Is your furry friend the active type? We hear you! When your pooch goes the extra mile and you can’t keep up with the energy level, a ball launcher for dogs may be the answer to your prayers. When you are a furry parent, you’ll soon realize there are some items that become essential, that’s the case with a practical ball launcher. As a result today, we’ll be telling you about the 10 best ball launchers for dogs.
As much as we love our four-legged friends, there’s a limit to our physical activity and while they may still want to keep playing outside, all you want to do is lay down. The best ball launcher for dogs is exactly what you need. These effective little machines are specially designed for the hyper types; in addition, with the right ball launcher, you can forget about yelling countless ‘fetch.’
As you can tell by now, finding a suitable ball launcher for dogs can be quite a task. As a first-timer, doing a little research is always a good idea. When buying a ball launcher, there are a few things to keep in mind before making that final choice. Check out 10 of the best ball launcher for dogs available on the market now.
Best Ball Launcher for Dogs FAQs
Why do you and your dog need a ball launcher?
If you are looking for a fun alternative to playing fetch and promoting an active lifestyle for your pets, a ball launcher is a perfect fit. In addition to fitness, auto ball launchers also enable beneficial mental stimulation, training, and independence in your dogs.
Are dog ball launchers any good?
Ball launchers provide exercise. And while there are a number of great exercise devices for dogs, ball launchers are easily one of the best. And this is especially true for highly active four-footers who need plenty of daily exercises to keep their tails wagging.
How does the best ball launcher for dogs work?
Automatic dog ball throwers work by dropping a ball (usually a tennis ball) into the opening of the device which then launches the ball anywhere from 10 to 30 feet! Most ball launchers can adjust the distance so that they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Some models can be used with either batteries or an AC power cord which is amazing, allowing you to use the power cord when indoors and use batteries when outdoors so you do not need to run an extension cord. Many dogs can even be trained to use the automatic ball launchers themselves by fetching the ball and returning it into the ball launcher opening.
What to look for in the best ball launcher for dogs?
- Ability to Train Dogs, Stimulate Mind. An impressive feature of an automatic ball launcher is the ability to train your dogs to drop the ball back into the chute for reloading after fetching the ball. Not only is this amazing mind stimulation for dogs, but it also enables very active dogs to continue playing if their owners are busy, not home, or simply exhausted.
- Adjustable Distances. Being able to adjust how far the ball is thrown is a great feature because it enables you to accommodate for indoor use or outdoor use.
- Indoor and Outdoor Play. Most launchers also come with optional battery power so you do not have to run extension cords.
- Various Tennis Ball Sizes. Depending on the model, many auto ball launchers work with standard tennis balls which are great for medium to large-sized dogs.
- Range of Price. An automatic ball thrower typically ranges from $100 – $200. However, there are more budget-friendly options well below the $100 mark.
What to keep in mind when choosing a ball launcher?
Dog Size
The size of your dog is very important when looking to buy an automatic ball thrower due to the size of the tennis balls used with the devices. When doing quick research at the available launchers, you may not realize that many of them are actually using 1.5” mini tennis balls.
Indoor or Outdoor
Nearly all ball throwers are suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and many of them even come with the choice of battery operation or AC power.
Automatic vs. Hand-Held
Automatic launchers are great for keeping your dog entertained for hours on end, though they’re less portable and require more maintenance than hand-held options. Hand-held launchers, are easy to use, though you’ll obviously need to be more of an engaged participant.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
It’s important to factor in whether the launcher will help you keep your hands clean while playing with your pup. Automatic ball launchers will need to be cleaned out every once in a while to clear out any left behind debris or dirt.
Throwing Range
Automatic launchers usually have a couple of preset throw distances. On the other hand, a handheld ball launcher will darn near and allow you to toss a tennis ball into low Earth orbit.
Remote Control
Having the option to control your automatic launcher remotely is great for keeping your pooch entertained from a distance.
Ease of Transport
Consider the portability of your ball launcher so that you can play fetch with your furry friend anywhere you go.
Best Ball Launcher for Dogs
Chuckit! Classic Ball Launcher
The Chuckit! Classic Launcher 26M revamps the classic game of fetch by enhancing your throwing speed and distance with less effort. Dogs are challenged to run farther and faster for exercise in a fraction of the time.
Measuring just over two feet in length, the Chuckit! ball launcher is portable enough to place in the backseat or the trunk. With fetching fun on the go, dogs can enjoy the Chuckit! ball thrower on sandy shores or grassy fields.
Designed to extend the reach of your arm, the plastic launcher allows for a more comfortable pick-up by reducing the need to bend over. The Chuckit! A classic tennis ball thrower for dogs is also compatible with standard tennis balls.
Features:
- Launcher
- Medium Breed Dogs
- Helps Dogs Stay Engaged
Hyper Pet Dog Ball Launcher
Hyper Pet K9 cannons are perfect dog toys for hours of interactive playtime in the backyard, at the park, or on the Beach. Launch tennis balls for small dogs and big dogs without straining your arm.
The innovative, lightweight design allows for hands-free pick-up, so you will never touch a slobbery tennis ball again. All you have to do is place the barrel over the ball and gently push it down to pick up the ball.
Each tennis ball Launcher includes one Hyper Pet Tennis ball with extra storage for two more balls. Its brightly colored tennis balls for dogs are easy to spot in the grass, bushes, or leaves.
Features:
- Easy to Operate
- Hands-Free Pick Up
- Varied Distance
iFetch Too Interactive Ball Thrower for Dogs
The iFetch Too automatic ball launcher is a big dog’s fetching dream! Once your dog places the standard-sized tennis ball into the top of the iFetch Too, this interactive dog toy throws it 10, 25, or 40 feet.
You can also set it to “random” to keep your pet guessing. Features an internal rechargeable battery and distance setting changes with a touch of a button.
The iFetch Too is perfect for big dogs who love their tennis balls! The iFetch Too launches immediately, to minimize the chances of the ball hitting your dog at close range.
Features:
- Standard Tennis Balls
- Rechargeable Battery
- Interactive
Greenvine Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Ball Thrower
The special design of the ball dispenser for dogs allows for different shooting ranges, including 10ft, 20ft, 30ft, or random. With unexpected shooting distance, your dogs will never get bored and always keep energetic.
The pet ball thrower equipped with remote control makes independent play easy and convenient. The innovative design allows your dog to play this game even when you are not around.
With the help of the convenient remote control, you can just let your dog play alone by changing the shooting distance with an easy push of a button. You can just stay inside the house enjoying your day with the remote control in hand.
Features:
- Adjustable Launch Distance
- Remote Control
- High Quality
Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher Dog Toy
Automatic tennis ball launcher that will provide your dog with continuous interactive play. Can be used with all brands of tennis balls.
Set the motor dial to the desired distance. When the ball is preparing to fire there is a safety mode alerting your pet the ball is about to launch. This sound feature can be turned on and off.
Change the angle of the launch in 3 positions for added flexibility Play with no end in sight. No batteries are needed. Just plug and play.
Features:
- Power Adapter
- Adjustable
- Safe
PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher
The Automatic Ball Launcher features a 15-minute rest interval after 15 minutes of play; the rest period ensures dogs aren’t playing past the point of exhaustion.
The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher can be used both indoors and outside to entertain and exercise your dogs; begin use outdoors as an introduction; use the included power cord or 6 D cell batteries; water-resistant.
The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher works best with standard size tennis balls 2 5/8” in diameter but can be used with smaller tennis-type balls; up to 3 balls can be loaded at a time.
Features:
- Multiple Sensors
- Water-resistant
- Audible Tones
GoDogGo Fetch Machine Dog Ball Launcher
Includes 5 GoDogGo dog tennis balls, remote control, rechargeable lithium batteries & AC Adapter. Wide-mouth ergo bucket with handles makes ball return for your pet easy. The remote control can be used up to 50 feet from the unit.
A safety arc provides an upwards & out launching pattern. It features a 3 time setting options – 4, 7 & 15 second launch intervals.
Multiple distance settings allow for a variety of launch distances. Distances will vary depending on the dog’s tennis ball size, type, and condition.
Features:
- Safety Arc
- Time & Distance Settings
- Remote Control
Now that you know about ball launchers, would you also like to learn about the Best Tennis Balls for Dogs?
