If there’s one thing that all dog-owners know about their pooch, it’s that it loves a good rumble in the dirt and run around the park. There are plenty of toys on the market these days that are built for that purpose; the only question is, how do you choose one?
First, distill the essence of what your dog likes to do. Sure, it loves to engage those bursts of speeds endemic common with most four-legged creatures. Second, fetching something for its master is even better. If you find a way to combine the two – and maybe add some treats for a job well done – then your pooch is literally in dog heaven for the day. What follows is Fastdogs full review of ball throwers to help you better pin down the best one for your particular breed of dog.
- The iFetch for Small/Medium Sized Dog Breeds
The iFetch has a very cool white and medium-blue color, and comes with the convenience of corded and cordless operation. The motor mechanism has variable speeds, which allows you to slow it down for indoor play with your medium-sized pooch. The softness of the included balls, and the slower speeds, ensures safety for your pet in the event of a direct hit during launch. It’s the perfect dog launcher for smaller dog breeds.
- The PetSafe
This gray and purple contraption looks like something from an alien spaceship, which makes it quite attractive for any dog with investigative inclinations. As for performance, it definitely hits the mark: the PetSafe has 9 launch speeds and 6 programmable angles from which it can shoot tennis balls. It is recommended for larger dog breeds, and can also work well indoors if you have a bit more space than the average home. Otherwise, use the lower launch power settings.
- iFetch Too Upgrade
At a bit of a higher price point than the iFetch original, this is a big improvement on what was already a very good dog launcher. It’s also made for large dogs, given the power it packs. Tennis balls go into this launcher, and the height and the distance it wings them is especially impressive when compared to other ball launchers. It’s very durable, and can be operated using the included cord or by buying size C batteries for portability.
- GoDogGo G4 Variable Ball Launcher
This dog launcher is very distinctive, with its lime green funnel-top and jet-black base. Although it will cost you a pretty penny, it can be seen as an investment because of all that it can do. Instead of having a single ball size like most other launchers, the GoDogGo G4 can shoot many different sizes high and far. Additionally, this means you can use it for all sizes of dogs; however it doesn’t do well indoors. It’s simply too powerful (shoots to high) for any but the loftiest mansions!
- The Hyper Pet K-9 Kannon
This toy is serious business – and it even looks the part. There’s nothing like a big, yellow rocket launcher that’ll get your dog up and excited, for it knows what’s about to happen – playtime! It can shoot tennis size balls about 30 feet up, and has a semi-automatic mechanism to keep ‘em coming. If you have children, this should be a hit in the household.
- ChuckIt Classic – A Bare-Bones Launcher
As the most inexpensive dog launcher on the list, this might make for a good starter kit for the budget-conscious (aren’t we all, to an extent). With this manual launcher, you’ll have to be engaged – it requires some arm work on your part. The good thing is that it’s capable of propelling tennis-sized balls a whopping 150 feet into the air. Suffice it to say, this is a very interactive toy that gives both you and your dog a workout. For outdoor use, primarily.
- The OxGord Bazooka
This formidable-looking dog ball launcher is exactly what the name describes – sans the gunpowder. It has two slots for tennis balls, meaning you can carry three in total on the toy itself. There’s a mesh bag sold separately, which will carry many more as needed.
Try a dog ball launcher if you’re tired of the same old exercises. Your dog will love you more for it, if that’s even possible.