Most dogs fall for the giggle straight away. Some need a minute to decide whether a laughing ball is a friend or an intruder. Either way, the first five minutes shape how your dog feels about the ball for months.
Here is how we run the first roll in our own rumpus room.
Let it sit silent
Put the ball on the floor and let your dog sniff it without moving it. A silent ball is just a ball, which makes the first giggle more surprising.
Roll it slowly past the nose
Give it a gentle push so it wobbles past your dog at nose height. The giggle happens right where your dog is already looking.
Praise the first touch
The first time your dog pushes the ball and makes it giggle, praise loudly or offer a treat. Now the sound means something good.
Step back
Let your dog play alone for a few minutes. The ball is at its best when your dog discovers that it can make the noise on its own.
Put it away while it is still fun
End the session before your dog loses interest. A toy that disappears while it is exciting is the toy they look for tomorrow.
One slow roll, one big cheer, and the rumpus takes care of itself.