The 10 Best Automatic Dog Ball Launchers

Reviews

Automatic Pet ball launcher

What We Like

• The configuration of nine distances and six angles
• Training sounds for launch announcements
• Security motion detector
• Sleep mode after 15 minutes

What We Don’t Like

• Automatic Rest Mode does not display a timer.

With this automatic ball launcher, you can determine the distance the ball travels and its height in the air. You may configure it for nine various distances and six different angles, all of which impact the direction of the ball’s toss.

There are training noises that will alert your dog that the ball is about to be thrown, allowing him to prepare to run. We particularly enjoy the front motion sensor that protects persons and animals standing up to 7 feet in front of the launch area.

The toy can hold up to three tennis balls at once (but only includes two) and is compatible with most standard-sized tennis balls as well as some smaller ones. To prevent your dog from overstimulation, a sleep mode activates after approximately 15 minutes of continuous play.

After another 15 minutes of rest, it will resume tossing balls. It’s a great feature for dogs prone to overstimulation (common in pups), but we wish the PetSafe Launcher had a better means to communicate when Rest Mode is active and when it will finish; simply a two-tone sound marks the transition between active play and Rest Mode.

The launcher may be powered by either an electrical source or batteries.

 

Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster

What We Like

• Can pick up fallen balls using the blaster’s end.
• Portability and portability
• Every tennis ball is available in medium and big sizes.
• less costly than most
• Available in three sizes.

What We Don’t Like

• Holds only one ball at a time.
• Makes loud popping noise

This manual blaster fires one ball at a time with a single trigger pull. The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster is marketed as having a range of 50 feet, however anybody familiar with Nerf blaster toys is aware that they seldom reach their promised range.

It is lightweight and simple to store in a bag or trunk if you’re traveling. It does not require a charger or batteries to function.

When your dog (hopefully) returns the ball, just pick it up from the ground with the end of the blaster to avoid drooly messes.

The toy can only hold one ball at a time, so you must either store more somewhere or retrieve it after each toss. It is available in three sizes, so select based on your dog’s size.

 

Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine

What We Like

• Safely releases balls in an arc pattern.
• Three time adjustments
• AC adapter or battery power
• Large capacity

What We Don’t Like

• Very loud

With an enthusiastic dog and strong ricocheting balls, safety is also a top consideration. The GoDogGo releases balls in an arc pattern, preventing them from firing directly towards your dog.

Nevertheless, it is prudent to teach your dog (and yourself) to remain at least three feet away or to the side.

Depending on size, the launcher may accommodate up to 23 balls. In addition, the distance ranges from 10 to 60 feet depends on the size and condition of the propelled balls.

In addition to establishing different distances, the launch intervals may be varied between 4, 17, and 15 seconds.

 

Interactive Ball Launcher, iFetch

What We Like

• Very quiet
• Two sizes
• The animal may load a ball into the launcher.
• With “random” distance capability

What We Don’t Like

• Balls can become wet and stuck when it rains.

If your pet is cooperative, this interactive launcher allows him to amuse himself. Your dog may retrieve the ball, place it back in the launcher, and wait for you to throw it again.

Once your dog learns out the game, you no longer have to play. You may adjust the distance (up to 30 or 40 feet, depending on the size of the launcher) or select “random” to confuse your dog.

The launcher is available in two sizes, with the smaller version containing three ping-pong-sized balls and the larger version containing three tennis balls.

The smaller version of the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher is ideal for indoor usage, but should be reserved for smaller breeds due to the potential choking threat posed by the little balls.

 

Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher Dog Toy from Franklin Pet Supply

What We Like

• Standard tennis balls fit.
• Three launch angles for balls
• Hopper for dog to return ball

What We Don’t Like

• Very loud
• Wet or unclean balls are less effective.

This launcher has three launching angles and can propel balls up to 40 feet. Your dog may return the ball to the top hopper and wait for it to launch again.

This model’s big, open hopper makes it an excellent choice for training dogs to load the launcher themselves.

While the Franklin Ready Set Fetch includes one ball, it is compatible with ordinary tennis balls as well.

Some pets are frightened by a loud warning sound that can be turned off. However, the Franklin Ready Set Fetch is noisy even without the indication, so owners of fearful dogs may choose to consider elsewhere.

In addition, the performance of unclean or moist balls may deteriorate slightly.

 

Hyper Pet K9 Kannon Mini K2 Dog Toy

What We Like

• Able to collect balls without touching them.
• Full-size model fits normal tennis balls
• Tiny size blaster for smaller dogs

What We Don’t Like

• Utilizes a rubber band that will degrade with time.

This blaster operates manually using a finger trigger. Load a ball and pull the lever back to adjust the distance. The pull-back plunger may be ratcheted back a few notches to alter the distance at which a ball is discharged.

You can even pick up balls with the blaster’s muzzle, allowing you to avoid getting your hands covered in dog slobber.

The Hyper Pet K9 Kannon Mini Launcher utilizes tiny balls, making it ideal for smaller dog breeds. However, there is also a variant designed for bigger dogs. It launches one ball at a time, but the toy’s base contains storage for two more balls.

Durability is our only worry with the Hyper Pet K9 Kannon. Since this launcher fires its balls using a strong rubber band, the gadget will ultimately become less effective.

 

IDOGMATE Dog Ball Launcher

What We Like

• Internal storage for balls
• Utilizes slobbery balls
• Many programmable settings
• Wide hopper for returning balls

What We Don’t Like

• Complicated remote control

This launcher’s remote may require a bit of practice to operate, but it allows you to choose from four different distances for the balls.

Choose the varied setting to keep your dog guessing and you’ll both wonder where the ball goes. In addition, there is a function that gives your dog athlete a 15-minute break every hour.

The little version can handle balls up to 1.75 inches in diameter, while the giant version can throw tennis balls up to 2.5 inches in diameter.

A curved mechanism within the toy prevents slobbery balls from becoming trapped. It includes three balls, of which two can be stored in the machine.

Conclusion

The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher with nine distance options and six angle adjustments is our top pick for the best automatic dog ball launchers. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) really enjoy the Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster, which is compact, lightweight, and inexpensive.

What to Look for in an Automatic Dog Ball Launcher?

Energy Source

Some launchers operate similarly to squirt guns, using a finger trigger. Simply push and fire. Others are more potent and need additional juice. They utilize either a power supply or batteries.

If you intend to use your launcher outside, the power supply is crucial. According to reviews, batteries are convenient, but they do not provide the same boost as when the rocket is plugged in.

Portability

Are you going to a park or the beach? You may not wish to transport a launcher weighing 8 to 10 pounds or more.

These cumbersome devices are not easily transportable in a backpack or vehicle trunk. You may instead choose for one of the lighter and more portable manual blasters.

Range

Depending on the athleticism of your dog and the size of your playing field, you may select a launcher that can throw the ball simply a few feet or as far as 50 or 60 feet.

Reviewers note, however, that few of these launchers regularly provide the maximum distance, and that the ball’s condition (wet and unclean) frequently causes it to go less distance.

Ball Capacity

If your dog is obsessive, you may want to select a blaster with a higher capacity than the standard two balls. There are some that can hold nearly two dozen balls for continuous play.

FAQs

How can I teach my dog how to utilize a ball launcher?

Work backwards, recommends Susie Aga, owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer and licensed trainer and behaviorist. “It’s more difficult to educate a dog to drop a ball than to retrieve one,” she explains, “and occasionally they don’t bring it back completely.”

She advises throwing a ball and walking backwards as they return to you. “Dogs pursue what leaves them.”

As they approach, instruct them to “drop it” and reward them with a treat or compliment. It is most convenient to utilize a clicker that records the precise instant they comply with your request.

If you want to train them to drop an object into a launcher hopper, reward them first when they approach the launcher and then when they place the object inside.

If your dog is uncertain about chasing a ball, throw it against a wall and have him catch it. This might stimulate your dog’s prey drive, making them want to chase and catch the object as well.

Toss it to them and let them to catch it. Then toss it past them and let them to pursue it, she advises.

Why do canines enjoy playing fetch?

According to Aga, sometimes it is breed qualities, what they were bred for, and sometimes it is prey drive or play drive. “It is highly instinctive for certain dog breeds to chase and follow. Retrievers were bred for this purpose,” she explains.

“Dogs must have a strong pursuit, play, and prey drive in order to jump from a dock to chase a ball in dock diving.” Numerous working and retrieving breeds possess this drive.