Does your dog love to play fetch? Do they enjoy the thrill of the chase as they run after the ball? Fetch is a great way to give our dogs physical exercise and mental stimulation while providing a fun way to bond with our dogs. A tennis ball launcher for dogs will help you play fetch with your dog for a longer time with less discomfort to your body.
Here’s a quick look at our selections for the best tennis ball launchers:
What Is A Tennis Ball Launcher For Dogs?
A tennis ball launcher is a device that can help you throw a tennis ball to your dog. This can be done manually with a plastic stick that is specially made to hold a tennis ball or it can be a machine that automatically spits out tennis balls at a particular distance.
Is Ball Throwing Good For Dogs?
Absolutely! Throwing a ball for your dog to fetch is a great way for them to get exercise. Using balls of different shapes, sizes, and textures can also increase their mental stimulation, as they won’t be able to predict where the ball will go when you throw it.
Fetch allows your dog to hone in on their hunting skills as well, as ball throwing can mimic a dog’s instinct to hunt and retrieve prey.
Playing fetch with your dog also provides you and your dog with a great bonding experience.
*Always supervise your dog when playing, especially if your dog is like mine and would rather eat the tennis ball instead of play fetch with it!
Why Should I Use A Tennis Ball Launcher?
There are several benefits to using a tennis ball launcher.
The main reason people use a tennis ball launcher is to avoid touching a slobbery, dirty ball. The design of manual tennis ball launchers allows you to pick up the ball with the launcher instead of your hands.
You can teach your dog to load the automatic tennis ball launcher so you don’t have to touch the balls.
Other reasons you may want to use a tennis ball launcher include:
- It may help you throw tennis balls a lot farther and therefore allow your dog to run more to get the ball.
- You may have problems with your wrist or shoulder, making throwing a ball painful for you. A tennis ball launcher allows you to throw a ball without much effort, causing less discomfort when you play fetch with your dog.
- Can help to tire out a very high energy dog. A tennis ball launcher can help you play fetch longer with your dog, as you are not using as much energy to throw the tennis ball as you would if you were throwing the ball the traditional way.
- You may have back issues or you may be really tall. A tennis ball launcher will minimize the amount you need to bend down in order to pick up the tennis ball to throw to your dog.
- Mobility issues may prevent you from playing fetch with your dog, but an automatic tennis ball launcher will help you play with your dog with less walking around.
Manual Tennis Ball Launchers For Dogs
So, what is a manual tennis ball launcher? A manual tennis ball launcher is a plastic stick with a ball holder on one end. The ball holder may look like a cup or have prongs the tennis ball will sit in. The holder will snap over the tennis ball, allowing it to stay in while you lift the stick. As you throw the ball, it will become free of the holder and “launch” where you want the ball to go.
Since this is manual, you are responsible for picking up the ball with the launcher and throwing the ball for your dog.
Choose a tennis ball launcher that feels good in your hand, is easy to pick the ball up with, and can launch the ball as far as you want it to go. The ball should stay in the launcher until you throw it. You may also have to try throwing it a few times before you get a good feel for using it.
What To Look For When Choosing A Manual Tennis Ball Launcher
When choosing a manual tennis ball launcher, there are a few things to consider:
Stick Length
Short handled launchers are good if you plan on traveling with it or you would like to throw the ball only a short distance. Long handled tennis ball launchers are able to launch the balls farther than the short handled ones.
Holder Design
As mentioned above, some holders are designed like a cup and others have prongs that hold the ball. It is really a preference for which feels better for you, but if you choose one with the prong holder if even one prong breaks, the launcher is unusable.
Ball Size
Not all tennis ball launchers hold the same size balls. Some require you to use their brand of ball, which may be smaller than the standard tennis ball size of 2.5 inches in diameter. If the launcher uses a ball size the same as a regular tennis ball, then you can use your own balls, but if it is smaller, you will have to look for balls of that smaller size or be forced to buy balls only from that brand.
Tennis Ball
All tennis balls are not created equal. Most tennis ball launchers come with a tennis ball, but it is not always the best made tennis ball and may come apart easily. Most likely, you will have to/want to buy your own to use.
As mentioned above, tennis balls with different textures or shapes can help engage your dog more when you are playing fetch with them. Tennis balls that squeak or make noise are good to use. Some will float in water so you can play in the pool or other body of water. Others will bounce in unpredictable ways.
All of these are good options to further engage your dog when playing in addition to a regular tennis ball.
Pros and Cons Of A Manual Tennis Ball Launcher
Pros:
- Easy to use. Pick up the ball and throw it.
- Able to throw the ball farther than you could with just your arm.
- Comes in different sizes to suit your needs.
- Most will hold a standard tennis ball so it is easy to buy more balls if needed.
- Prevents you from having to bend down to the ground to pick up a ball to throw.
- Makes throwing the ball easier on your wrist and shoulders.
- You can last longer playing fetch with your dog before getting tired.
- Does not need a power source to work.
Cons:
- Can only be used outdoors.
- Not all ball holders are created the same.
- If you want to throw both short and long distances, you need to buy separate throwers to suit your needs.
- Tennis ball that comes with the launcher may not be durable.
Best Manual Tennis Ball Launchers For Dogs
These are the top rated tennis ball throwers for dogs, according to users. Each of these has the same basic design and similar stick lengths. Item information is per the manufacturer. Any additional pros or cons will be noted.
ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher
- Available in 3 sizes that fit different sized balls.
- Comes in 4 length sizes.
- The medium fits regular tennis balls.
- One ball is included.
- Can throw up to 140 feet.
- Launcher is buoyant and can be used in water.
- Aim high as this launcher tends to throw downward.
Pros/Cons:
- Can throw farther than by hand.
- Ball it comes with doesn’t last long.
Nerf Dog Air Strike Thrower
- 25 inches long.
- Weather and water resistant.
- Includes 5 balls to use in the launcher, different colors and textures.
Pros/Cons:
- The tennis balls don’t last long.
- The plastic balls are made well and hold up well.
Franklin Pet Supply Tennis Ball Launcher For Dogs
- Available in 2 colors.
- Works with a tennis ball.
- Comfort grip handle.
- Includes a squeaky tennis ball.
- 25 inches long.
- Flex joint for easy throwing.
Pros/Cons:
- If one of the prongs breaks, the launcher becomes unusable.
Chew King Ball Launcher
- Comes in 2 sizes. Medium fits 2.5 inch balls and Large fits 3 inch balls.
- 3 inch size Includes 3 rubber balls and 1 glow in the dark ball.
- 2.5 inch size includes 5 rubber balls and 1 glow in the dark ball.
- Adjustable throw settings to launch balls near or far.
- Holes in the balls allow balls to be used as treat holders.
- Top rack dishwasher safe.
Pros/Cons:
- Because of holes in the balls, they will sink in water.
Frisco Ball Launcher
- Long, curved, flexible handle.
- Ergonomic handle.
- Includes a ball with the launcher.
- Launcher is 24 inches long.
Pros/Cons:
- Users had difficulty getting tennis balls to fit the launcher.
Automatic Tennis Ball Launchers For Dogs
Automatic tennis ball throwers launch the tennis ball for you.
How Do Automatic Dog Ball Launchers Work?
Automatic dog ball launchers work by electricity through a plug or by battery. Load the tennis balls into the thrower, turn the machine on and watch as your dog chases after the balls it throws out. Either you can reload the machine with tennis balls yourself, or you can teach your dog to put the balls into the machine.
Most automatic tennis ball throwers allow you to choose the distance you would like the ball to be thrown: 10, 20, or 30 feet.
Are Automatic Ball Throwers Good For Dogs?
There is nothing wrong with using an automatic ball thrower when playing with your dog, as long as you supervise your dog while using it. It provides a fun way to play fetch and give your dog the exercise they need.
How Do I Teach My Dog To Put The Ball In The Ball Launcher?
The first thing to do in order to teach your dog to put the tennis ball into the launcher, is teach them the “drop it” command. This is also good to teach your dog if they will not give you the ball back after retrieving it in your fetch games.
Use a treat to get your dog to drop the ball out of their mouth. Hold a treat by your dog, tell them to “drop it” and when they drop the ball praise them and give them a treat.
Once your dog has learned what “drop it” means, you can then start to have them drop the ball into your hand.
When they have that down, you can then hold your hand over the tennis ball thrower and have them drop the ball into your hand over the launcher. Eventually, remove your hand and they will just drop the ball into the launcher.
Things To Consider When Choosing An Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher For Dogs
There are a few things to consider when looking at automatic tennis ball throwers:
Size
Is the size of the machine portable enough to bring it where you want to use it?
Weight
Is it light enough for you to carry, especially if you have mobility issues.
Power Source
If you are going to use the plug option, do you have an outlet nearby? If you are going to use batteries, do you have enough? Most use 6 to 8 batteries at a time. Do you have back up batteries for when the current ones no longer work?
Ball Size
Most automatic ball launchers use a ball size smaller than a regular tennis ball. You will have to buy balls that fit the machine. These balls may not be appropriate for your dog, as they can be a choking hazard for large dogs.
Remote Control
Some models come with a remote control to determine the length of throw.
Non-slip Bottom
If you are going to use the thrower on the floor or table, you will want a non-slip bottom to keep it in place while you are using it.
Pros/Cons Of An Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher
Pros:
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
- You can determine how far the ball gets thrown.
- Easy to use. Put the balls in and it throws them for you.
- Can teach your dog to load the balls into the machine.
- Great if you have mobility issues and can’t go chasing after the balls, or medical issues causing difficulty bending forward or throwing the balls.
- Good for small dogs.
Cons:
- It requires a power source in order to work.
- Uses a lot of batteries.
- Can be noisy, which may scare some dogs.
- Most use a smaller sized ball compared to a regular tennis ball, which could be a choking hazard for large dogs.
- Will not work if the ball becomes wet from the elements or your dog’s slobber.
Best Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher For Dogs
Here are the top automatic tennis ball throwers for dogs, according to users. Each of these does throw the ball automatically, however the biggest complaint with these launchers is that they do not throw the balls very far. None of them get great reviews, but these are the best of the bunch as of this writing. The product information is from the manufacturer.
Greenvine Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
- For small and medium dogs.
- Comes with 3 mini tennis balls, 2 inches in diameter.
- Launches ball 10, 20, or 30 feet or it can be set to random.
- Can use a remote control to control the distance launcher as well.
- Uses battery charger or 8 C Batteries.
AFP Automatic Dog Ball Launcher
- For small and medium dogs.
- Launches ball 10, 20, or 30 feet.
- Comes with 3 mini tennis balls, 2 inches in diameter.
- Runs on AC Adapter or 6 C Batteries.
iFetch Mini Automatic Ball Launcher
- For small to medium dogs.
- Includes 3 Mini tennis balls, 1.6 inches in diameter.
- Launches ball 10, 20, or 30 feet.
- Rubber feet.
- Works with an AC adapter or 6 C Batteries.
Which Ball Launcher Goes The Farthest?
Between the manual and automatic tennis ball throwers, the manual throwers will launch the farthest. How far you can throw the ball is really up to you. With the automatic ball launcher, 30 feet is the maximum the ball will go.
Playing fetch with your dog provides them with physical exercise while increasing your bond together. A tennis ball launcher for dogs can help you play fetch longer while decreasing the physical strain on your body.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.