Tennis Ball Thrower For Dogs: Best Automatic & Hand-Held Dog Ball Launchers

Ball throwing is one of the most fun exercises for your dog. Unfortunately, for most people, they cannot keep up with the dog's energy, and quickly get tired. You unfortunately have to end the activity because you have other things to do and you don't have that much strength to keep up with a highly active German Shepherd.

The tennis ball thrower for dogs is an innovative device that makes the exercises easier for your dog. You don't have to keep throwing the balls by yourself. 

But finding the best among them is not a walk in the park. There are so many out there and going through them one by one to find the ideal for your dog can take forever. In the following review, we make your task of choosing, effortless.

Based on criteria that included customer reviews, features, and durability, we found Chuckit Sport Dog Ball Launcher is the best. The second place went to iFetch Interactive Dog Ball Launcher. 

Chuckit Sport Dog Ball Launcher - Best Handheld Dog Ball Thrower

The dog toy ball launcher is lightweight and durable for easy use. It features a hands-free pick up and is great for backyard use. In our estimation, it is the best dog ball thrower because it is easy to use.

What we like

• Lightweight and durable toy ball launcher
• Perfect for backyard use
• Easy-to-use

What we don't like

• The quality of the ball is poor

iFetch Interactive Dog Ball Launcher - Best Automatic Dog Ball Launcher

The interactive design allows the dog to play when they want, and that pretty much makes it the best tennis ball launcher.  The automatic ball launcher for dogs does not have full-size tennis balls and therefore, safe. 

What we like

• It allows the dog to play at their own time
• Safe balls

What we don't like

• It turns off automatically after 60 seconds, and that may kill the fun

Chuckit Pocket/Petite Ball Thrower

Various chuckit ball launcher reviews agree that the small ball thrower packs quite a punch. It is lightweight, easy-to-use, and perfect for the backyard.

What we like

• Small and Powerful
• Lightweight and easy to use

What we don't like

• The quality of the ball is poor

Chuckit Ultra-Grip Ball Launcher

The stylish ball launcher is comfortable and easy to use. It features a hands-free pickup that most people will find useful.

What we like

• Comfortable and easy to use
• Hands-free pickup
• Attractive design

What we don't like

• The handle is not entirely comfortable 

iDogMate Small Automatic Dog Ball Launcher

The automatic dog ball thrower is perfect for training the dog to play on their own. The balls are ideal for dogs and are non-abrasive on the teeth. It has an easy switch between 4 distances.

What we like

• Perfect for training the dog
• The balls are non-abrasive on the teeth
• An easy switch between 4 distances

What we don't like

• It may not last for very long

Hyper Pet K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher

The tennis ball launcher gun is easy to operate. More importantly, you can vary the distance comfortably for more exercise for your dog. 

What we like

• It is easy to operate
• You can vary the distance appropriately
• Hands-free pickup

What we don't like

• The device may not last for very long

Automatic Ball Launchers vs. Hand-held Throwers: Which One to Prefer?

The automatic ball launchers are more convenient and easy-to-use than the handheld throwers. However, the handheld model is more enjoyable for the dog because you are part of the exercise. It is more motivating for the dogs and therefore, preferable for some pet parents.

How to Make an Automatic Dog Ball Thrower?

The best dog ball launchers are some of the most excellent tools to have in your home as a pet parent. if you are tight on budget, you can always make a homemade ball launcher

You will need to model the design in a program like CAD and use PVC pipes to cut the cost. Choose one curved PVC pipe and make sure they have sufficient space for the ball to pass through. Leave a space for the limit switch.

You can get the limit switch from your local electronics shop.

Another important device is a solenoid rated at 12 V and 2 A. The next step is to glue the electronics inside the PVC pipe. You also need two wheels that will be doing the launching, and two motors rated at 12V-24V that you can get from the electronics shop.

Put together the launcher assembly and wire everything.

Buying Guide - Considerations before Buying a Ball Thrower

The first important consideration is the size of the dog. If the dog is too big, a small tennis ball can serve as a choking hazard. Choose a big sized ball thrower if you have a Saint Bernard or a German shepherd.

Do you want an automatic ball launcher that the dog can operate by themselves? Well, if that is the case, then you will need to choose a ball thrower with a large ball chute. A big reloading area will reduce the chances of making mistakes for the dog.

Do you want a ball thrower to use indoors or outdoors? If it is outdoors, then you need one with a significant throw distance. 

What Especially to Look For in an Automatic Dog Ball Launcher?

One of the most critical factors to look out for in automatic dog ball launchers is the size of the ball and the throw distance. Do you need it for a German shepherd or a Chihuahua?

Don't go too cheap to make savings. Anything too cheap may not be reliable.

Training a dog to use an Automatic Ball Launcher

You will need a launcher, treats, and Clicker. Set up the launcher and make sure it is off. Every time the Chihuahua approaches the launcher, praise him, and give him a treat. Do this repeatedly to reinforce.

Place the launcher some distance away and turn it on. When it starts to make the warning sounds, click and treat and say yes. When the dog is comfortable with the sound of the launcher, ask them to move close and click to reinforce. Load the ball and shoot, and allow the dog to get it. 

When the dog returns the ball, click and treat. You can add additional commands such as drop it, and when they do, click and treat as well. The next step is to move the treat in your hand on the basket of the launcher where they drop the ball to get the treat. If they do it well, click and treat. 

Repeat the process and reduce the use of a click and treat as the dog gets used to reloading and fetching the ball. 

Concluding Remarks

The tennis ball thrower for dogs is a device that allows your dog to do exercise and have some fun in your backyard. Similar to people, dogs need to exercise to ensure they are healthy and happy. and while our top Choice is Chuckit Sport Dog Ball Launcher, any of the above is reliable and a right choice for you and the dog. 

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