DSSC DURACOT™ Target Ball | Dog Sport Supply Co.

DURACOT™ Target Ball — Purpose-Built for Advanced Obedience The DURACOT™ Target is a specialized training tool designed for one of the most demanding exercises in obedience work — the send out. At a full 8" across, this oversized ball gives your dog a clear, highly visible target to drive toward, making it ideal for building confident, fast, and committed send outs at distance. It also serves as an outstanding indirect reward when teaching secondary obedience, giving handlers a motivating target that keeps the dog's focus forward and drive high. Built on the same foundation as our popular DuraCot™ Training Ball line, the Send Out Ball uses our exclusive double-layered DURACOT™ fabric to stand up to repeated sessions with high-drive working dogs. Whether you're training IPO/IGP, competition obedience, or sport detection, this ball belongs in your kit. ⚠ Not a Tug Toy The Send Out Ball is designed for send out training and indirect reward work — it is not recommended for tug. For tug training, shop our dedicated Tugs Collection. Key Features ✓ Extra-large 8" diameter — high-visibility target that drives confident, committed send outs. ✓ Purpose-built for send out training and indirect reward in secondary obedience work. ✓ Exclusive double-layered DURACOT™ fabric — engineered for durability through repeated high-drive sessions. ✓ Ideal for IPO/IGP, competition obedience, and sport dog training. ✓ Keeps the dog's focus forward and drive high — perfect for building speed and commitment at distance. ✓ Available in both suede and fabric versions. Specifications Size & Dimensions Attribute Detail Diameter 8" (extra large) Available Materials Suede, Fabric Construction Exclusive double-layer DURACOT™ fabric Fill Firm core for consistent shape and visibility Primary Use Send out training, indirect reward, secondary obedience Suitable For IPO/IGP, competition obedience, sport dog training Not Recommended For Tug games (see our Tugs Collection) FAQs What is the send out and why does ball size matter? The send out is an obedience exercise where the dog is directed away from the handler toward a designated point or target, then recalled or given a secondary command. A large, highly visible ball like the 8" DURACOT™ Target Ball gives the dog a clear, motivating target to drive toward, building speed and commitment over distance. What is an indirect reward and how does this ball help? An indirect reward is a reward placed in the environment ahead of time that the dog works toward, rather than a reward delivered directly by the handler. Using the Send Out Ball as an indirect reward keeps the dog's focus forward and reinforces drive and commitment during secondary obedience exercises — the dog learns that performing correctly leads to access to the ball. What disciplines is this ball suited for? The Send Out Ball is well-suited for IPO/IGP, Schutzhund, AKC competition obedience, French Ring, Mondio Ring, and any sport or working dog discipline that includes directed send out or distance obedience exercises. What is the difference between suede and fabric versions? The suede version offers a softer, natural outer surface; the fabric version features a woven textile exterior for a slightly firmer feel. Both are equally durable and effective as training tools. Can I use this ball for tug? No — the Target Ball is not designed for tug. For tug training, we carry a dedicated line of tug toys built specifically for that purpose. Using this ball for tug can stress the seams and shorten its lifespan. Safety & Care Safety Notes ✓ Inspect the ball before each training session for signs of wear or damage. ✓ Discontinue use if the stuffing is exposed. ✓ Not suitable for tug — prolonged pulling stress can damage the seams. ✓ Always supervise your dog during play and training sessions. Cleaning & Care ✓ Hand wash with mild soap and warm water; air dry completely before storing. ✓ Do not machine wash or tumble dry — heat can shrink the DURACOT™ fabric layers. ✓ Store in a dry location out of direct sunlight when not in use.