Have you ever felt worn out – especially after a long day at work – and your dog demands some playtime? And, it just doesn’t end there; nothing seems to tire them out as they keep frolicking. Well, it might just be time to invest in a ball launcher. Yes, these nifty inventions enable your puppy to play without demanding too much effort on your part. We will review the best ball launchers for dogs in 2025 so you can relax both while buying and using a ball launcher.
Technology is always evolving, and you can be inundated by a variety of machines meant to enhance playtime with your dogs. With very little to no effort, you can use these machines to set a variety of distances for the ball to be thrown at, which will keep things exciting for your dogs. In addition, your dogs will receive the recommended amount of exercise utilizing these incredible inventions while you receive some much-needed rest.
Step onto the court with a new level of energy and excitement with the Franklin Sports Store Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher. It’s a dynamic game-changer that is sure to redefine the way you practice and play tennis. Crafted with precision and innovation, this automatic launcher is a testament to the fusion of technology and athleticism. Get ready to push your limits and take your game to new heights with this device.
Designed with an ergonomic grip and intuitive controls, this tennis ball launcher can seamlessly integrate into your training regimen. Its sleek design and versatile functionality make it a standout addition to any tennis court. In turn, it enhances your solo practice sessions and transforms friendly matches into electrifying showdowns. From perfectly timed serves to relentless forehands, this tennis ball launcher is your partner in precision and progression, making it the top product on our list.
Have you been scratching your head trying to figure out how to make playtime interesting for your dog? The Chuckit Dog Ball Launcher is your answer. This 26 inches long contraption has a clamp at one end, releasing the enclosed ball once you flip it around. The additional length helps throw the ball farther than before as the launcher behaves almost like an extension of your arm. We awarded this ball launcher as one of the best because of its incredible throwing distance and helpful clamp that maximizes your pet’s fun time without tiring you out.
The Chuckit Tennis Ball this ball launcher for your dog comes with is a brightly colored rubber ball that is easily visible to your dog. Also, you can use regular standard tennis balls in this launcher. The latch at one end is handy when you don’t wish to bend down to pick up muddy balls; You can simply place the clamp over the ball and press. You’ll have no more muddy hands or dirtied pants after a game of fetch.
The Hyper Pet Kannon Ball Launcher is an interactive toy for your dogs that launches mini tennis balls so you can play fetch with your puppy. A lever system enables you to adjust the distance so the ball can be pushed ahead at varying lengths. This will help keep the surprise element for your dog as they race to grab it. In addition, it has a cool hands-free pickup feature allowing you to load the balls by placing the nozzle over the ball and pulling the lever. This will conveniently load the balls in place.
It comes with a complimentary Hyper Pet mini tennis ball. This ball launcher for your dog is an excellent stimulating form of exercise for your pup and helps you bond better with your four-legged best friend.
The iFetch Automatic Ball Launcher launches a tennis ball for your dog so your good boy or girl can play to their heart’s content without you having to get up. It comes with three non-abrasive pet-safe tennis balls that can be propelled at a distance of 10, 25, and even 40 feet. Better still, you can adjust the setting to “random” so it keeps your pet guessing.
The best part about this dog ball launcher is it comes with a built-in rechargeable battery so you can fire this baby up in the park for your next pet playdate. In addition, it’s the perfect fetch system for large dogs since you can train your dog to drop the ball in the launcher without any fear of choking hazards.
With the IDogmate Automatic Ball Launcher, your dog will be playing for hours all on their own. It sounds like music to the ears. Your canine best friend will be easily able to carry the 2.5” ball this ball launcher comes within their mouth. They can then drop it in the launcher to go again and again, so playtime never ends!
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery supports up to 250 launches, so you can take this launcher with you anywhere. The well-engineered inner design ensures no wet balls get stuck in between. Moreso, a handy remote control allows you to adjust the speed of the launch from a distance.
Playing fetch has never been more accessible thanks to the AFP Automatic Ball Launcher. This ball launcher for dogs has an adjustable distance setting of 10 feet, 20 feet, and 30 feet which keeps things interesting for dogs and owners alike. This launcher comes with three complimentary mini tennis balls, which is why it’s best suited for small-size dogs.
It works with 6C batteries and has an AC power adapter included with it. The high-tech motion sensor will detect a ball in the basket to launch the ball away. It’s automatically set to tossing a ball every 10 seconds, so make sure you and your pooch get out of the way in time.
Before you race to purchase a ball launcher for your pup, there are certain things you should bear in mind to make an informed decision:
Ball launchers for dogs fall under three main categories:
As its name suggests, an automatic ball launcher automatically throws the ball when it’s loaded in the base while the other two types require some type of effort from your end. Let’s take a closer look at each type.
The best automatic machines, like the ones in our article, are battery powered and, better yet, the newer models have a rechargeable battery with an additional power cord if you need it. These machines also boast a basket to deposit the ball into, which is pretty handy since you can train your dog to load the basket, and then the ball will launch itself.
Do you remember the blaster guns we used to own as children? Well, a semi-automatic ball launcher is the same. You simply press the trigger on the gun to blast the ball on its way.
Manual dog ball launchers need human intervention to operate. They act as an extension of your arm and increase the range of the ball you throw for your pooch.
Next, let’s take a look at the two main benefits of ball launchers for dogs which make them a must-have for all pet owners:
The fetch activity will help keep your dog’s mind active and alert. Usually, when dogs lack any form of stimulation, they may get bored, leading to destructive behavior. Take a look at this study, for example, which says dogs that get mental stimulation during their daily routine live longer, healthier, happy lives. All the more reason to purchase a ball launcher that will provide this exact mental and physical stimulation you are looking for in your pup.
Dogs love running and playing around, so it can be a rather daunting task trying to keep up with their endless energy. A ball launching fetch machine offers continuous physical activity dogs seek without requiring too much effort on your part. Pretty convenient, if you ask us.
Now that you’re aware of all the benefits of ball launchers, there are a few things you should keep in mind before purchasing one:
The size of your dog will play a huge role when purchasing a ball launcher. Usually, it’s preferred you use smaller-sized balls for small dogs, whereas it’s recommended to use large, standard-sized tennis balls for large dogs.
This is because large dogs might easily choke on tiny balls. So, you must ensure the launcher you are considering uses the right ball size recommended for your pet. Usually, small-sized balls are used in small ball launchers and likewise for large ones.
If spending quality time with your dog is a priority for you and you’re just looking to kick it up a notch, a manual, handheld ball launcher like the Chuckit Ball Launcher is the one for you. It will require you to be more physically active since you have to fling the device to launch the ball.
If, however, convenience is on your mind, a semi-automatic ball launcher like the HyperPet Kannon Ball Launcher or a fully automatic one like the iFetch system would better suit your needs.
The distance setting is an important feature to consider since the ball’s launch distance will help determine whether the device can be used indoors/outdoors or both. For example, you wouldn’t want to break things around the house with a ball launcher that throws at a distance of 20 feet or more.
So, if you intend to use the ball launcher outdoors, you should look for a device with the farthest distance settings. On the other hand, a device with low-range settings will be best suited for an indoor setting.
Ideally, if you are considering an automatic machine, this tip is for you. One of the main goals of purchasing these machines would be to train your dog to use them independently. In this case, your device should make life more manageable to train your dog effectively.
So, you should keep a lookout for wide ball chutes since they make it relatively more accessible for your dog to place the ball in the loading area. For instance, you can check out the IDogmate Automatic Launcher, which has a large chute area.
Additionally, the sound is another factor that might make your dog more anxious and fidgety around the machine. A low decibel sound will keep your dogs happy, while loud noises might scare them off altogether.
We would now like to share some training tips to help you and your pet properly play fetch with these automated machines in no time:
Ensure you are training your dog with the machine nearby so your dog can establish the connection between the game and the device. There is a possibility your dog is a bit cautious around the device.
This is perfectly normal since this is unknown terrain for them. You can reward them for minor achievements such as going close to the machine, which will help them associate positively with the device.
Train with your dog at least three times a day, but not more than ten minutes. In this manner, your training session will be something your pup looks forward to during the day instead of getting annoyed.
If you notice your dog is getting frustrated and does not comprehend the need to put the ball back, keep working on reinforcing the proper behavior toward the ball launcher. When your pooch does what it needs to do, make sure you reward them appropriately.
To keep your dog healthy and happy, the Chuckit Dog Ball Launcher is a must-have in your pet toys arsenal. This device can transform boring playtime into something more exciting since you fling the ball at great distances to play fetch with your four-legged buddy. It’ll get tails wagging in no time! Moreover, it's portable and handy to carry around in the park. You can also use it to pick up the ball without ever bending over.
If they are correctly used, automatic dog ball launchers are not bad for dogs. However, it might be possible your pet might get carried away while playing fetch and exert too much by running too fast or putting added pressure on their joints. In this case, the best preventive measure would be to give your dog a warm-up session and monitor them closely during playtime to avoid unnecessary injury.
There are several ways a ball launcher for dogs works. Some are automated, while others have a lever system you can manipulate to release the ball. Lastly, manual variations require you to use force to launch the ball physically.
Dogs need about 30 minutes to two hours worth of exercise everyday.
Signs of boredom in dogs include:
At Pet Institute, we take pet care seriously. We're dedicated to transparency, impartiality, and the well-being of your pets in every article, review, and recommendation we provide. Our unwavering commitment to these principles ensures that you, our valued reader, always receive reliable and unbiased information. Let us be your trusted guide in the world of pet care and companionship.