Is your dog ball crazy and you are wondering how to keep it active? The best tennis ball machines for dogs might be what you need. With the help of these ball launchers, your canine friend will have endless fun playing fetching games. These machines eliminate the hassle of pet owners throwing the balls making them a great source of entertainment for dogs.
Essential Features to Look for in a Ball Launcher for Dogs
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Size of the Dog
Most of the dog ball launchers have standard tennis ball-sized balls. Medium and large-sized dogs will be comfortable with such ball size. However, small dog breeds won’t be comfortable playing with a full-sized tennis ball. If you have a small pooch, consider getting a launcher specifically designed for small dogs.
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Indoor or Outdoor
If you intend to use the ball launcher indoors, get one that’s safe to use in limited spaces with a short shooting range. For outdoor use, you are not limited to space. There are plenty of ball launchers you can choose from.
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Manual vs Automatic
The ideal choice here trickles down to personal preference. If you want to enjoy quality playtime with your dog, the manual ball launcher is your best option. On the other hand, if you prefer to have your dog play with the ball alone when you are occupied elsewhere, the automatic dog ball launcher is your best choice.
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Distance Settings
Throwing the ball at the same distance over and over creates boredom. Automatic ball launchers have adjustable distance settings that allow you to use one ball launcher with different dogs and change the throwing distance to keep your canine friend more entertained.
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Ease of Use
Manual dog ball launchers are a bit challenging to use. The slingshot is a bit difficult to use especially if you are a new pet owner. How far the ball goes pretty much depends on you.
On the other hand, automatic dog ball launchers are easy to use, but they can be confusing for the dog. Ball launchers with a large space at the top for holding the ball are much simpler to use compared with their small cups counterparts.
7 Best Tennis Ball Machines for Dogs
When searching for a good fit for your pooch, you can be overwhelmed by the numerous products available in the market. Tohelp ease the task, we have reviewed the best tennis ball machines for dogs in this guide. Let’s have a look:
#1) iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs
As one of the best tennis ball machines for dogs, iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher will be your dog’s favorite toy. This thrower rocks a sleek curved modern design fitted with innovative features to take fetching games a notch higher.
This ball launcher will help create a perfect bonding time between pets and their parents. The machine is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes with an AC adapter for indoor play and has a rechargeable battery for outdoor play.
This amazing ball launcher for dogs is available in two sizes: small and large. iFetch has three distance settings to suit the needs of different playing fields. With the touch of a button, you can effortlessly set your preferred distance.
To add fun to the fetching game, the thrower has a random distance setting that keeps your dog guessing the projection of the ball. This is an excellent choice for your pet.
Features
- Runs on AC power or rechargeable battery
- Three distance setting and random setting
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor play
- Comes with three iFetch tennis balls
- Flip switch for adjusting the distance
#2) Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher
The next best tennis ball machine for dogs is the K9 Kannon K2 ball launcher. This ball thrower has a quick trigger that helps project the balls up to a distance of 75 feet. With this ball launcher, you will be able to play fetch with your dog without feeling tired.
Attached to the thrower is a hand lever that enables you to adjust the hurling distance according to the playfield. The lever also helps to customize the game to fit your dog’s needs.
The thrower features hand-free ball pickup so you don’t need to worry about bending or getting your hands dirty when playing fetch. If you like taking your pooch to the park, there is extra ball storage which is a great incentive.
Features
- Hands-free ball pick up
- Durable construction
- Extra ball storage
- Easy ball loading and shooting
- Handy lever for adjusting distance
- Easy to use
- Suitable for large and medium breeds
- Quick trigger facilitates spirited fetch games
#3) PetSafe Automatic Dog Toy Ball Launcher
Give your pooch a priceless experience when playing fetch with this amazing ball thrower. The ball launcher is ideal for indoor and outdoor play. It comes with a power cord to connect to a power source for indoor use.
When you want to take the dog outside for play, the 6 D cell batteries will power the thrower. Another positive attribute of this ball launcher is adjustable hurling distance. It has 9 distance settings; this helps customize the distance to meet the needs of the dog and the playfield.
Safety is prioritized in this ball thrower. It packs multiple sensors that keep the pet and owner safe. On the front is a motion sensor that guard pets and people standing 7-feet in front of the thrower.
The sensor also facilitates the safe loading of balls into the side pocket. Flexibility is another suit of this ball thrower. It hurls standard tennis balls of diameter 2 5/8 inches and smaller tennis balls.
Another impressive thing about this toy is that allows the loading of three balls at a time. Training your dog is made effortless by audible tones that inform you when the ball is detected.
It also features a pause function that lets your dog play for 15 minutes before initiating a 15 minutes rest. This is very helpful especially in independent play as it helps prevent dogs from playing beyond their exhaustion time.
This controlled play gives your pooch the freedom to play fetch anytime even when you are not around. With the PetSafe Ball Thrower, anytime is playtime.
Features
- Multiple sensors for safety
- 9 distance settings and 6 angle settings
- Hurling range of 8-30 feet
- The pause function allows 15 minutes of playtime and 15 minutes of rest
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Runs on AC power or 6 D Cell Batteries
- Audible tones to simplify training
- Hurls both standard tennis balls and smaller type balls
#4) IDOGMATE Rechargeable Automatic pet Ball Launcher
Your canine friend can get bored when you are not around to play with him. Keep him active by investing in this automatic ball thrower. As one of the best tennis ball machines for dogs, IDOGMATE Ball Launcher is incredible entertainment for your pet.
The thrower has four distance settings and a variable setting that adds gist to the play. Flexibility is another positive trait of this ball launcher. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Since it is automatic you can play with your dog or you can train your pup to play on his own.
This ball thrower is suitable for use with puppies and smaller dogs. It has a wide top chute for easy reloading of balls for non-stop fun. Another admirable feature is quality construction.
It has arced wheels that prevent slobbery balls from getting stuck. The thrower runs on either AC power or rechargeable batteries. Ease of use for both pets and pet parents makes this ball thrower a great choice.
Features
- 4 distance settings and a random distance setting feature
- Suitable for small-size breeds
- Comes with three 1.65-inch diameter balls
- Runs on AC power or rechargeable batteries
- Includes remote control for indoor and outdoor use
- Hurls balls of diameter 1.65 to 1.75 inches
- The auto turn-off feature helps in saving power
- Large hopper for easy reloading for continues fun
- Great for indoor and outdoor play
#5) GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 Automatic Ball Launcher
As one of the best tennis ball machines for dogs, the GoDogGo G4 Ball Launcher is beloved by both pet owners and their pets. It packs a great number of useful features that take the fetching game a notch higher. The fetch machine is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.
It comes with an AC adapter to connect to power when playing indoors. The machine also comes with a remote control to facilitate easier handling when in use. Using the remote, pet parents can change throwing distance, hurl a ball or switch the machine to auto-launch mode.
A noticeable feature of this fetch machine is the big green bucket. It serves as the chute for this thrower. Not only does it make recharging easy but it also makes loading with more than one ball possible.
The thrower features 3 distance settings to fit both small and large spaces. GoDogGo G4 is an excellent option to keep your dog entertained. The ball launcher has an admirable construction that features a safety arc that hurls balls upwards keeping the pooch out of direct launch pattern.
The machine works great with different ball styles and sizes. There is no better solution to satisfy your pet’s insatiable desire for constant fetch than with this fetch machine.
Features
- Arched design for safe hurling of balls
- 3 distance and 3-time settings
- Comes with a remote control
- Wide chute for easier reloading
- Can be used with different tennis balls
- Battery-powered or AC powered
- Comes with three standard tennis balls
#6) AFP Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Ball Thrower Machine
There is no better way to quench your dog’s appetite for fetch than with this automatic ball launcher. As one of the best tennis ball machines for dogs, the thrower features an adjustable distance setting with three throwing options of 10, 20, and 30 feet. T
he variations in hurling distance make the machine ideal for exercising older dogs and energetic puppies. The ball thrower can be used both indoors and outdoors. Once your dog learns to use the thrower, it will become your dog’s best friend.
The machine features a plastic construction that is sturdy and durable. It is easy to use for both pets and pet parents. You can power the thrower using batteries or connect it to a power source.
The thrower has a sensor that detects the ball before hurling it. When balls are placed into the ball basket, the thrower will dispense a ball every 10 seconds. This amazing ball thrower will entertain your pet fully.
Features
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor play
- Includes 3 tennis balls
- Can run on 6 C batteries or AC power
- Ball sensor that hurls balls every 10 seconds
- Interactive features are helpful in training
- Adjustable distance setting
#7) IDOGMATE Big Dog Ball Launcher
Keep your big pooch active with this automatic tennis ball thrower machine. The machine features quality construction with arced wheels that allow the hurling of balls as far as possible. The arced design also helps prevent wet balls from getting stuck in the machine.
The machine also has a big funnel that allows easy ball reloading. The convenience created by the big funnel goes a long way in boosting the confidence of your dog during training.
The ball thrower comes with rechargeable batteries that can deliver enough power for up to 250 throws. This is particularly important when playing fetch outdoors. The machine also comes with an AC adapter. The adapter can be used when playing indoors with your canine friend.
With three distance settings, this machine keeps your dog on its toes in different spaces. The machine comes with a remote that allows smooth operation both indoors and outdoors. The ball launcher has internal storage for keeping tennis balls. The handles attached to the machine make carrying the machine effortless.
Features
- 3 Distance Settings
- Random distance setting for more entertainment
- Suitable for large size dogs
- The auto turn-off function helps save power
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Remote controlled
- Arced wheels maximize throwing distance
- Large hopper for easy recharging
- Runs on a rechargeable battery or AC adapter
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Best Tennis Ball Machines for Dogs Buying Guide
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Tennis Ball Machines for Dogs
Size of the Dog
This is a key consideration if you are about to buy a tennis ball machine for your pooch. Different models launch different ball sizes.Ball throwers for medium and large dogs should hurl standard tennis balls while throwers for small dogs should launch mini-sized balls. Getting a thrower with the right size is crucial in making the fetching game safe.
Budget
The price of ball throwers varies from one model to the other. If you are looking for a reliable product, be ready to spend between $100 and $ 200. In this price range, you can get durable devices that will serve you longer. The less expensive throwers have one shortcoming; they break easily and so they won’t last for long.
Distance Setting
The range is another important factor that you should examine before buying a ball thrower for your dog. Most of the best tennis ball machines for dogs are ideal for outdoor and indoor use. The throwers may run on either AC power or batteries to suit different applications.
If you plan to use the thrower outside, go for devices with the furthest distance settings. In case the playing space is limited, choose a device with lower range settings. Pet parents planning on using the thrower in different places, ball launchers with adjustable settings are most suitable.
Ease of Training
Pet parents purchase these machines with one goal in mind; an independent fetching game. To achieve this goal, they need to train their pooch to use the machine. Look for throwers with wide ball chutes for easier ball reloading.
The machines produce a sound which could be a problem in training especially if your pet gets nervous about objects with eerie sounds. If that is the case, you should be patient with your dog as it will take time to get accustomed to the noise.
Mode of Operation
Ball throwers for dogs can either be automatic or manual. Automatic launchers do all the work, all you do is load the balls and train your canine friend how to reload for independent play. Manual ball throwers on other hand, manual throwers require your engagement when hurling the balls. Manual throwers have the advantage of hurling balls further.
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Benefits of Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs
- Physical and mental stimulation. Automatic ball launchers for dogs stimulate their minds and keeps them active for long. These devices throw the balls at varying distances of up to 30 feet. Your dog must run to retrieve the ball. If you have an obese dog, such a rigorous workout should help improve his overall health state.
- A perfect tool for incorporating dog discipline. Teaching dogs to play on their own greatly improves their discipline. On top of that, an automatic ball launcher improves dogs’ mood by keeping them happy and entertained especially when left alone in the house.
- Relieves boredom and loneliness. Dogs get lonely and bored when they are left alone. With an automatic ball launcher, whether you have it placed inside the house or outside, your canine-friend will never get bored again. It provides them with lots of joyful moments that they actually forget that their humans aren’t around to play with.
- Anxiety reduction. Just like humans, dogs also suffer from anxiety problems. Actually, dogs suffer from anxiety more than humans. Well, your dog could be worried that you won’t get back home, or you’ll forget to feed them on time. Whatever the cause of anxiety is, it can be easily reduced by chasing a ball a number of times.
- Best compensation for your absence. People are always busy working and running errands that they have a minimal time left to play with their dogs. An automatic ball launcher keeps your dog happy and engaged even when you are busy or away.
- Multi-purpose application. Automatic ball launchers provide endless fun to different dog breeds outside the house or indoors if needed.
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How to Train Your Dog to Use a Ball Launcher
Teaching your dog how to use a ball launcher takes time as well as practice. Here is a simple procedure to use.
- Begin with fetch sessions of about 10 minutes each. Start with about 3 sessions a day.
- If you have an automatic dog ball launcher, ensure that your dog adapts to the new ball thrower. At first, the sound produced by the launcher can be frightening to your pup, but with time he’ll get used to it.
- Put a ball inside the thrower and observe how he reacts. Give him treats if he sticks his nose down to retrieve it.
- Once the dog is comfortable around the launcher, place it at a distance a little bit far from him and turn it on. Now that the dog is comfortable with the sound produced by the launcher, load in a ball and when it’s thrown, allow the dog to go and retrieve it.
- When the dog returns the ball, reward him with treats. Place the ball back to the launcher and have the dog retrieve it again. This time around has him place the ball back in the launcher himself. Reward him with treats again.
- Repeat the same procedure until the dog learns how to fetch and place the ball back in the launcher.
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Safety Tips for Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs
Here are some safety tips you should know about automatic ball launchers for dogs.
- The ball can hit your dog on the face if he stands right in front of the thrower. To avoid this, teach your dog not to stand in front of the machine. Some ball launchers have an alarm sound that lets the dog know when it’s ready to throw the ball. Such launchers also have a sensor that won’t throw the ball if the dog is right in front.
- If the dog plays too much with the machine, it can become overheated and exhausted. While some automatic ball launchers have an automatic 15 minute rest period, most of them don’t. Always make sure that you are around the playing area so it’s easier to keep an eye on him and tell when he has had enough.
- Manual ball launchers for dogs should be kept away from reach by kids. Any kid using them should have an adult supervising them. They shoot pretty hard and dangerous if the ball hits other kids or dogs accidentally.
- Never leave your dog to play with an automatic ball launcher unsupervised.
Conclusion
The best tennis ball machines for dogs entertain dogs when pet parents are not around. They help satisfy the insatiable desire to play fetch which goes a long way in improving the pet’s health and coordination. Invest in one and keep your furry friend entertained as you tend to other matters.