Meta: The best dog ball launcher can help you play fetch longer and throw the ball further to keep your pet active. Here are some recommendations if you need an aid to play fetch.
A dog ball launcher is a fun and convenient way to keep your dog active. From classic manual launchers that help you pick up the ball to smart devices that automatically throw the ball for your pooch, there are many options to consider. We have selected a few products to help you find the best dog ball launcher to keep your best friend active.
Dog Ball Launcher FAQ
There are a few things to consider when comparing dog toys.
What Are the Benefits of Playing Fetch?
Fetch is probably one of the most important activities you can share with your dog. Dogs need to play every day.
Playtime allows your dog to be active. It’s great for weight control, heart health, and joint health as your pet gets older. It’s fun, and your dog gets to use their energy.
A dog who doesn’t get enough playtime will look for another outlet for their energy. Your dog’s unused energy might manifest itself in the form of anxiety or destructive behaviors.
Playing fetch is an amazing bonding experience for you and your dog. It’s a simple game that most dogs learn very quickly and intuitively.
There is a social element to playing fetch. Your dog gets the fun of chasing after the ball, and they also learn that there are rules to follow, such as bringing you the ball back. You get the set the rules and establish yourself as the leader in a fun environment.
You can incorporate some training and commands when you play fetch. You can, for instance, have your puppy sit after bringing the ball back.
What Are the Different Types of Dog Ball Launchers?
You can find manual ball launchers. These launchers are a launching aid you can use to pick up the ball and throw it further.
Playing fetch involves a lot of repetitive movements. You have to bend over, pick up the ball, and throw it. If you suffer from chronic back pain, arthritis, or tennis elbow, keeping your dog active can quickly become challenging. If you suffer from reduced mobility or pain, a dog ball launcher is a must-have item.
You can also find interactive launchers. These automatic launchers are toys your dog can use to play fetch by themselves. Your dog has to place the ball in a basket or hole at the top of the device, and the toy will automatically launch the ball.
Interactive launchers remove the social element of the game, but it’s a great way to keep your dog active if you are busy. Your dog will get to use their cognitive capacities to figure out how the toy works and automatic toys typically launch the ball further than you could.
Which Features Should You Look for in a Dog Ball Launcher?
The best dog ball launcher depends on how you will use the product. Here are a few things to consider:
- Manual or automatic? An automatic launcher is convenient, but it lacks the social element of playing fetch together. A manual launcher makes playing fetch easier, but your dog can’t have fun when you’re busy.
- Look for a ball launcher that is easy to use for you or your dog.
- Consider how far you can launch the ball. The launching distance needs to be safe while remaining fun and challenging for your dog.
- Pay attention to the diameter of the balls you can use with the launcher.
How We Reviewed Different Dog Ball Launchers
We looked for quality products with good reviews from dog owners. We paid attention to the durability of different dog launchers and whether or not the products are fun and easy to use.
We included different types of ball launchers in our selection. We looked for simple and affordable manual launchers for those who need a throwing aid when playing fetch and included some interactive toys with innovative features.
How Much Does a Dog Ball Launcher Cost?
Manual dog ball launchers are very affordable. You can easily find a quality product in the $10 to $15 price range.
If you want to get an interactive toy, it’s possible to spend anywhere between $30 and $150 depending on the brand and features. We recommend looking for mid-range prices to find a good mix of quality and value.
Top Five Best Dog Ball Launchers
Here are a few products we recommend considering if you need an aid to play fetch.
Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Ball Thrower
image via amazon.com
The Chuckit! ball throw is fun and easy to use. We think it’s a great choice because it’s affordable and helps you launch the ball further.
We like the curved design of the handle. The ergonomic design helps you get more distance without a lot of efforts.
It’s a lightweight product with a 26” handle. The grip feels comfortable, and the length of the ball launcher allows you to easily pick up a ball.
The circular holder at the end of the launcher allows you to scoop up the ball. The design is convenient, and you will grab the ball on your first try every time. You can then swing the launcher and release the ball.
We like this product because of the sturdy construction. The size of the holder is ideal for picking up balls easily, but keep in mind that it only works with balls from the Chuckit! brand.
PROS
- Affordable option
- Easy to use
- Pick up balls without bending over
- Swing and release to throw the ball
CONS
- Only works with Chuckit! balls
You can order this manual ball launcher on Amazon for a little over $5. The manufacturer doesn’t seem to offer a warranty on this product, but you will benefit from Amazon’s 30-day money back policy.
Chew King Fetch Balls
image via amazon.com
We like this ball launcher because it’s adjustable. You can use with a wide range of balls, and family members with different strength levels can use this product to play fetch with your pet.
It fits balls with a diameter of up to three inches, which means you can use standard tennis balls. You can adjust the holder portion of the ball launcher to fit smaller balls.
The length of the launcher is 17.75.” The straight handle allows you to scoop up balls without bending over, but we think the handle design isn’t very ergonomic and could reduce distance when you throw the ball.
The handle design is a slight drawback, but being able to adjust the holder size and grip with a knob is an impressive feature since it allows you to change the throwing distance and makes the launcher compatible with a wide range of balls.
PROS
- Adjust the holder with a knob
- Works with balls up to 3”
- Adapts to different strengths
- Adjust the throwing distance
CONS
- The handle design isn’t ergonomic
You can find this ball launcher on Amazon for $20. It’s more expensive than other manual ball launchers, but the launcher comes with six balls, including a glow-in-the-dark ball. There is no information about a warranty from the manufacturer, but Amazon offers a 30-day money back policy.
Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher
image via amazon.com
The Kannon K2 is a fun ball launcher shaped like a toy gun. It’s fun to use, and your children are going to love it.
You can adjust the distance of the launch, which is a convenient feature if you play in a small yard or don’t want your dog running too far from you. We like the hands-free pickup feature. You can place the opening of the cannon over a ball, and the ball launcher will automatically pick up the ball.
You have to pull back a ram to adjust how far the ball will go. Launching the ball is very easy since all you have to do is squeeze a trigger. However, pulling back the ram isn’t ideal if you want to use a ball launcher to reduce strain on your arms or joints.
We recommend this ball launcher for its fun design, but it’s not the best product if you need an aid that prevents you from bending over and using your elbows when playing fetch.
PROS
- Fun cannon design
- Launch the ball further
- Adjust the distance
- Hands-free pickup feature
- Simple controls
CONS
- You have to pull back the ram
The Kannon K2 costs $15 on Amazon. The original price is $25, but it’s currently on sale. We think it’s a great buy at $15, and you will benefit from Amazon’s 30-day money back guarantee.
Hyper Dog 4 Ball Launcher
image via amazon.com
We like this ball launcher because it uses a slingshot design. The design is fun to use, and it throws the ball further.
The dimensions of the ball launcher are 27×6.5×9.” You can fold the product to store or transport it.
The slingshot launches balls up to 220 feet. You can adjust the distance when you pull the slingshot back. There are no markings on the launcher so you will have to use the product and get a feel for it to control the distance.
There is minimal effort required to fire the slingshot. You have to pull it back, but there is no need to use force. The ball launcher is fun to use and doesn’t require a lot of efforts, but it won’t help you pick up balls. The product works with balls of different sizes, including tennis balls.
PROS
- Original design
- Fun to use
- No force required
- Folds for easy storage and transportation
- Launches ball up to 220 feet
CONS
- No markings for the distance
- Doesn’t help you pick up balls
You can order this fun ball launcher for just over $20 on Amazon. You will get a 30-day money back guarantee if you order it from Amazon.
All for Paws Interactive Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
image via amazon.com
This interactive toy throws the ball automatically. You can adjust the distance to 10, 20, or 30 feet.
The manufacturer makes a mini and maxi model. The smaller model works with 2” balls, and you will have to use 2.5” balls with the other models. The ball launcher comes with three balls, and it’s fairly easy to find replacements. However, tennis balls won’t work with this ball launcher.
We like the simple design of the ball launcher because of the rounded edges. There is a large receptacle at the top of the ball launcher so your dog can easily figure out where the ball goes.
There is a single button in front of the toy. The button controls different things depending on how many times you push it. You can use it to open the machine if a ball gets stuck, or to adjust the distance. The controls don’t feel very intuitive, but it’s best to avoid adding buttons that your dog could accidentally push.
This interactive ball launcher requires C batteries.
PROS
- Rounded design
- Adjustable distance
- Easy to use
- Two sizes available
CONS
- Controls aren’t intuitive
- Requires batteries
You can find this interactive dog toy for $70 on Amazon. The manufacturer offers a three-year warranty on this product.
Comparing Different Dog Ball Launchers
This table will help you figure out which option is the best dog ball launcher.
Best manual dog ball launcher
- Product name: Chew King Fetch Balls
- Type: Manual
- Ball diameter: Adjustable up to 3″
- Adjustable throwing distance: Yes
- Price: $20
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Most original design
- Product name: Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher
- Type: Cannon ball launcher
- Ball diameter: Standard tennis ball
- Adjustable throwing distance: Yes
- Price: $15
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Best automatic dog ball launcher
- Product name: All for Paws Interactive Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
- Type: Automatic
- Ball diameter:2″ or 2.5″
- Adjustable throwing distance: Yes
- Price: $70
- Rating: 3.3 out of 5 stars
Verdict: Which Dog Ball Launcher Should You Get?
If you want a launching aid to play fetch with your dog, we recommend the Chew King Fetch Balls launcher. It’s an affordable and durable option, and you can use the adjustable knob to throw balls with different diameters or change the throwing distance.
If you would like to get an interactive toy for your pooch, the All for Paws ball launcher is a great choice. The controls are not very intuitive, but it’s more affordable than similar toys, there is a three-year warranty, and your dog should easily figure out how to use the toy.