A ball thrower can save your arm and get more distance than you can manage by hand, but it is not right for every dog or every garden. This guide walks through what to think about before you buy, using two automatic launchers as worked examples where the makers publish clear details. If you are still hunting for a ball that can take a beating, see our guide to the best indestructible dog balls.
Hand thrower or automatic launcher?
A hand-held thrower is simply a long arm that grips the ball and gives you extra reach. It needs you on the other end, so you stay part of the game. An automatic launcher fires the ball for your dog, so it suits dogs who love to retrieve and owners who cannot throw for long. The trade-off is that it needs power, a flat spot to sit, and your attention while it runs.
Two automatic launchers, as the makers describe them
We have not tried these ourselves, so everything below is what the maker says. Check the maker’s page for current details and price.
PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
According to the PetSafe product page, this launcher takes standard-sized tennis balls and holds up to three, with two included. The maker lists nine distance settings from 2.5 to 9 metres and a launch angle up to 45 degrees. It is described as water-resistant and suitable for indoor or outdoor use, with motion and safety sensors, a tone before each launch, and an automatic rest mode. The page lists both battery and mains power and includes a power adaptor, so check which you need before you buy. It does not state a recommended dog size.
iFetch Ball Launcher
The iFetch page says this launcher fires mini tennis balls, about golf-ball size, at 10, 20 or 30 feet. It runs from a wall plug (included) or six C-cell batteries (not included). The maker describes it as suitable for small to medium sized dogs and recommends owner supervision.
What to ask before you buy
- What ball size does it use? The two examples above take different balls, which matters for your dog’s mouth and for the balls you already own. Pick one that suits your dog’s size so it cannot be swallowed or lodged.
- Indoors, outdoors, or both? Only buy for outdoor use if the maker says it is suitable, and never leave a launcher out in the rain unless its instructions say so.
- How is it powered? Mains, batteries and USB each have trade-offs: cables, running costs, and how portable the launcher is.
- Does it have a rest mode or distance settings? Shorter throws are kinder on smaller dogs and tighter spaces.
- Can you supervise it? Treat any launcher as a supervised toy, not a babysitter.
Keeping fetch safe
A launcher is a game, not a replacement for training. Keep working on recall and a reliable “drop it”, so you can stop play when you need to. Repeated sprints and sudden stops can be hard on a dog’s joints, so keep sessions short, build up slowly, and give plenty of rest, especially for puppies, seniors and dogs who never know when to quit. If your dog limps or tires unusually quickly, speak to your vet. For everyday extras your dog may need as part of an active routine, you can browse the dog supplements and vitamins at Calmshops, but your vet should always have the final word on what suits your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an automatic ball launcher safe for my dog?
Treat any launcher as a supervised toy. Match the ball size to your dog, keep sessions short, and build up slowly, because repeated sprints and sudden stops can be hard on a dog’s joints. If your dog limps or tires unusually quickly, speak to your vet.
What size of dog suits a ball launcher?
It depends on the model. The iFetch page describes its launcher as suitable for small to medium sized dogs, while the PetSafe page does not state a recommended dog size. Check the maker’s page for the model you are considering.
Do launchers use ordinary tennis balls?
Not always. The PetSafe page says its launcher takes standard-sized tennis balls, while the iFetch page says its launcher uses mini tennis balls, about golf-ball size. Check which ball size a launcher takes before you buy.
Can I use a ball launcher instead of training my dog?
No. A launcher is a game, not a replacement for training. Keep working on recall and a reliable “drop it” so you can stop play when you need to.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
