The Best Ball Launchers for Playing Fetch
If you're the owner of a high-energy dog, you know how hard it is to keep them entertained. Just playing with your pup can seem like a full-time job (and a tiring one at that). One of the best ways to take some of the load off is a ball launcher. Ball launchers are nifty little devices that throw balls for your dog to play fetch with. These products really come in handy for dog owners with disabilities or folks with stressful jobs that don't allow them much free time. To help you choose the right ball launcher for you and your dog, we've assembled this list of the best ones on the market.
Chuckit Ball Launcher
The Dog Days Are Here
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable ball launcher that’ll be fun for yourself and your dog, this pick from Chuckit might be the pick for you. This ball launcher requires no batteries or special instructions; just you, your dog, and a ball. Chuckit’s ball launcher helps you throw balls much farther than you could on your own. The pliable long plastic piece acts as a catapult that sends your ball soaring into the air with little effort on your part. We highly recommend this pick for anyone in need of an affordable ball launcher that’ll be a good workout for both you and your dog.
Pros:
- Simple and affordable ball launcher
- No batteries or assembly required
- Allows you to throw balls much farther than you could on your own
Cons:
- Requires much more work from the owner than other ball launchers, but for some, the workout it provides is worth it
GoDogGo Inc. Fetch Machine G4
Catch and Fetch
The Fetch Machine G4 from GoDogGo Inc. is the perfect choice for owners with disabilities or long work hours that prevent them from being able to exercise with their dogs. In fact, you can even train your dog to use the Fetch Machine all by themselves. This ball launcher features a large ball receptacle that can hold up to 25 balls at once. The receptacle is big enough for your dog to place the ball back into after they’ve brought it back. With the Fetch Machine, you can sit back, relax, and watch your dog have a blast (and a good workout).
Pros:
- It holds up to 25 balls at once
- It can shoot balls up to 50 feet in distance
- You can train your dog to use it by themselves
Cons:
- Much more expensive than manual ball launchers
Hyper Pet K9 Kannon
Dog's Delight
If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense, easy-to-use ball launcher for your high-energy dog, you’ve come to the right place. Hyper Pet’s K9 Kannon is a ball launcher that you’ll love just as much as your dog will. The launcher is shaped like a toy gun and features a lever that allows you to change the distance that you want the ball to travel. The variable distance settings make this ball launcher a versatile pick that will be just as fun in the yard as it will be in a large park or field. What’s more, the K9 Kannon has a hands-free pickup feature that allows owners to reload balls with ease.
Pros:
- A variable distance ball launcher perfect for the yard or the park
- Fun for you and your dog
- Hands-free pickup feature
Cons:
- You need to purchase Hyper Pet’s mini-tennis balls; regular-sized tennis balls will not fit in the launcher
iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher
The Fetch Machine
No matter how much exercise they get, some dogs just won’t get tuckered out. Fortunately, iFetch’s interactive ball launcher might be the perfect remedy for these ultra-playful pups. This ball launcher features three variable distance settings that make this pick versatile enough to be used in any setting. It even has a 10-foot option that’s ideal for use with indoor training. To sweeten the deal, iFetch throws in three balls to use with your new launcher. What’s more, the ball receptacle is large enough for your dog to return the balls in by themselves. The asking price on this pick is a little steep, but we think it’s more than worth it for owners with overactive dogs and not enough time on their hands.
Pros:
- You can train your dog to use the iFetch by themselves
- Variable distance settings
- Three balls included with your purchase
Cons:
- It doesn’t hold more than one ball at once
Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy
Doggie Workout
If you have kids, we’re sure you’ve heard of Nerf before. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that Nerf branched out into dog toys with this awesome ball blaster. Just load up the blaster, cock the barrel, and send your dog zooming around the yard to retrieve the balls. This blaster can throw balls at distances up to 50 feet, making it a perfect choice for owners with high-energy dogs who need to cover a lot of ground to get a decent workout. This is an affordable and easy-to-use ball launcher that will help you make lasting memories with your canine pal.
Pros:
- Shoots balls up to 50 feet
- The smaller diameter ball is easy for all breeds to carry
Cons:
- Requires much more work from the owner than automated launchers
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any ball launchers that my dog can use alone?
Yes, there are ball launchers on the market that your dog can use by themselves. It takes a fair bit of time and training to accomplish, but many owners have managed to teach their dogs how to use ball launchers without human supervision. Some ball launchers feature ball receptacles that your dog can place the ball into after it’s been thrown. This type of launcher is an ideal pick for owners with disabilities who can’t throw or easily reload the balls into the launcher for their pup.
Are there any dog breeds that will particularly enjoy ball launchers?
Most dogs love a nice game of fetch, so we’re pretty sure the vast majority of dogs out there will enjoy a ball launcher. That said, it can’t be denied that some breeds are more inclined to love playing fetch than others. Border collies, golden retrievers, labradors, Australian shepherds, and schnauzers are just a few of the breeds that are more likely to love ball launchers.
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