If your dog has more energy for fetching than you’ve got for throwing, an automatic dog ball launcher is the ideal solution. Designed for high-energy dogs, these machines can be set up indoors or outdoors to provide exercise for dogs while alleviating sore arms for their humans.
To determine the best choices, we evaluated 13 launchers using canine testers of varying ages, sizes, and breeds, assisted by their humans. Each launcher was assessed on design, durability, launch range, ball capacity, ease of use, ease of cleaning, performance, engagement, and value.
What We Like
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Available in two sizes
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Straightforward instructions
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Adjustable launch distances
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Larger model great for outdoor use
The All for Paws Automatic Dog Ball Launcher is available in two sizes: mini for small to medium dogs and max for medium to large dogs. The mini size comes fully assembled with three 2-inch tennis balls, and the max size comes with six 2.5-inch tennis balls. Both models can be powered with the included AC adapter, but the mini also works with six C batteries (not included). The max has a built-in, non-replaceable, rechargeable lithium battery, allowing it greater flexibility for outdoor use.
We tested the mini version of this launching device with a small pup and found that it offered hours of indoor fun when plugged in with the AC adapter; a single charge will give you, at the most, 15 minutes of continuous play. The launcher comes with simple, intuitive instructions and illustrated graphics for setting it up. It is easy to reload, though it can only be loaded/reloaded one at a time (at minimum five-second intervals).
The only adjustment you can make on this launcher is the distance, which is a maximum of 30 feet for the mini and 45 feet for the max. It is also safe for outdoor use, and all the operating parts are encased in a hard, smooth plastic shell that is easy to wipe clean; but with strictly indoor use, the launcher remained very clean throughout our testing. The manufacturer recommends keeping the balls as dry as possible to ensure smooth operation.
Power: AC power and six C batteries (mini) or rechargeable battery (max) | Range: 10-30 feet (mini); 10-45 feet (max) | Size: 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.3 inches (mini); 13 x 12.7 x 11.1 inches (max) | Ball Capacity: 1
What We Like
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Launcher and balls are well-made and sturdy
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Stays upright and steady on uneven terrain
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Balls are interchangeable with standard-size tennis balls
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Easy to clean
We like the Joyhound Electric Ball Launcher Dog Toy for its sturdy construction, easy cleanup, stability on uneven terrain, and compatibility of use with standard-sized tennis balls (approximately 2.5 inches in diameter). This automatic ball launcher was tested by two energetic bulldogs, ages 3 and 6, each weighing over 95 pounds.
Once opened, their human found the Joyhound launcher straightforward to assemble with thorough instructions. Both dogs were immediately engaged with the ball launcher, and their human could hardly get the balls reloaded fast enough for them. The device comes with three balls but offers space for more, so you can either use tennis balls or purchase a six-pack from Joyhound via PetSmart.
The automatic ball launcher was put to use in the backyard, and both dogs quickly grasped the self-loading concept, which is to simply drop the balls into the top of the machine. The dog with more of a smushed snout had a bit of trouble, but ultimately got the hang of it. And even with placement on uneven outdoor terrain, the Joyhound Electric Ball Launcher remained upright and steady.
The ball launcher is very quiet, lightweight, and portable. It has two power sources: rechargeable batteries or a cord with an AC adaptor. Both are included, and the functionality is consistent when using either power source.
Overall, our human tester found that the launcher operates smoothly and the controls are easy to use without any issues. With the push of a button, you can adjust the distance the ball will travel (10 to 40 feet), and while you cannot adjust the speed, our tester found the setting to be perfect as is.
By the end of the multi-week testing trial, there were no signs of wear and tear or damage to the launcher at all, and cleaning the ball launcher itself is simple with just a quick wipe-down. Our tester was also impressed with the durability of the balls provided, finding no teeth marks or cracks. After five months of at-home testing, our tester noted one design flaw that did emerge was that “the balls can fly off in random directions” if the dog interferes with the machine.
The launcher continued to function despite the occasional introduction of a wet or dirty ball. For longevity, you should try to keep the balls as clean as possible, but in any game of fetch, a little bit of mud is bound to appear.
Power: AC power or rechargeable battery | Range: 10-40 feet | Size: 12 x 12 inches | Ball Capacity: 3+
What We Like
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Releases balls in arc pattern for safety
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Three time settings
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Comes with AC adaptor and rechargeable batteries
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Large capacity
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Comes with five balls and holds up to 25 tennis balls
The Hyper Pet GoDogGo Fetch Machine can hold up to 25 balls, making it ideal for households with two or more dogs. The toy is recommended for medium to large dogs weighing between 20 and 60 pounds because it’s taller than other automatic launchers (approximately 17 inches in height), so you’ll need to make sure your dog is tall enough to load the launcher independently. We tested this launcher with a dog on the smaller side of that spectrum, a Boston terrier and Chihuahua mix named Momo, who greatly enjoyed playing with the GoDogGo Fetch Machine in their backyard, where they were free to fetch without fear of damaging any of their human’s valuables.
The launcher arrives pre-assembled and ready to go after the packaging is removed. It is equipped with five 2.5-inch balls and is also compatible with tennis balls.
It has a remote with connectivity up to 40 feet away, so you can adjust the range from 12 to 35 feet and the speed in between launches from 4 to 15 seconds. After five months of testing, we noticed that the ball launcher started to randomly launch balls at varying distances without any changes made to the distance setting.
It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and can be plugged in via the AC adaptor or powered by rechargeable batteries (both power sources included). When using it outside, we found it necessary to use an extension cord. It was also challenging to reload before all the balls had been launched, so if your dog is great with returning the ball on their own, you might want to keep it loaded with as few as possible during a session of fetch.
Power: AC power or rechargeable lithium batteries | Range: 12-35 feet | Size: 14 x 13 x 17 inches | Ball Capacity: Up to 25
What We Like
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Can pick up dropped balls with the end of the blaster
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Lightweight, portable, and arrives pre-assembled
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Comes with five balls; standard tennis balls fit in medium and large sizes
The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster Dog Toy is a straightforward, good-quality ball launcher that manually ejects balls with the push of a button. It offers no adjustments, but it comes in three sizes, two of which (medium and large) are compatible with standard tennis balls. Our primary tester for this launcher was a 70-pound Labrador named Kaiser, who was immediately interested in chasing balls as they were launched.
The launcher requires no assembly, and we found it to be extremely intuitive, durable, and lightweight. It’s constructed from sturdy, solid plastic, and the accompanying balls are similar to tennis balls, but more rugged, capable of surviving heavy chewing and stronger jaw compression.
The balls require a human to reload them, but they are easily picked up off the ground using the end of the blaster. The force behind the launch cannot be adjusted, and most balls travel 50 feet away, but you can adjust the angle of how you hold the launcher.
The toy made a distinct sound when launching, but it did not disturb or frighten Kaiser. Plus, being all plastic makes it easy to clean as it can be completely submerged or sprayed since it’s free of any electronics. It has no remote or any other mechanical components.
Power: Manual only | Range: 50 feet | Size: 20 x 10 x 5 inches (large); 18 x 4 x 9 inches (medium); 3.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches (small) | Ball Capacity: 1-5 balls, depending on the size
Other Automatic Ball Launchers We Tested
Petsafe Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher: This launcher comes with a safety feature that prevents balls from launching when your dog is too close, so they won’t get hit accidentally. This option works with standard-size tennis balls and comes with two. It’s best for highly energized pups who learn easily and can pop the balls into it themselves once retrieved.
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Franklin Pet Supply Ready Set Fetch Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher: The little feet on the bottom of this one let you adjust your angle for a farther launching distance, and it comes with easy-to-adjust distance and speed features. It works more slowly when the balls get wet or dirty.
Greenvine Automatic Dog Ball Thrower: We liked that this one has three distances you can adjust, there’s no assembly required, and it comes with six environmentally friendly, non-absorbent latex balls. It also has a remote control feature.
What to Look for in an Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs
Power Source
Some launchers require nothing more than to be aimed and fired (there’s usually a button or trigger to be pressed), while others are more powerful and need more juice. For outdoor use, especially, consider the power source paramount. They may use batteries or plug into an AC adaptor. While batteries are convenient and offer superior portability, they may not give the same boost as when the launcher is plugged in.
Portability
If you plan to take your launcher on the go, try to find a lightweight option weighing no more than 10 pounds. You’ll want something easy to carry with you to the beach, park, or campground. Most launchers also don’t usually fit well into backpacks or suitcases, and may not be the ideal shape for placing in your trunk, either. To remedy this, you may prefer a manual launcher, which is usually very travel-friendly.
Range
Think about how far your dog can run and the size of the area you’ve got for him to play in. Then find the launcher that works best within those parameters. Some can only launch a few feet, while others can fly up to 20 yards or more. Plus, you’ll need to keep in mind the condition of the balls—clean, dry balls can make it a much greater distance than dirty, wet balls.
Ball Capacity
Consider your dog’s energy level when choosing how many balls your launcher can hold (most can load between one and two to several at once). Larger-capacity launchers can even hold up to two dozen balls at a time and are well-suited for the most energetic, achievement-driven dogs’ playtime.
How We Tested Automatic Ball Launchers
We selected 13 automatic ball launchers for real-world testing with at least one dog in a home who enjoys a game of fetch. Each automatic ball launcher was assessed within six categories: ease of use, engagement, performance, design, durability, and value.
Each tester shared where the launcher was used (indoors or outdoors), how well it kept each pup interested, any adjustable features it had (distance and speed), how well it performed, whether the design was adequate, and how durable it seemed. Other questions were related to ease of assembly, practicality for a dog to reload, and whether the dog testers could learn how to operate the launcher independently.
Overall, after five months of testing, testers found the automatic dog ball launchers to be generally effective in entertaining their dogs, with several products holding up well in terms of durability and consistency. However, there were notable issues with some devices, particularly in terms of inconsistent launch distances, declining performance over time, and bulky designs that made storage or setup difficult.
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FAQ
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How do I train my dog to use the ball launcher?
Work backward, suggests Susie Aga, certified trainer, behaviorist, and owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer. “It’s harder to teach a dog to drop a ball than to fetch one,” she says, “and sometimes they don’t bring it all the way back.” She suggests throwing a ball, and as they are running back to you, walk backward. “Dogs follow what’s leaving them.”
As they get close, teach them to “drop it” and reward them with a treat or praise. It’s easiest to use a clicker that marks the exact moment they do what you’re asking. If you want to teach them to drop it in a launcher hopper, reward them first as they get close to the launcher and then as they put it in.
If your dog isn’t sure about chasing a ball, start by throwing it against a wall and catching it. That can kick in your dog’s prey drive, so they want to chase and catch it, too. Throw it to them and let them catch it. Then throw it past and let them chase it, she says.
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Why do dogs like to play fetch?
Sometimes it’s breed characteristics (what they’re bred for), or sometimes it’s prey drive or play drive, says Aga. “It’s very instinctual for some breeds to chase and follow. Retrievers were bred to do that,” she says. “In dock diving, we have to have dogs with high chase, play, and prey drive for them to jump off a dock to chase after a ball.” A lot of working breeds and retrieving breeds have that drive.
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Is fetch mentally stimulating for dogs?
Many dogs have a natural instinct to fetch—tossing a ball or dog toy taps into that instinct. You can incorporate other training components, such as “sit,” “wait,” and “drop it,” to increase their mental stimulation. Throwing more than one object at a time is another way to challenge their problem-solving skills and teach them to listen to commands.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This article was researched and written by KJ Callihan, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who has worked in animal shelters, helped socialize animals for adoption, and fostered critters of various kinds. She’s lived happily with a myriad of creatures over the years and is currently owned by a rescue cat named Arlo. Some of her articles for The Spruce Pets include Best Cat Subscription Boxes, The 7 Best Dog Beds for a New Puppy, and The 6 Best Hedgehog Habitats.
A prior version of this roundup was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo, a senior writer and editor who covers pets and animals, health and wellness, nature and sustainability, and all things environmental.
For this article, certified trainer, behaviorist, and owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer Susie Aga shared her thoughts on teaching dogs to play fetch and the benefits of doing so.
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