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.

Automatic launchers are great for keeping your buddy busy. While you’ll still need to supervise your furry friend while using an automatic launcher, these systems essentially interactive dog toys that operate by themselves, without you having to do much but turn them on (after helping your pooch understand how they work). This way, you can get some of your furry friend’s energy out without having to over-exert yourself. While you're at it, why not invest in a new dog collar or light up dog collar to make your dog feel extra special? 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. About: This automatic launcher from Pet Safe comes with plenty of adjustable settings for you to cater your canine’s fetch experience to his liking. Notably, the launcher also has safety settings so that the toy won’t fire a ball if there’s anyone within 7 feet of the launch path. The launcher can be set to shoot at a different angles, giving it a range of between 7 and 30 feet.

What is a dog ball launcher?

Our overall favorite is the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher which has settings for nine distances and six angles. We also like the Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster, which is lightweight, portable, and very affordable. What to Look for in an Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Power Source

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: Simply put a dog ball launcher launches balls, usually tennis balls, into the air and far into the distance for a dog to chase and fetch. While most eager fetchers will be able to learn how this toy works, some dogs will struggle with automatic ball launchers Three balls come with the launcher, which are iDog Midi balls, felted like tennis balls but made for dogs and less abrasive on their teeth. However, standard tennis balls work fine.

The best dog ball launchers at a glance:

A great dog ball launcher keeps your dog entertained while saving wear and tear on your arm and shoulder. We researched many models to find the best ball launchers for dogs, evaluating them on key features like range, ball capacity, and portability.

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? How do I teach my dog to use an automatic ball launcher?

How does an automatic dog ball thrower work?

Cleanliness and Maintenance —If you’re selecting a hand-held option, it’s important to factor in whether the launcher will help you keep your hands clean while playing with your pup. Automatic ball launchers will need to be cleaned out every once in a while to clear out any left behind debris or dirt.

Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster [Best Gun-Style Ball Launcher]: Easy to use and loads of fun, this ball launcher will help keep your hands slobber-free while firing balls up to 35 feet away. Throwing Range —Automatic launchers usually have a couple of preset throw distances. This can be useful for owners trying to keep their pups confined to a certain area. On the other hand, most owners will find that a handheld ball launcher will darn near allow you to toss a tennis ball into low Earth orbit. iDogmate also market a small dog ball launcher designed for dogs under 14kg, with customised mini pet tennis balls.

Owners who suffered from arthritis or had trouble throwing on their own enjoyed the convenience of this launcher The dog ball launchers can travel a distance of between 10 and 30 feet, which all depends on the product itself, and are a clever way to exercise your canine companion. There's also a larger version called the iFetch Too, which uses a more standard tennis ball size. It's not as useful indoors, but would better suit larger breeds. The smaller iFetch is best reserved for small breed dogs, since it's smaller diameter ball could represent a choking hazard for a large dog. Depending on your pup’s athleticism and the size of your playing area, you can choose a launcher that can catapult a ball as short as just a few feet or as far as maybe 50 or 60 feet. Reviewers caution, however, that few of these launchers consistently deliver the maximum distance, and often the condition of the ball (wet and dirty) can make it fly less far. 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?