7 Best Dog Ball Launchers in 2023 (Reviewed & Tested)

The best ball launchers for dogs are out in the market and simply waiting for us, dog owners to make the investment but before choosing one, it helps if we dive a bit deeper and see what makes the following ball launchers the best among the rest.

Here’s what set them apart and how we can tell if we found the best ball launcher for our pooch. 

7 Best Dog Ball Launchers in 2023

• Best Overall: iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs
• Best Value: All for Paws Interactive Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs
• Best Hand-Held Dog Ball Launcher: Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
• Best Budget: Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher
• Best for Large Dogs: IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher
• Best Automatic Ball Launcher: PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher
• Best for Smaller Dogs: Hyper Pet K-9 Kannon

Best Overall: iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs

Key Features:

• Adjustable distance
• With a random feature
• With a hidden ball storage compartment
• With a rechargeable battery
• With 3 tennis balls included
• Uses a standard-size tennis ball
• Comes in 2 sizes
• With 1-year warranty

One interactive dog ball launcher we can consider is the iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs. It can launch regular-sized tennis balls to keep our pooch happy and active even if we are too tired to play fetch with them. Now, even larger dogs can enjoy a game of fetch with this baby.

One thing we like about this ball launcher is the adjustable distance. This can launch balls in 3 distances, 10 feet, 25 feet, and even 40 feet. We can also choose the random feature, which will keep him from guessing as to what distance the ball will be launched the next time.

It already comes with a built-in rechargeable battery. This means there is no need to keep an extension where we plan on using this just to keep our pooch happy. This is perfect for a fun outdoor play to give our pooch more room to explore.

Best Value: All for Paws Interactive Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs

Key Features:

• Adjustable distance
• With 3 tennis balls included
• Works with 6 pcs. C batteries
• Works with AC adapter included
• Comes in 2 sizes
• Money Back Guarantee

For small dogs, we can trust the All for Paws Interactive Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs to be the best choice. Like iFetch, it has 3 adjustable distances – 10 feet, 20 feet, and 30 feet.

We only need to drop 2 2-inch balls at a time to keep this ball launcher going.

Our small dogs can share this dog launcher, making it a fun experience for multi-pet households. It works with C batteries and is also rechargeable with an AC adapter.

This gives us more options on how we want to charge the ball launcher.

Best Hand-Held Dog Ball Launcher: Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster

Key Features:

• Made from Nerf-quality materials
• Easy operation
• Adjustable power
• For dog breeds of all sizes
• Comes in 6 varieties

If we want a more interactive dog ball launcher for our best buddy, then we can simply choose Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster as our next investment.

This dog ball launcher is so powerful that it can blast balls for up to 50 feet at a time. There is no need to worry as we can adjust the distance so as not to tire out short-legged pooch too much.

Operating this ball blaster is effortless. We only need to pull back the handle and we can adjust the distance the ball is launched. This means we can choose the distance and play with this launcher even indoors.

We don’t need to worry about the quality as it is made from Nerf-quality materials. It comes in 6 varietie, giving us many options to choose from.

Since this is a handheld dog ball launcher, we don’t need to worry about the launcher getting low on batteries since it only needs us for power.

Best Budget: Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher

Key Features:

• Measures 12 inches
• Portable and lightweight
• Easy but functional construction
• Comes in different varieties

Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher is a fun manual dog ball launcher with a unique design. It does not require any batteries as we only need to use our arms to throw and launch the ball. We don’t even have to bend over just to pick the ball up thanks to its easy construction and design.

The tennis balls included in the package can float in water. This means we can use this dog ball launcher to the beach. Since it only measures around 12 inches, this is perfect even for long travels.

Best for Large Dogs: IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher

Key Features:

• Smart engineering
• Multiple distance settings
• With 3 rubber balls
• With a remote controller
• For dogs over 30lbs
• Can last for as long as 1,000 ball launches
• Runs via rechargeable batteries and AC adapter

The IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher prides itself for having the best designs and engineering compared to other ball launchers in the market.

It has multiple distance settings using a remote controller, enabling us to choose how far the balls will be launched. It allows distances of 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet, and 50 feet.

This box-shaped machine is designed to avoid accidents like dogs accidentally tripping it over. It also has a large funnel where even the clumsiest dogs can drop the balls in. We can charge this using an AC adapter or simply use rechargeable batteries to operate.

This ball launcher already comes with 3 rubber balls. There are durable foam balls available if we want extras for our pooch. According to the manufacturer, this is perfect even for larger dogs who don’t get tired easily.

Best Automatic Ball Launcher: PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher

Key Features:

• With multiple sensors
• Highly adjustable settings
• Has 15 min. interval for every 15 mins. of play
• Works with standard tennis balls
• With included power cord
• Can also work with 6 D cell batteries

One of the best automatic ball launchers for dogs in the market is the PetSafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher. We love how it comes with multiple sensors, ensuring no dogs or humans near the sensors will get hurt.

If the ball launcher senses a nearby pet or people standing within 7 feet in front of its launch area, the launcher will load the balls to the side pocket instead.

This has many adjustable settings, which can throw balls between 8-30 feet. It also has a feature that puts the machine to rest for 15 minutes after 15 minutes worth of play. This means dogs will get adequate rest after playing sometime with the ball launcher.

It also works with stand-sized tennis balls. There is a power cord included for easy charging. We can also use this launcher by using 6 D cell batteries. 

Best for Smaller Dogs: Hyper Pet K-9 Kannon

Key Features:

• Quick trigger
• Adjustable distance
• Hands-free pick-up
• With 1 Hyper tennis ball
• 24 x 7.38 x 3 inches
• Comes in 2 sizes

The Hyper Pet K-9 Kannon is an interactive manual ball launcher. It has a quick trigger control, ensuring seamless launching that even kids can use this launcher.

We don’t even need to pick the ball up from the ground since we can simply push the muzzle into the ball to load the ball.

It can throw balls up to 60 feet in distance. It comes in 2 sizes, one mini and one full size. Its mini version is the perfect size for smaller dogs.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Dog Ball Launchers

Training Ability

We need to consider our preferrences when choosing a ball launcher for our pooch. If we want something that will help our dog engage in a fun activity even without our supervision, then we can choose an automatic ball launcher.

Otherwise, a manual ball launcher is perfect if we want to be more hands-on.

Adjustability

Some pet owners use ball launchers inside the house. Others prefer playing outdoors. Being able to adjust the distance makes it easier to play with our pooch even if we are playing in a vast field.

Ball Sizes

Most ball launchers make use of standard tennis balls. This is perfect for small to medium-sized dogs who loves to play a game of fetch. Note that some use their own balls which will fit the funnels where balls go in. 

If we have a smaller dog with a small mouth, it only makes sense that we choose a ball launcher perfect for their size. This will ensure us that he will enjoy the game as much as we do.

Budget

Automatic ball launchers usually cost more than manual ball launchers. If we don’t mind exerting effort just to launch his ball, then we can go for the manual ones. Note that for automatic ball launchers, the more features the launcher has, the higher the price.

Indoor or Outdoor

Some ball launchers are only meant for indoor use. This is because they can only toss the ball a short distance. If we are after one that we can utilize for outdoor fun, choose one that can throw balls at longer distances.

Dog Size

We also need to consider the size of our pooch. For small ones, we can choose a ball launcher that makes use of smaller balls. This way, they can bite on the ball and return back to us or the launcher with ease.

How to Teach a Dog to Use an Automatic Ball Launch

We can use the following steps to teach our pooch how to use an automatic ball launcher.

• Introduce the machine and play fetch sessions that lasts up to 10 minutes only. Doing more can take the fun out of the game. He will also feel like the game of fetch is now an obligation instead of a fun and engaging activity.
• Allow him to get used to the ball launcher. He will get more comfortable with the launcher after playing some time with it.
• Give him commands on how to drop the balls back to the launcher. Dogs usually take a lot of encouragement and will drop the balls near the launcher. Reward such behavior only after your commands.
• Invest in praises and positive reinforcement until he gets used to the device.

Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Benefits

The following are some of the reasons why pet owners are investing in automatic ball launchers for dogs.

Better health

Ball launchers entices dogs to run around, jump, and have some fun. Like humans, they need their daily exercise. By letting them play with balls, this can be a fun way to make them exercise more and help them achieve better health and fitness.

Mind stimulation

Exercise also helps keep the mind active. With an automatic ball launcher, our pooch will have to keep guessing the distance where the ball will go. This stimulation helps ensure they have adequate brain stimulation no matter the time of the day.

Endless fun

Automatic ball launchers help our poosh have fun even without our presence. Some automatic dog ball launchers enable dogs to return the balls they fetch to the machine. This way, he can simply return the ball if he wants to play some more.

Conclusion

Our pooch may sometimes want to have great fun even if we are too busy running some errands. The best solution is to find him a ball launcher that bests suits his requirement. By keeping this list in mind, we can invest in a reliable dog ball launcher that he can enjoy for a long time.