We often get questions about choosing a magnet for dog training when there should be a magnet in the activity ball and in the dog handler's vest or jacket.
We have made this video about magnets for training and activity balls. Further down we will explain how you can use the different magnets that we sell most often for dog training when you want to make dog training equipment magnetic. The video is in danish but should be easy to understand as we go through all the steps for making a magnetic ball for dog training.
Magnet for activity ball
To make sure that the magnet will not just fall out and that it is strong enough to work through the thick exterior of the ball, you need to choose a magnet with a good size and thickness. A 20x10 mm. power magnet can be squeezed through the small hole in an activity ball, and this also means that it is virtually impossible to get it out again - even for larger dogs that chew on the ball. We always recommend that you use a disc magnet, as a completely round magnet will have an easier time getting out of the activity ball again. A disc magnet has edges that make it more difficult for the magnet to work its way out of the small hole in the dog training ball.
Magnet for dog handler jacket
Unfortunately, there is not just one answer to which magnet you should use here. It depends on the thickness of the clothing in which the magnet is to be placed.
If you put the magnet in a pocket, either in your pants or a breast pocket, there is not much distance between this magnet and the magnet in the ball, and therefore you can make do with a 25x3 mm. power magnet.
It is also possible to put a magnet in the inside pocket of your jacket or vest. The extra distance that comes between the magnets gives a greater strength requirement (unless it is very thin clothing), and here it will be necessary to go up to a 25x7 mm. power magnet.
Important info about pacemakers and magnets!
Magnets and pacemakers are dangerous in combination with each other, as a power magnet can deactivate the pacemaker. You should therefore refrain from using magnets if you have a pacemaker implanted. Of course, you can use a magnet in your trouser pocket if you have a pacemaker at chest height. However, you should still be careful about incorporating magnetic solutions into your dog training, as there is too much risk - for example, if your dog grabs the ball with a magnet in it and then jumps up on you. So use Velcro or something else that is not magnetic instead.
