Exercise and play
How do I teach my dog to catch a ball in the air?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Start with very short, gentle tosses just above the dog's nose height so it barely needs to move its head, rewarding every attempt whether it catches the ball or not. Gradually increase the height and distance of the toss over several short sessions as the dog's timing and confidence improve.
Starting close and low
A soft toss from about half a meter away, aimed just above the dog's mouth, gives the easiest possible version of a catch and builds the basic hand eye, or rather eye and mouth, coordination the dog needs before anything trickier.
Building up gradually
Increasing the toss height and distance in small steps over several sessions, rather than jumping straight to a full overhand throw, lets the dog's timing catch up with the added difficulty and keeps the success rate high enough to stay fun.
Choosing the right ball
A soft ball sized appropriately for the dog, not so large it is hard to close the mouth around and not so small it risks being swallowed, makes learning to catch both easier and safer.
Key takeaways
- Short, gentle tosses close to the dog's mouth are the easiest starting point for catching.
- Gradually increasing height and distance over several sessions builds timing without frustrating the dog.
- A correctly sized, soft ball makes catching easier and reduces the risk of a swallowing hazard.