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It’s no secret that all dogs love to play fetch. Big or small, fast or slow, our pooches will chase those balls endlessly. While it is enjoyable for us to see our dogs so happy and full of excitement while playing their favourite game, fetch isn’t so fun for us.
If you wish to avoid a sore shoulder or lopsided biceps from forever throwing a ball with your good arm (or the embarrassment of not being able to throw the ball far enough), a ball launcher is your ticket to being as excited about fetch as your energetic pup.
Choosing a dog ball launcher isn’t as simple as heading out to the store and grabbing the first one you see. You’ll have to decide if you want a manual thrower, push-button thrower, or an automatic thrower.
You’ll also have to consider the ball size you need, the distance you want, the portability of the thrower, and a bunch more.
To help you with your selection, we analyzed 26 products and 956 reviews over a 20-hour period to develop a list of the best dog ball launchers in Canada.
Following our last update, we recommend the Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher for its balance of affordability and quality, comfort, and advanced throw features.
Our Top Pick Dog Ball Launcher in 2023
Overall, the Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher is the best overall choice when it comes to dog ball launchers. With a durable design and convenient ball pack, this launcher has everything you need to take your dog’s fetch game to another level.
Pros:
- Comes with 5 regular balls and a glow in the dark ball
- Very durable
- Easy to use
- Multiple throw settings and compatible ball sizes
Cons:
- Balls are not durable enough for tough chewers
Our selection of the best models available right now:
- Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher
- PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher
- Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher
- Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster
- Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher
- GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs
- iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs
- CHUCKIT! Ring Chaser Launcher Dog Toy
Dog Ball Launcher Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher
|
9,4
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher
|
9,7
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Budget Pick
|
Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher
|
9,1
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
Our Pick for The Best Dog Ball Launcher
Presentation of the Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher
The Best Overall
Chew King
If your dog loves to play fetch but your arm can’t keep up with the workload, the Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher is the exact tool you need to keep your dog exercised and engaged in play time with you. It is made with the best materials and very easy to use.
What We Think of the Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher
The Chew King ball launcher is one of the most highly recommended products on the market today. It really offers everything you need to enjoy a great fetch game with your dog. The handle is just under 18” long, so it is comfortable for everyone to use. It weighs only 0.6 lbs too, so you can be sure your arm won’t tire out before your dog does (let’s be honest, that’s the most important part).
We love that this manual thrower can accommodate different sized balls; most launchers of this kind cannot be altered. Since you can use balls between 2.5” and 3” in diameter, any of your favorite brands can be used easily. Both the launcher itself and the balls that come with it are rubber, so you can be sure it will be comfortable for you and your dog, and everything will be very easy to clean if (or rather when) it gets dirty.
This ball launcher has helped my so much. I have a bad shoulder, but my dog’s favorite game to play is fetch; it’s really the only way I can get her to play with me as she doesn’t like tug or anything like that. This launcher takes all the pressure off my shoulder and I can give my girl better throws than I could even when I was healthy. Love this toy!
Casey P.
The launcher comes with 6 balls, each 2.5” in diameter. Five of them are standard balls and 1 is a glow in the dark ball. Now, you can play fetch night or day and your dog will be able to easily track the ball. There are three throw settings that you can choose between to suit your dogs play style. Based on the angle of the launcher head, you can have short throws, medium throws, or max distance throws for the best runners.
Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher Specifications
- Dimensions: 3” x 5” x 17.8”
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Material: Rubber
- Color: Teal
- Throw Type: Manual
- Ball Size: 2.5” to 3”
Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comes with 5 regular balls and a glow in the dark ball
- Very durable
- Easy to use
- Multiple throw settings and compatible ball sizes
Cons
- Balls are not durable enough for tough chewers
Our Final Opinion About the Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Chew King CM-0283-CS01 Natural Dog Toy Ball Launcher is the best overall choice when it comes to dog ball launchers. With a durable design and convenient ball pack, this launcher has everything you need to take your dog’s fetch game to another level.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Dog Ball Launcher
Presentation of the PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher
The Advanced Choice
PetSafe
If an automatic ball launcher is what you are in need of, you won’t find a better model on the market than the PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher. Your dog can use it with you or be trained to use it by itself, and it’s got many settings to give your dog the perfect throw every single time.
PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher Video Review
What We Think of the PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher
This PetSafe automatic ball launcher is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor play, and your dogs can use it with you or without. It weighs 9 lbs and fits standard tennis balls only (these are 2 5/8” in diameter). This machine can run off a power cord or batteries, so you won’t be restricted by the need for a power supply wherever you decide to use it. This feature makes it great for travelling too.
This ball launcher is highly adjustable with many settings to choose from: the throw distance can be set between 8 ft and 30 ft (9 options in this range) and the throw angle can be set between 20º and 45º (6 options in this range). The best part is that the machine regulates play time all on its own. This is ideal especially for dogs that get obsessive over the game. It allows 15 minutes of play time and then gives your dog a 15 minute break to allow them some rest.
This automatic ball launcher is amazing for my Jack Russel. He has unlimited energy and I would always tire out playing fetch before he did. This ball launcher gives me a great break and keeps him running at the same time. I’ve read about dogs getting hit in the face with balls because the motion sensor doesn’t work great, so I trained him to wait beside the machine just in case.
Robert W.
Our one big gripe with this ball launcher is that the motion sensor is not as reliable as it needs to be. It is supposed to prevent ball launch if there is a dog within 7 feet in front of it, but if the dog is standing still, the sensor does not pick up on them and launches a ball anyway. This can be very dangerous, so dogs cannot be left unsupervised unless they are trained to wait at the side of the machine instead of in front of it.
PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher Specifications
- Dimensions: 13.5” x 13.5” x 12”
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Color: Grey
- Throw Type: Automatic
- Throw Distance: 9 options between 8 ft and 30ft
- Throw Angles: 6 options between 20º and 45º
- Ball Size: 2 5/8”
- Warranty: 6 months
PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Dog can be trained to use the machine by itself (no human required)
- Can be used with batteries or can be plugged in
- Automates 15 minutes of play then 15 minutes of rest
Cons
Cons
- Motion sensor is not reliable
- More expensive than manual throwers
Our Final Opinion About the PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the PetSafe PTY19-15850 Automatic Ball Launcher is the best of the best for automatic launchers. It offers your dog the ability to play by itself (with some safety training due to a poor quality motion sensor) and can be adjusted to suit every dog’s perfect throw.
Our Budget Pick for a Dog Ball Launcher
Presentation of the Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher
The Affordable Choice
Chuckit!
If you need some help playing fetch with your dog but you don’t have the budget for an expensive tool, the Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher is the perfect choice for you. It is well made but highly affordable, and has been the go-to choice for many dog owners since its release.
Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher Video Review
What We Think of the Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher
The classic ball launcher by Chuckit! Is one of the simpler models on the market, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great. It weighs only 0.6 lbs so even the most energetic dog will tire before you do. The handle is 26” long which isn’t ideal for everybody, but there are shorter models available as well with all the same great features.
This launcher is made of plastic, so it is quite durable and very easy to clean. It comes in three vibrant colors and fits a standard tennis ball. Although not adjustable like some other manual ball launchers, most dogs prefer tennis balls anyways and they are the easiest to come by. The launcher does come with a tennis ball to get you started, but we expect that you’ll need to buy more as they can get lost or torn apart by tough chewers.
I got a rescue dog who seemed to enjoy balls but would only chase the ones my boyfriend threw; I think because he could throw them faster. Now that I can get some speed with this launcher, our rescue loves playing fetch with me as much as my boyfriend. Its such a great bonding experience for us and I love seeing him so happy thanks to the Chuckit!
Sierra Z.
The design of this ball launcher means that you can throw the ball 2-3 times farther than you can with just your arm, and it also involves less work due to the extended handle. The added leverage will be greatly appreciated, we can assure you of that. No matter what your budget is, we are certain that this affordable Chuckit! ball launcher can make a wonderful addition to your play time with your dog.
Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher Specifications
- Dimensions: 26” handle
- Weight: 0.6 lbs
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Blue, green or orange
- Throw Type: Manual
- Ball Size: 2 5/8”
Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Comes with a tennis ball
- Long handle for good throw leverage
- Great price
Cons
- Can only fit one ball size
Our Final Opinion About the Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Chuckit! 6400 Classic 26M Launcher is a great option for dog owners looking for an inexpensive way to elevate their dog’s fetch game while simultaneously easing the strain on their body. With a simple but durable design and the optimal ball compatibility, this launcher will improve any dog’s fetch enjoyment.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster
The Kid-Friendly Alternative
Nerf Dog
If you are in the market for a dog ball launcher than is easy enough for your kids to use as well, the Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster is what you’ve been looking for. It requires no physical effort at all to throw the ball, and its design will be very appealing to kids; all in all, it’s a great toy for the whole family.
Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster Video Review
What We Think of the Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster
Nerf’s Tennis Ball Blaster is a unique approach to the classic dog ball launcher product. It has a push-button launch mechanism to essentially eliminate the need to put in any physical work at all. This launcher also allows you to load directly from the ground, so there is no need to bend over or touch a slimy ball, ever. This makes it great for both children without the arm strength to throw it manually, and elderly dog owners who struggle with mobility.
The blaster is made of plastic and has quite a cheap feel to it. While it may not be as durable or long-lasting as some other ball launchers, its affordable price makes it worth the risk. The launcher only accommodates balls sized at 2 5/8”, so standard tennis balls are the ideal choice. The launcher even comes with a tennis ball to get the play time started until you can purchase more.
Our dog absolutely loves chasing after tennis balls, but I would frequently tire out before she did. This Nerf ball launcher changed everything. It throws the ball really far and it’s really easy for both me and my young boys to use. I love that I don’t have to touch the ball to load it as my dog drools SO much. Very happy with this purchase and highly recommend!
Tania E.
Weighing in at 1.5 lbs, this tennis ball blaster is light enough to be used by anyone. It is easy to pack for travelling and stores easily pretty much anywhere. Whether you want to use this launcher in a backyard, field, at the beach, or anywhere else, its design and material choice make it the perfect addition to any game of fetch.
Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster Specifications
- Dimensions: 16” x 3.7” x 3.7”
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Blue
- Throw Type: Push-button
- Ball Size: 2 5/8”
Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Can load the ball from the ground
- Inexpensive
- Fun and easy for kids
- Comes with a tennis ball
Cons
- Cheaply made
Our Final Opinion About the Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Nerf Dog vp6880 16” Tennis Ball Blaster is an affordable ball launcher that is as fun for the kids as it is for the dogs. With a great design (though not the most durable) and hands free loading, it is a great tool to bring more joy to the lives of the entire family.
Presentation of the Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher
The Storage Alternative
Hyper Pet
If you are the kind of person who can’t help but lose your dog’s balls all the time, the Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher is your saving grace. With storage space for two balls, you’ll never have to disappoint your dog again.
Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher Video Review
What We Think of the Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher
The Hyper Per K9 Kannon is a large but surprisingly low power ball launcher. While we love that you can adjust the power of the throw easily, the ball does not travel that far even on max power; you’d likely be able to throw it farther by hand. However, if playing fetch by hand isn’t a feasible option for you for whatever reason, the convenience of this ball launcher will make up for its low power.
This model has space to store two tennis balls on the launcher. Since you can also leave one in the launcher itself, this gives you three total balls that you can have easily on hand. No more forgetting the balls! It also has a really long design to make it easy to pick balls up from the ground. This feature is great for a couple of reasons: first, it prevents back strain as you don’t need to bend over; second, it eliminates the need for touching the slimy, slobbery ball your dog is bringing back to you.
I am one of those people that likes to get my dog Christmas presents. This year I got this ball launcher as the main gift, and it was a hit with the whole family. My kids enjoy using, my parents can finally play fetch with the dog again (they both have issues bending over), and my dog has a blast every time. It is a bit bulky to carry around, but that’s no biggie.
Georgio R.
This ball launcher is quite bulky and awkward to carry around, so if you plan on travelling a lot with your dog and your intention is to bring the ball launcher with you, a smaller model may be a benefit to you. However, its push button operation and lightweight plastic build make it easy to clean and comfortable for nearly everyone to use.
Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher Specifications
- Dimensions: 22.8” x 2.5” x 7.5”
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Green
- Throw Type: Push-button
- Ball Size: 2 5/8”
Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Hands free loading
- 2 ball storage sites
- Adjustable power
Cons
- Bulky
- Limited throw distance
Our Final Opinion About the Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Hyper Pet 50252EA K9 Kannon K2 Ball Launcher is a great family friendly option that has the added bonus of storage space for two balls. This ball launcher is designed for convenience, and if the limited throw range isn’t an issue for your dog, you can’t go wrong with this model.
Presentation of the GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs
The Luxury Alternative
GoDogGo
If you ever wondered if a ball dog launcher could feel like a luxurious product to own, this GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs answers that question. With its excellent compatibility, setting control, and unique features, this ball launcher has carved its own special place in the market.
GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs Video Review
What We Think of the GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs
The GoDogGo fetch machine is one of the highest quality automatic ball launchers we came across, if not at the very top of that list. It is a great size and weighs only 7 lbs, so it’s very easy to maneuver and travel with if desired. It can be powered with batteries or a power cord, so you can choose the most convenient option for your environment.
This launcher also gives you control over a few of its settings. You can set the throw distance at short, medium, or long to suit both your dog and the environmental restrictions of the play area. You also have the option of choosing the throw interval; the next ball can be launched after 4 seconds, 7 seconds, or 15 seconds. You can change the settings on the launcher itself or the convenient handheld remote.
This was such a great buy. My collie has a seemingly unlimited store of energy, and I have struggled to find a way to tire him out without exhausting myself in the process. This ball launcher is now his favorite thing to play with. When he needs a break, he’ll just watch it shoot all the balls out, and then he’ll gather them all up to get it started again. Thank goodness for this machine!
Cassandra C.
Up to 25 balls can fit in this launcher at once (depending on size), and balls with a diameter between 1.75” and 2.5” can be used. The size of ball will affect how far it travels at each power setting so that’s an important thing to remember if you are combining different types of balls to give your dog some variation. Although this is quite an investment in your dog, the hefty price tag comes along with superior quality.
GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs Specifications
- Dimensions: 13” x 13” x 16.8”
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Color: Black and green
- Throw Type: Automatic
- Throw Distance: 3 options (short, medium, and long throw)
- Ball Size: 1.75” to 2.5”
- Warranty: 6 months
GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Runs off battery or power cord
- Comes with a remote
- Many settings to choose from (3 distance, 3 time)
- Room for many balls at once (up to 25)
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the GoDogGo Fetch Machine G4 for Dogs is one of the most expensive, but comparatively high quality ball launchers currently available. A great design and rich feature list make it a must have for every dog owner looking to splurge on a new item for their beloved pet.
Presentation of the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs
The Small-Dog Alternative
iFetch
If you’ve got a small dog that loves playing fetch but struggles with traditional sized ball launchers, this alternative is the product you’ve been needing to hear about. The iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs is designed for the smallest breeds, so even the tiniest mouths get to enjoy all the fun that fetch can bring.
iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs Review
What We Think of the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs
The iFetch interactive ball launcher is one of the only ball launchers on the market designed for small dogs. Since small mouths cannot fit around standard sized tennis balls, it is hard for owners to find a product that can accommodate the smaller sizes. This launcher can only be used with 1.5” balls, so while that is a con for every other owner, small dog owners will be thrilled by that.
This launcher also has a smaller throw distance than many others with a maximum of 30 ft. This is ideal for small dogs since they require much shorter distances to get a good run in. Any farther and they would likely tire after just a few throws or lose interest in the game entirely. Dogs can be trained to use this machine by themselves, or they can have fun with their owners involved.
My grandma has a dachshund that adores playing fetch, but she struggles to sit on the floor with him to throw the ball. I bought this ball launcher for her and helped train little Joey. Now, he plays fetch all by himself and my grandma can just praise him and watch him have fun. I’m so glad this launcher is designed for small dogs and I was lucky enough to stumble across it.
Patrick B.
A very unique feature of this ball launcher is that there is a storage compartment to keep the balls secure and out of sight. This will prevent eager dogs from stealing the balls and potentially wrecking them. The lightweight, compact design also makes this a great option for travel. Since it can be used with batteries or connected to an outlet; you can really use it anywhere you have the urge.
iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs Specifications
- Dimensions: 10.5” x 8” x 7”
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Color: White
- Throw Type: Automatic
- Throw Distance: 3 options between 10 ft and 30 ft
- Ball Size: 1.5”
- Warranty: 1 year
iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Comes with 3 1.5” balls
- Storage compartment for balls hidden underneath
- Dog can play by itself
Cons
Cons
- Pricey
- Can only be used with small balls
- Limited throw range
Our Final Opinion About the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs is the most fitting choice for small dogs. With its compact size and small ball compatibility, this ball launcher can help any small dog enjoy their favorite game. Since the whole family can be involved in the fun, this is truly the best small-dog alternative on the market.
Presentation of the CHUCKIT! Ring Chaser Launcher Dog Toy
The Ring Alternative
Chuckit!
If your dog loves ball launchers but you’re looking for a way to spice up the game and keep their interest, this CHUCKIT! ring chaser launcher dog toy is the next product to buy. It uses a ring rather than a ball, so it bounces more unpredictably and brings your dog plenty of fun. It is easy for owners, too.
CHUCKIT! Ring Chaser Launcher Dog Toy Video Review
What We Think of the CHUCKIT! Ring Chaser Launcher Dog Toy
As long as you aren’t looking for a launcher that dogs can use by themselves, we doubt you’ll have any complaints about this ring launcher. The ergonomic design of the handle guarantees you won’t have to put in too much effort to throw the ring; a simple flick of the wrist will send the ring flying low to the ground so it is easy for your dog to spot and chase until they are victorious in catching it.
The ring will bounce around sporadically after it first hits the ground, and this mimics the natural escape patterns of prey animals like rabbits. If you have a dog with a high prey drive, they will absolutely love to chase this toy. Many dogs find it more engaging than regular balls because of its unique motion. The throw distance is highly variable depending on how much force you use, so you can adjust for the dog and the space available.
This is my dog’s favorite toy now! I used the traditional ball launcher for a number of years, but after 20 minutes of playing my dog would lose interest in the ball and she wouldn’t really tire herself out as much as I hoped. This ring completely changed things; she is obsessed with tracking it while it bounces in different directions, and so far it has held up well to her teeth.
veronica g.
The ring is highly durable, so while it should not be given to a dog as a chew toy, it will hold up to the teeth that grab it on a regular basis, and it won’t get damaged on tough terrain. The ring is also designed to be buoyant, so it can make a great water-based activity for your dog as well. The bright colors ensure you won’t lose it in the grass, and it is one of the most portable dog toy launchers you can buy.
CHUCKIT! Ring Chaser Launcher Dog Toy Specifications
- Dimensions: 22.4” x 1.5” x 7.7”
- Weight: 0.35 lbs
- Color: Blue
- Throw Type: Manual
- Throw Distance: Variable
- Ball Size: Ring
CHUCKIT! Ring Chaser Launcher Dog Toy Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Unique bounce style mimics prey animals
- Ergonomic handle protects the user’s body from strain
- Ring is very durable
- Floats for use near water
Cons
Cons
- Requires lots of owner attention to keep the game going
Our Final Opinion About the CHUCKIT! Ring Chaser Launcher Dog Toy
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the CHUCKIT! ring chaser launcher dog toy is an innovative take on a beloved dog toy. It will require constant vigilance by the owner to keep the game going, but it is a great bonding experience and is designed with the same durability and ease of use as the original CHUCKIT! toys we know and love.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Dog Ball Launcher
Benefits of a Dog Ball Launcher
Dog ball launchers are great additions to a dog’s play routine for a variety of reasons. There are benefits to both the dog and the owner, so let’s have a look.
Owners will really appreciate having a ball launcher around. Manual ball launchers can make your throwing task a lot easier. Not only can you get the ball farther and faster, but it also takes all of the work off your body. All you have to do is go through the motion and the launcher does the rest of the work. They also prevent you from needing to pick up a slobbery ball, which we can all appreciate. Automatic launchers allow your dog to play by themselves, so you can get chores done or relax without them underfoot. They are also a great distraction if your dog ever needs one.
Dogs get great benefits from any kind of ball launcher. It helps them engage more with their owners which strengthens their connection, and it also gives them better exercise. Ball launchers allow the game to go on longer, so they are able to really tire themselves out and play until they’ve had enough. Fetch is a very rewarding game in general for dogs, so these added benefits only improve the experience.
How to Properly Choose Your Dog Ball Launcher
- Price.
The price of a ball launcher can vary between $20 and up into the mid hundreds. The amount you spend will determine the quality of the launcher as well as what features it will have. Some are very basic in design and others get quite complex, so it all depends on your needs and preferences.
- Ball Sizes.
Most ball launchers accommodate balls between 2.5” and 3”. The most common size is just over 2.5” as this is the size of a tennis ball. While this is great for most dogs, smaller dogs will need smaller balls, so you’ll need to find a ball launcher that can accommodate that.
- Distance.
The power of a ball launcher can vary quite dramatically. Usually, a manual ball launcher will have the best speed and range. Automatic ball launchers trail in these areas since the entire load is on the machine itself. Some automatic launchers are more powerful than others, so you’ll get a better distance on those. The type of ball matters too, so keep that in mind.
- Speed.
Automatic ball launchers tend to throw the ball quite slowly, so if your dog is needing some speed for the chase, a manual launcher is better. They can improve the speed of a throw 2-3 times what you can manage on your own. For some dogs, that kind of chase is exactly the exercise and stimulation they are looking for.
- Throw Type.
There are three main types of launchers; manual throw, automatic throw, and a push-button throw. Manual throw launchers will give the best range and speed, but they also require some work from you. Automatic throw launchers require no effort from you at all, but they do require some training for dog safety and won’t have the same performance. Push-button throw launchers fall in the middle of the pack.
- Portability.
If you intend on taking your dog for adventures and bringing the ball launcher with you, portability is an important factor to consider. Some launchers are very compact and easy to stow away, and others are quite bulky and not very durable. If frequent beach trips are your thing, a more portable dog ball launcher is a necessity.
- Ball Storage.
Some ball launchers have built in storage for the balls you use with them. This is a great feature to have if your dog likes to chew on balls laying around the house rather than just chase them, and if you are forgetful. Either way, ball storage can be a great benefit and can be found in different types of launchers.
- Warranty.
Warranty is always a good thing to look for, even though it isn’t that common with products like this. The warranty tends to be a 6-month or 1-year term, and its better than nothing. Especially if you are spending some extra money on the ball launcher, warranty coverage is a good thing to keep an eye out for.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of dog ball lauchers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
