Prepare to have a ball with ball herding!
Island Sheep Ball is an Island-born game with roots in Treibball. But unlike Treibball, which requires many hundreds of hours of training, Island Sheep Ball requires only three cues for you and your dog (a team) to learn to play the game. Canine teammates learn to stop and hold position on cue, drive the ball on cue, and drive the ball toward their human teammate. Once teams are proficient with these cues while off leash, they are ready to play the game of Island Sheep Ball. The game is played by moving an oversized ball from one end of a field to the other end of the field. The handler can stop the ball or move the ball in the opposite direction of the goal. Only the dog can move the ball toward the goal. The team that moves the ball from one end of a field to the goal at the other end with the fastest time wins. Teams work one at a time on the field. In advanced levels of the game, there may be cones on the field to drive the ball around.
The Island Sheep Ball Class Program
Level 1
In Level 1, teams will practice learning to stop, drive and and target the handler with a ball. Teams will work one at a time in a confined indoor area before moving outdoors. Class tuition includes a ball suited to the size of your dog. Class Instructor is ATA certified coach, judge and trainer Lisa Holt. Includes ball suited to your dog’s size and preference.
Level 2
In Level 2, Teams will practice moving the ball in an outdoor area while stopping behind the ball and driving the ball towards the handler. In Level 2, teams will play the game of Island Sheep Ball.
Level 3
In Level 3, Teams will practice playing the game as a timed team event. The course will be longer, and there may be cones on the course.
Upcoming Classes
New classes coming, please check back!
Introduction to Sheep Ball:
On the Ball with Foundation Skills – $300
This class is perfect for teams who have never had Sheep Ball (first timers welcome here) and for teams that wish to continue building their foundation skills in a controlled inside space with limited distractions before heading outdoors for on-field play. Sheep Ball uses three cues in training: Around the Clock; Wait behind the Ball; and Drive or Push the Ball. All three cues take foundation training time in order for you and your dog to get your game face on. So, if you are ready to start learning the game or just want to continue to brush up and practice foundation skills, then let’s get the ball rolling with this class. Instructor is Brittney Ducote (PNWI), Animal Behavior College, The Academy for Dog Trainers, APSFH Training and Behavior Specialist.
January 16 thru February 20, 2027
Saturdays 9:30 to 11:30am
6 Sessions
Anti-burst exercise balls for sale for $30
Larger dogs and dogs who need a sturdy ball may need to purchase a Collie Ball for $75
CLASS IS FULL – GET ON THE WAITLIST!
Island Sheep Ball Level 2 – $300
Let the Good Times Roll
In this six-session weekly course, you and your furry sheep ball partner will have the opportunity to practice controlled ball driving on a large, level enclosed surface. You and your furry team partner will learn to work together to round up and herd the sheep ball to you from a distance. You will use and practice all the skills you learned in Level 1. Instructor team is ATA Certified Trainer and Judge, Lisa Holt and Tag. 3000 square feet concrete covered and fenced courtyard. $300 BYOB (Bring Your Own Ball). Off-leash control needed.
Six consecutive Sundays starting October 18th unless high winds weather events push out on the schedule to post-Thanksgiving holiday.
October 18 thru November 22, 2026
Sundays 10am to Noon – 6 Sessions
SJI County Fairgrounds, under the eaves of the main building (on the west side)