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Dogs love playing fetch, but sometimes, throwing a ball over and over again can get a bit boring. The good news is that an automatic dog ball launcher can help you enhance the game of fetch for your pup and save your arm. Whether you’re looking for something to help you throw farther or a device that can automatically throw for you, there’s something for everyone.
| Best Overall | Automatic | Thrower | Shooter |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| iFetch | PetSafe | Chuckit! | Nerf Dog |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Why Should I Get A Dog Ball Launcher?
There are a lot of benefits to getting one of these best automatic ball launchers. It can help you step up your play fetch game, whether manual or automatic. They also promote an active lifestyle, aid in training, and help you and your dog have tons of fun. Most importantly, they help to boost physical exercise and your dog’s mental stimulation.
To get the most out of your ball launcher, we have a step-by-step guide on teaching your dog how to fetch.
6 Factors To Consider In A Dog Ball Thrower
Here are some things to consider when looking for a ball thrower to meet your needs.
- Your Dog’s Size. Your dog’s size determines what size ball you need and how far the device needs to launch the ball
- Indoor Or Outdoor Use. Indoor use requires a shorter throwing distance
- Power Source. For some outdoor spaces, you may need battery power rather than a plug-in
- Throwing Distance. Do you want the ball to go far or just a few feet?
- Automatic Or Manual. You may want help throwing the ball farther or a machine that does all the work for you
- Budget. Prices vary, so you must consider what you’re willing to spend
4 Best Dog Ball Launchers
I’ve picked the best dog ball launchers based on factors like price, throwing distance, customer reviews, durability, our personal experience, and more to help you decide what would work best for you.
Best Overall Dog Ball Launcher: iFetch Automatic Ball Launcher Review
The iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher gets my vote for the best dog ball launcher. This automatic dog ball thrower comes in two sizes for small and large dogs and is excellent for indoor and outdoor use. The built-in rechargeable batteries mean you don’t have to worry about battery replacement, although you do have to remember to charge it. It takes six C-cell batteries, which you have to purchase separately.
With three throwing distances (10, 20, and 40 feet), this automatic ball thrower for dogs keeps your pup from getting bored. There’s also a random setting to keep your pup guessing. While the larger model can use standard tennis balls, the smaller automatic ball launcher for dogs requires iFetch mini tennis balls. The thrower comes with three balls.
There isn’t a sensor to protect pets that are too close, so you must keep a close eye on your pup until they get the hang of it. Also, some customers said wet balls sometimes get stuck, but running a cloth through the machine after each use helps keep it clean. This option comes with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| For indoor & outdoor use | Small size requires special balls |
| 2 sizes for large and small dogs | Some users said that wet balls get stuck |
| 3 throwing distances | No motion sensor to protect pets when they’re too close |
| Random launch setting | |
| Comes with 3 balls | |
| Built-in rechargeable battery | |
| 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
Price
Runner-Up Automatic Dog Tennis Ball Launcher: PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher Review
Want to launch tennis balls for your pup? I chose the PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher as the runner-up automatic tennis ball launcher for dogs. The only reason it didn’t make my top spot is that it only launches standard-size tennis balls, which are too big for some small breeds. However, this option has several benefits that might make it more suitable and fun for your dog. Power comes from a power cord or six D-cell batteries, which you must purchase separately.
Like the iFetch ball launcher, it can be used inside and out. You can adjust the distance settings between eight and 30 feet. Nine distance options and six angles keep things interesting, launching balls in different directions. It has a safety motion sensor, so it won’t launch a ball if Fido is directly in front of the machine.
PetSafe’s tennis ball launcher comes with a one-year warranty. Any tennis ball will do. Although some customers complain this product is loud, it releases a popping sound pre-launch to let Fido know to get ready.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| For indoor & outdoor use | Some users report that the device is very loud |
| Motion sensor to protect pets within 7 feet | Some customers complain the throwing distance is 15 feet or less |
| Compatible with standard tennis balls | |
| Comes with 2 tennis balls | |
| 9 distance settings & 6 angle settings | |
| 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
Price
Best Dog Ball Thrower: Chuckit! Pro Ball Launcher Review
I’ve chosen the Chuckit! Pro Ball Launcher as the Best Manual Dog Ball Thrower. This dog toy ball thrower helps you increase your throwing speed and distance to over 100 feet. It also allows hands-free ball pickup, which means slobber-free walkies. This thrower requires lots of space, so it’s best used outdoors. This durable plastic product is more portable and easier on the wallet than automatic tennis ball dog machines.
While tennis balls can work with some throwers, I recommend Chuckit! Balls for the best results. Chuckit! sells a wide range of ball options, including glow-in-the-dark balls, whistlers, squeaker balls, eco-friendly options, and more. Most of their balls are extra bouncy, and some are buoyant, which is great if your dog loves to fetch in the water. You need to check ball size compatibility, as sizing differs for each handle size.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| For outdoor use | Special balls recommended |
| Increases throwing distance to over 100 feet | |
| Easy to take on walks | |
| Designed for hands-free ball pickup | |
| Takes the strain out of continuous ball launching |
Our Personal Experience With Chuckit! Ball Launcher
Our dog loves to play fetch, chasing after balls and just about anything that moves. We got the Chuckit! ball launcher and it provides endless fun. With an easy flick of your wrist, you can toss the ball pretty far with minimal effort. It’s a huge hit at the dog park and with other dogs too who like to compete to get the ball first!
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent & Creative Marketing For Canine Journal
Price
- Starts from $17.74
Best Ball Shooter For Dogs: Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Review
My pick for the best ball shooter for dogs is the Nerf dog tennis ball blaster. This simple, durable Nerf gun is from the Nerf line and is made specifically for dogs. It can launch tennis balls over 50 feet. You can use standard tennis balls, so you won’t need to buy special replacement balls. It’s easy to use and offers hands-free ball pickup. This Nerf gun ball launcher for dogs is manual, so you’re part of the game, making it more interactive. It’s great fun for families, too. Only a few customers felt the trigger stiffened up over time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| For outdoor use | Some customers complained the trigger can stiffen up over time |
| Compatible with any tennis ball | |
| Shoots balls up to 50 feet | |
| Designed for hands-free ball pick-up | |
| Interactive fun for dogs & humans |
Price
How To Train Dogs To Use An Automatic Ball Launcher
Watch this short video on how to train your dog to use an automatic ball launcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions our readers might ask regarding dog ball launchers. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
Is There An Automatic Fetch Machine?
Yes, but even an automatic fetch machine needs to have the ball placed back into it. Luckily, many dogs have been trained to figure out how to drop them back in once they fetch it.
Is There A Self-Throwing Ball For Dogs?
While it’s nice to know that a machine throws balls for dogs, there are some manual options, too. If you’re looking for a ball that does all the work, the Cheerble Wicked Ball is the closest thing to a self-throwing ball I can find. This interactive ball helps entertain your pup by rolling itself around in three modes: gentle, normal, and active. Although this ball doesn’t launch, it rolls itself without any input.
What’s The Best Automatic Ball Thrower For Large Dogs?
For the best launcher for large dogs, I recommend the large version of my overall top pick, the iFetch. This auto ball launcher for large dogs uses standard-size tennis balls and has a random setting to entertain them.
What’s The Best Small Dog Ball Launcher?
I think the best small dog ball launcher is the small version of my overall pick, the iFetch.
Other Ways To Play With Your Pup
A ball launcher is an excellent way to play with your pup and increase their activity. If you want additional ways to entertain your furry friend, check out our picks for the best dog toys. If your dog needs mental stimulation, we have ideas for brain games to help give your dog some mental exercise. We have also reviewed the BarkBox subscription toy service, which the Canine Journal pups love.
Do you use any of these ball launchers in my review? Perhaps you use another option to increase your launch distance. We love to hear our readers’ stories, so please share them in the comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog mom to two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Bonkers has no interest in fetching balls, whereas Chips is starting to show a keen interest. Emma spends hours researching every topic she writes about for both herself and her readers. She is passionate about sharing her decades of doggy experience as a long-time dog owner and professional dog walker and sitter. Emma works with a dedicated team to ensure Canine Journal is a trusted online go-to dog resource.
