A dog and ball are often the best of companions. They give your pet pooch hours of fun, keep them fit and have the added bonus of giving you a good workout. A game of fetch is a great bonding exercise for owner and dog, but not every owner is a world-class baseball pitcher. This is where a dog ball launcher comes to the rescue. You can throw a ball further and your arm doesn’t get tired as quickly. Check out our picks of the best dog ball launchers we could find to help you choose the right one for you.
Chuckit! Ball Launcher Classic
A classic dog ball launcher to keep your pet pooch fit and well
This classically designed ball launcher is made of lightweight durable plastic and measures 26 inches in length. Ideal for your backyard, but also works well for bigger open spaces such as the local park.
Pros:
- Good for small and large spaces
- No need to touch the ball
- Finger grip handle
Cons:
- Learning curve
- Balls are easily chewed
It boasts an integrated four-finger grip to ensure you can get more throwing power. It is designed for hands-free pickup, so you don’t have to touch any slimy dog-slobber-covered balls. The balls' outer covering is easily chewed off by dogs, but the launcher works with traditional tennis balls, too. Also, it will take a few through for you to get the hang of this launcher. Chuckit! estimate is will take between 10 and 20 launches to get the feel for it.
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster
Save your strength
A classic ball launcher needs its owner to put a bit of muscle into a launch, but this Nerf launcher does all the hard work for you. It’s compact in size and can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet.
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Adjustable launch length
Cons:
- Not for indoor use
You can adjust the power setting for shorter distances making it perfect for your backyard or the park. It is easy to operate: simply pull back on the handle, load the ball, and take aim. We don't recommend using this launcher indoors.
iFetch interactive ball launcher
Good for indoors
With a push of a button this automactic dog ball launcher will keep your furbaby entertained for hours. This indoor launcher helps your dog stay in shape evern during rainy days, or when you're not available to take them outside.
Pros:
- Automatic launcher
- Adjustable launch distance
Cons:
- Uses small balls
There are three different launch distances to give variety to your dog. Your dog can feed the launcher by themself after fetching the mini tennis balls. If you need to replace the balls, or want to have a few more on hand, you'll need to purcahse a specific sizew since this launcher doesn't work with standard sized tennis balls. The launcher is powered by either a traditional power cord, or with 6 C-cell batteries.
Chuckit! Pro Max Glow Ball Launcher
Make sure you can see your dog ball in the dark
This is a pro tennis ball launcher with a twist on the standard design. The launcher glows in the dark making it ideal for those night-time visits to the park.
Pros:
- Glows in the dark
- Good grip handle
Cons:
- Balls don't last
The Pro Max Glow boasts all that is good about classic ball launchers: It has an ergonomic handle that offers plenty of grip to make sure you get plenty of distance; it allows you to pick up balls without getting your hands dirty, and it comes in a variety of colors. The balls don't last and it's not easy finding glow-in-the-dark replacement ones. It will work with standard tennis balls, but then it's not the best for nighttime play.
Chew King Fetch Balls Extremely Durable Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher
Get the perfect fit for different size balls
Alongside its classic design and comfortable easy-to-hold grip, this launcher comes equipped with an adjustable throwing head. This means you can fit balls - or toys if you want - up to 3 inches in diameter.
Pros:
- Adjustable head
- Multiple balls included
- Balls are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Balls have holes in them
The launcher comes with its own set of five 2,5-inch, durable, easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe rubber balls. It also includes one glow in the dark 2.5-inch fetch ball, perfect for low-light conditions. The balls do have holes in them and are hollow, so it's easy for dirt and grim to get caught inside. Even when washed water can become trapped and cause mold to grow, so be sure it is well dried before using with your dong.
Outward Hound Zipstick Dog Ball Launcher
Launch up to three balls at once
The Zipstick comes with a sturdy grip that allows you to throw its own Woofie Balls up to 100 feet. It comes with two balls, but you can purchase additional balls and throw three at once.
Pros:
- Launch multiple balls at once
- Squishy balls
Cons:
- Balls don't last long
- Standard balls don't work
The balls are made from a waterproof material that has a little squishy texture to help your dog fetch it more easily. It's also super easy to clean. But, these will wear down quickly. The plastic ridges on the launcher stick create a ‘zip’ sound as the balls are released to help your pooch follow the ball.
Which is the best dog ball launcher for you?
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Most dogs love a ball and a game of fetch, but it's not always easy for an owner to make sure that they can throw far enough to keep their pet pooch happy. The beauty of a dog ball launcher is that they give owners an almost bionic throw. This means that a ball can be launched farther than you ever could unassisted, meaning more fun, frolics, and exercise for you and your dog.
Our top pick dog ball launcher is the Chuckit! Ball Launcher Classic. As the name suggests, this is a classic-style launcher. It comes with an integrated four-finger grip to ensure you can get more throwing power and hands-free pickup. The Chew King Fetch Balls Extremely Durable Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher is another classic ball launcher but comes with an adjustable head. This means you can use balls up to 3 inches in diameter. For those dark days, and nights, why not try the glow-in-the-dark Chuckit! Pro Max Glow Ball Launcher?
If you want to try something a little different from the classic style launcher then you should try the multi-ball Outward Hound Zipstick Dog Ball Launcher. Alternatively, save your strength and get the Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster to do the hard work for you.
