If you're tired of getting an arm workout every time you play fetch with your dog, thankfully there is a solution in the best dog ball launchers. When it takes a million ball throws for your dog to finally be satisfied, it can be exhausting for us paw-rents as it's tough on your arms, elbows and shoulders having to launch the ball as far as you possibly can to keep your dog engaged. Luckily, these launchers will take all the hard work out of chucking dog toys so your pooch will probably end up being tired of fetch before you will.
The best dog ball launchers will have you and your hound looking forward to a game of fetch as they make it effortlessly simple for you both. You can wave goodbye to feeling worn out after playtime with your pup as just by pressing a button or a quick flick of your arm, balls can be propelled to a pretty impressive distance that you just wouldn't be able to achieve from throwing alone.
Best dog ball launchers at a glance:
• Best overall: PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher – view on Argos
• Best manual dog ball launcher: ChuckIt! Sport Dog Ball Launcher – view on Amazon UK
• Best manual dog ball launcher gun: Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy – view on Argos
When it comes to choosing the best dog ball launchers for your pooch, there are two different types to choose from. First up, we have automatic launchers, which as the name suggests, come equipped with clever technology, like automatic loading and timers. This is so your hound can enjoy solo playtime from this interactive dog toy with very little intervention from you. Although, your dog will still require plenty of supervision while using it and a lot of training to help them figure out what to do. The other type is a manual launcher, which will require a little more interaction on your part. You can get gun-style ones to launch the ball into the air or handheld ones that you give you more control over where you're throwing it. The main benefit to manual launchers is that they offer hand-free pickup so there's no need to get your hands dirty or slobbery when playing fetch again.
Introducing a launcher into playtime will change the way you and your pooch play fetch, so that's why we've rounded up all the best dog ball launchers to make it more enjoyable for both of you. Whether you've got your eye on an automatic one or you're after a manual one, you'll find choices to suit a range of breeds and budgets in our roundup.
Best automatic dog ball launchers
Best overall
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
With nine different distance settings, throwing between 2.5-9m, and six ball angle settings, the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is a great option for entertaining dogs of all ages and sizes. As well as being fun for your pooch, it's also safe as it has a motion-detecting sensor so it can protect people and pets standing in front of the launch area and there's also an automatic rest mode for safe play time and training. As it's water-resistant, you won't have to worry about leaving it outside.
Customer review: "Really easy to use. My dog learnt very quickly to put ball in the bucket and to move back. Is a little loud. Would definitely recommend."
Pros
- Safety mechanism
- Adjustable distance
Cons
- Loud mechanism
Best automatic dog launcher for all breeds
AmazonAvailable in either a mini or max size, you can choose the ALL FOR PAWS Interactive Dog Automatic Ball Launcher to suit your dog's breed and needs. It operates at distances of 10, 20 and 30ft so you can alter the range depending on how much chasing your dog wants to do. It comes with three balls to get you started, but you can use two-inch tennis balls in it.
Customer review: "First birthday gift for my Border Collie and she absolutely loves it! Only took 2 days to teach her how to work it for herself. Only have a small garden but the 30 feet is perfect for it. Very simple set up and use, quick wipe over after use to keep it nice and clean."
Pros
- Good value
- Adjustable distance
Cons
- Balls need to be dry otherwise it may affect the shooting area
Best budget automatic dog ball launcher
AmazonThis Pet Prime Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Interactive Fetch Toy is a great budget option for smaller dogs and older puppies. It may be made with smaller breeds in mind, but it still has an impressive range of distances (10, 20 and 30ft) so your pooch can burn off energy indoors and outside. To make sure it's durable, it's made from hard-wearing ABS plastic. It comes with three small tennis balls included, which is why it's such a good choice for small pups.
Customer review: "Yes it really great my dog loves his new toy ❤️"
Pros
- Great for small dogs
- Three launching distances
Cons
- As the tennis balls are two inches, this won't be suitable for larger breeds
Best manual dog ball launchers
Best manual dog ball launcher
AmazonNever will you need to bend down and pick up a slimy ball again, thanks to the Chuckit! Sport Dog Ball Launcher. With over 8,500 reviews, this dog launcher is extremely popular on Amazon as it comes in a variety of sizes so you can choose one depending on the size of your dog and your preferences. It's super comfortable with its ergonomic rubber handle, helping you to throw further and faster, and it's durable, too, as it is made from firm but flexible plastic.
Customer review: "The ball is a great size for our 4 month old Cockapoo, she can pick it up easily. The ball is sturdy and the shorter handle on the launcher makes it really easy to use."
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Ergonomic rubber grip launcher
Cons
- Some reviewers felt like it required a lot of strength for launching
Best manual dog ball launcher gun
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
If you're looking for a snazzy-looking manual launcher, consider this Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy. You may know Nerf for making children's toys but this gadget is ideal for the ultimate outdoor game of fetch as it blasts the ball at distances of up to 50ft, which is pretty impressive for a manual launcher. You don't need to bend down and pick the ball up each time, thanks to its hands-free pick-up.
Reviewed by Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "My dog cannot get enough of this ball launcher. And I can't load the ball fast enough because he brings the ball back so quickly. As a small cocker spaniel, he has endless amounts of energy so this Nerf gun brings a lot of excitement. The lever can be a little stiff and you have to remember to pull it back first before you put the ball in otherwise the mechanism doesn't work. It's simple enough once you get going and give my arms a rest!"
Pros
- Ejects up to 50ft
- Hand-free pickup
Cons
- Mechanism is quite stiff
Best manual dog ball launcher for distance
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
You can launch the ball so much further than a normal throw would using the 3 Peaks Ball Blaster Dog Toy. It can really go the distance as balls can shoot out up to 75ft. It includes two slots to store tennis balls when you're not playing fetch, and so you've got a couple to hand for the next time your pooch is raring to chase. Best of all? Hands-free pickup means you're not having to touch any dirty or slobbery balls that make their way back to you.
Customer review: "I use a lot of different balls in my blaster and it goes plenty far enough! Dog loves it, loads of other dog owners comment on how good it is."
Pros
- Built-in ball storage
- Easy pickup
Cons
- Some reviewers have had issues with balls launching long distances
Best for hands-free pickup
AmazonAvailable in sizes medium and large, this Deluxe Air Strike Thrower is another popular choice from Nerf's dog range and comes highly rated on Amazon. The longer handle allows you to easily scoop up the ball so you don't need to reach down to grab it or pick it up with your hands. Great for tiring your dog out playing toss and fetch in the local park or your garden.
Customer review: "To say you can throw a ball far with this is an understatement!!! OMG it's fantastic!!! Our cocker spaniel loves it... So much fun for her and us! There's just no way you could throw a tennis ball this far without it! VERY easy 5***** review to write!!!"
Pros
- Ergonomic handle design
- Strong
Cons
- Only includes one tennis ball
Best dog ball launchers FAQs
What is a dog ball launcher?
As stated in its name, a dog ball launcher is an object that simply launches dog balls, typically tennis balls, throwing them across an area for your dog to play with and catch.
The best dog ball launchers can travel a distance of between 10 and 30ft, but this depends on the product itself, and are a strategic way to exercise your canine companion.
What are the main features to consider when choosing a dog ball launcher?
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?
What are the benefits of buying dog ball launchers?
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.
They require minimal effort from the owner, so you can keep playing for longer. They're really easy to use, too.
Along with keeping your dog entertained physically, it keeps them mentally stimulated.
How does an automatic dog ball launcher 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 you’ve trained your dog to successfully return it back to you, it’s the new way to play fetch. Drop in another ball and you’ll be amazed how much easier it can be, especially if you have general aches and pains that may make playtime with your pup that little bit harder.
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.
2. Warm your dog up to the machine for 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.
4. Once you've mastered this, you can train 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.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.
