stay
5 – Down
All these cues can are very useful not only as a way to keep the game moving along, but as a way to train your dog in hectic environments. The rules are as follows:
* Humans get 1 point for a score under and through the dog’s belly. The ball can go through either side of the dogs belly or the front or back legs.
* Dogs are awarded points for blocking and trapping the ball. There is a 4 second rule for leave it’s and drop it’s. When the "leave it" and "drop it" cues are issued the dog has 4 seconds to comply. The “leave it” cue can be issued at any time for any reason. The “drop it” cue is reserved for when the dog has the ball. There is a “teeth caught in ball grace period” - as many times the dogs’ teeth will be caught on the soccer ball preventing an expedient drop by the dog. Use sit and wait and then a release cue such as “OK” as a general way to restart the game after play has stopped. However be creative and ask for a “touch” or a down stay as a way to reset the dog and resume play! Penalties
When the dog does not comply with the 4 second rule a time out is issued. The time out is of the players choosing. It can be a 15 second time out where the game stops or it can be a training time out where the dog has to perform a behavior such as a down stay for 10 seconds. Or it can be a series of behaviors such as “Touch” and “Spin”. For the dog that is highly driven to chase and catch the ball these “time outs” should increase leaving and dropping the ball. The suggested balls to use are soccer balls. Soccer balls have three layers and can usually with stand a few rounds of pay and some teeth marks without popping. Depending on the size of the dog you may want to use various size soccer balls. it is even suggested to use various size balls in a game. The larger the ball and the shorter or wider the dogs “goal” is will have their intrinsic variables. It is suggested to use appropriate size soccer balls based on the size of the dog. The ball should be able to clearly fit underneath the dog without touching the dog if the dog is standing straight up. Typically size 3 and size 5 soccer balls work best for dog’s 35 pounds and up. The foundational tenants of playing Belly Ball
The ball is never to be thrown or kicked in a menacing way. The human is never to use their body or voice in a fearful, painful or threatening manner. At any point the dog or the human is hurt or fearful, concerned, tired or would like to take a break the game stops. Where to play? All environments must be clear and free from obvious obstacles or dangers in regards to physical impediments. The climate should be appropriate for the dog and the humans. As with all dog human activities that include hectic components, use common sense. Extreme hot and cold weather should be avoided. In doors should be sufficiently warm and cool. Surfaces should be amenable to dogs and dogs should be able to maximum purchase with paws and be comfortable and used to the environment. Avoid slippery floors and surfaces that may be dirt and or dusty. Preferred surfaces are Cement – Asphalt – Padded surfaces & Astroturf. Always make sure dogs paw pads are conditioned for the chosen surface. Dogs should have access to adequate water during and after the game. Humans should wear athletic shoes and athletic and or appropriate clothing. Who should play Belly Ball? Belly Ball is intended for people and dogs that are not athletically challenged and have already been playing with their dogs in a hectic manner. However you can always start slow and build up to the more hectic pace. This is about fun and each person and each dog should find a comfortable pace that suits them in general or as the dog dictates. Many times the game will depend on how the human approaches the game as much as the dogs energy and or motivation. IT IS HIGHLY SUGGESTED ADULTS SUPERVISE ALL DOG AND CHILDREN AT PLAY. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CHILDERN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES AROUND DOGS IN PLAY. USE COMMON SENSE WITH DOGS AND KIDS IN PLAY. IF YOUR DOG HAS A HISTORY OF FEAR, AGGRESSION AND OR A BITE HISTORY IT IS HIGHLY ADVISED YOU REFRAIN FROM PLAYING BELLY BALL. How long is a game? Typically a game is 28 minutes and there are 2 games in an hour. It depends though..sometimes you can have a quick practice game in 10 minutes and get quite a bit of training accomplished as well as tire out the dog! The goal of Belly Ball is for dogs and humans to have fun! As long as that is the guiding principal we are all winning! Keep a “referee mindset” and be relaxed about the game in general. It is suggested that you have a live referee if possible to count points. It is also highly suggested you film when possible, this way you can look back at the game, count some missed points and see how things went! You can learn so much by filming yourself working and playing with your dog! It is so easy these days! Please post your games on line here at Facebook! We'd love to see your dogs and you having fun! In no way does Urban Dawgs LLC or Pit Bull Guru LLC take responsibility for anyone misconstruing the game known as Belly Ball for anything but it’s intended purpose which is to have fun, SAFELY train dogs WITHOUT FEAR AND OR PAINFUL METHODS to implement physical and mental stimulation for humans and dogs. Should any harm come from playing the game known as Belly Ball it is the responsibility of the parties involved. Urban Dawgs and its subsidiaries assume no responsibility for injury or damages. ALL interactions with dogs come with some amount of risk; hectic dog play is no different. Make safe decisions about dogs and you make smart decisions about dogs. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about training you dog for Belly Ball or perhaps hosting a Belly Ball game get in touch! The game is still in development to a certain extent and we like insightful feedback! Drayton Michaels CTC
www.pitbullguru.com
