Playing fetch with your dog can be fun and rewarding, but can also be a lot of work. And, with most dogs requiring not just one throw, perhaps it’s time to consider a less strenuous and just as effective dog fetching option. There's a gadget out there known as the dog ball launcher and trust me, its life-changing. Manual (hand-held) and automatic products, this article is about to open your eyes to the world of how to exercise your pooch without having to sacrifice an arm or a leg.
While you're at it, why not invest in a new dog collar or light up dog collar to make your dog feel extra special?
Related: The dog subscription boxes you’d be barking mad to miss
What is a dog ball launcher?
As stated in its name, a dog ball launcher is an object that simply launches dog balls. These are usually tennis balls, but there are some models that are designed for smaller dogs and use proprietary balls of their own. The dog ball launchers can travel a distance of between 10 to 30 feet (but again this depends on the product itself) and are a strategic way to exercise your canine companion.
How does an automatic dog ball thrower work?
It's very straightforward: the automatic dog ball thrower shoots out a ball (to a set distance) for your dog to collect, rather than you having to throw one yourself. Given that then you’ve trained your dog to successfully return it back to you, it’s the new way to play fetch and I am all about it. Drop in another ball and you’ll be laughing.
Main features to consider:
Similar to buying dog leads, there are a few factors to keep in mind when securing the perfect dog ball launcher.
Indoor or outdoor: Where will your daily fetch game take place? If you have a small space, go for a product that has a short shooting range
Size of your dog: If you have a medium-large dog breed, go for a large dog ball launcher. If you have a small dog, consider getting a smaller ball launcher model
Distance settings: Do you want a dog ball launcher with multiple distance settings to vary the exercise? Perhaps you are satisfied with just one distance feature?
Budget: How much are you willing to pay? Is it worth going for a more expensive automatic dog ball launcher or will a manual option (cheaper) be adequate?
Best automatic dog ball launchers
1 of 4PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy
The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy is another very popular budget product for large dogs. The interactive tennis ball throwing machine is water-resistant (indoors and outdoors), which is great to conveniently leave outside 24-7 without having to worry about it potentially getting ruined. It has nine different distance settings (2.5m to 9m) and six ball angle settings (pull out and twist angle knob). It also has motion sensors to detect and protect people and pets standing in front of the launch area (although some dogs may be sensitive to this noise). There is also an automatic rest mode (15 minutes) for safe play time and training features (audio tones).
£130.00
- Rrp: £165.23
2 of 4iFetch Too Automatic Ball Launcher for Larger Dogs
This iFetch Too Automatic Ball Launcher for Larger Dogs is the best overall choice. It can launch tennis-sized balls across three distances: 15ft, 30ft, and 40ft. Because of this, the dog ball launcher can be used indoors and outdoors. A bit pricier than the other models, but well worth the investment. One reviewer mentioned, "he has been playing with it indoors and outdoors almost every day two hours in total for the past five months... and the machine has not shown any symptoms of breaking down."
3 of 4iDogmate Small Automatic Ball Launcher
The iDogmate Small Automatic Ball Launcher is a great gadget for puppies and small dogs. It comes with three customised 1.65-inch diameter mini rubber balls and can launch a variety of distances (10, 20, 25, 35ft). Better yet, you can launch balls via remote controller, making the distance adjustment function perfect for indoor and outdoor use. The large funnel on the top makes the ball launcher easy for the dogs to use, without always needing your assistance. The product also has excellent wheels to prevent wet or slobbery balls from getting stuck.
4 of 4Pet Prime Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Interactive Fetch Toy
This Pet Prime Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Interactive Fetch Toy is the best budget ball launcher for smaller dogs. It trains your pet's behaviour and keeps your pet energetic, indoors and outdoors. The ball launcher has three different distance ranges (10, 20, 30ft). Being super-high quality, the machine is made of ABS plastic and operates with 2-inch tennis balls (three are included). All the gadget needs are six C batteries or an AC adapter (neither included). The balls also need to be dry, otherwise it may affect the shooting distance.
Best manual dog ball launchers
1 of 3ChuckIt! Sport Dog Ball Launcher – Small Ball
This ChuckIt! Sport Dog Ball Launcher – Small Ball is the best overall manual dog ball launcher. With thousands of five-star Amazon ratings, this product comes in a variety of sizes (30cm, 36cm, 46cm, 64cm, 66cm) depending on the size of your dog and your preferences. This 36cm small multi-coloured option is extremely effective, helping you to throw further and faster. Never do you need to bend down and pick up a slimy ball again. It's super comfortable with its ergonomic rubber handle, and is durable as it's made from flexible plastic.
£9.99
- Rrp: £10.99
2 of 3Nerf Dog Deluxe Air Strike Thrower, Large
The Nerf Dog Deluxe Air Strike Thrower, Large is another popular manual dog ball launcher. You have the choice of medium or large, and the purchase comes with a tennis ball. With over 800 ratings, it easily scoops up the ball, so you don't need to pick it up with your hands. Chestnut, a professional dog trainer, says, "This item is very good value for money. I defy anyone to find a better one at any cost. I have tried them all."
3 of 3Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Toy (version 2018)
The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Toy (version 2018) is the best manual dog ball launcher for anyone looking for a snazzier design. Coming in a variety of styles (original blaster only, original with Hydrosport ball, original with LED glow ball, and original with distance tennis ball), the dog toy is ideal for the ultimate outdoor game of fetch. One of its features is a hands-free pick up, therefore you do not need to bend down and pick up the ball each time. And, depending on where you are and how far you want to launch the ball, you can adjust the distance. Compatible with all Nerf blaster balls, this could quite literally be the perfect solution for all.
FAQs
What are the benefits of buying a dog ball launcher?
Apart from the obvious personal physical gain, there are many benefits to using a dog ball launcher. The majority of dogs need a good workout and dog ball launchers can provide exactly this. We don’t want your pup getting weak, aggressive, or less than its cute lively self, do we? Benefits include:
1. Keeps your dog fit, healthy and in shape with minimal effort on your side. Also, it's a great way to play with your dog if you are unfit to do so.
2. Keeps your dog entertained, with an element of surprise and ‘fun’ training. An automatic ball launcher can even entertain your dog without you there.
3. Keeps your dog mentally sane and the mind stimulated.
How can you teach your dog to use an automatic ball launcher?
Similar to any routine puppy training, introducing an automatic ball launcher may require some getting used to. Some dogs can get it in the first go, others need a bit of practice. Here are some tips to successfully launch it with your dog:
1. Be patient (that’s if your dog doesn’t get it in the first go).
2. Warm your dog up to the machine with ten minutes a day, three times a day (your dog getting bored is the last thing you want – make them beg for it!)
3. Reinforce the full process with your dog (throw-and-fetch) to get your dog comfortable with walking back to the machine after collecting a ball. This may take time.
4. After step three, the biggest aim is for your dog to become fully self-reliant on the automatic ball launcher. This requires you to teach your dog to drop the ball back into the launcher – using a reward system – so that eventually your dog can play with the ball launcher without your help. Start this process by rewarding (never apply force or negative reinforcement) your dog when the ball gets dropped close to/around the launcher.