Yes, when Rafi gets fired up he is very grabby and crazy. When I first adopted him he would grab his leash and try to drag me down the street. He would also maul me when I got home. He was also really nuts with other dogs and would either grab them and try to drag them around or nip at them when chasing. He would also do this with people, especially little running people. That's why I taught him to put a toy in his mouth when he gets excited. He does it on his own now or I just have to tell him to put something in his mouth and he will grab a toy to calm himself down.

Now he runs around after the dog or person and jumps up and down and shakes his toy at their butt. That goes over much better with everyone.

Yup, Kopper does that. Cash did too. I'm constantly getting my kneecaps taken out by nylabones.

My dogs do it too. Very seldom do I have a pic without something in Karlo's mouth even in rest he has a toy within reach.
Onyx has to have a ball, so she won't herd/nip Kacie. She knows she needs one when they all go outside and is frantic to find one real quick. Kacie grabs one too,but it isn't because of 'need' she just wants to fit in with the others, I think.
Karlo will push his toys into us for a fetch game. Walking into the house with 3 GSD's ready to go is much easier if they do have a toy in their mouth.

I really love what you did to cure the problem!

my previous dog did this with a tennis ball. it was great in that at the time my son was about 10 and we always had agroup of boys running around.

I never knew so many herding dogs did this! My kids have never seen anything like it and they think it is hilarious. My past 2 GSDs (who probably had all the herding instinct bred out of them) never did anything like this. I can just imagine us all getting together and out dogs racing around us in circles with toys in their mouths, lol.

My old shepherd/lab mix Tyler did that. She would also put her ball in her food dish so that she could keep an eye on it while she ate!

Mine don't do it but I love the concept!!!