What to look for in a good one?
This product helps bring joy, and keeps dogs busy and well-exercised. If you’re a dog parent, you’re probably the proud owner of the traditional dog ball launcher, your hand.
There are two types of ball launchers, automatic and manual.
But with these manual launchers, you’re about to take it to the next level. Trying to find the best one though, can be super time consuming! Good thing you’re here.
Here’s what to look out for:
- hands-free ball pick-up
- fires tennis balls easily
- able to launch ball at a good distance
- storage for additional balls
- can use tennis balls (or Frisbees)
- different firing powers
- safe and secure
- durable
- cost effective
- trendy design
- lightweight & fast
- portable
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at the best ones out there.
Top manual dog ball launcher reviewed
With this review, we’re working on manual ball launchers which are hand-held. Many of these have awesome features like being able to shoot fun colored tennis balls out at long distances, and not having to touch a slobbery ball.
Without further adieu . . .
Chuck It | Chuckit! Launcher
The Chuck-It Dog Ball Launcher is parent friendly, and is a prominent brand name that is well recognized in the pet industry. Being lightweight and portable, this product increases game time with Fido. Speed and range are awesome with this product.
It also only measures 26” in length, so it is easily portable, and trips to the dog park and beach are a non-brainer! This launcher easily picks up muddy or wet dog balls with its claw-style grip, and includes one fun colored tennis ball when purchased.
The Chuck-It brand is also wonderfully compatible with regular sized tennis balls, making it easy for pet parents to purchase balls quickly, if they lose too many when out playing. The no-bend, pick-up launcher helps prevent back-ache, since no bending is needed to pick up balls. Chuck- It balls float in the pool, and are great for summer fun by the pool with Fido.
The Chuck-It Dog Ball launcher is available in many sizes, from minis, using 2” balls, to the large- sized launchers like the PRO 26 model, which uses larger balls. The launcher has a hole at the end for easy hanging on hooks. This is an easy-to-use product that is priced well, and affordable for every pet parent.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Retrieves wet balls
- Floats in water
- Cupped–end makes for easy ball scooping
- Travel distance of 140 feet
- Durable high-quality product
- Claw-style grip
- Easy-to-carry
Cons
- Needs a longer handle for dog parks
Customers Feedback
This product has a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars rating. While some customers enjoyed this launcher, others complained about loss of elasticity in the new Chuck-It launchers. Pet parents liked the way that this launcher provided nice throwing options. Pet parents commented on how much fun the max glow balls were to use with the Chuck-It, and how well this product worked with high-energy dog breeds. The product is both durable and easy-to-use.
Chew King | Extremely Durable Dog Ball Launcher
This is an easy-to-use and adjustable dog ball launcher. It has a comfortable grip for pet parents, and has numerous launch settings. Children can also use this product to play with their dogs as its super kid friendly.
The Chew King is dishwasher-safe, and is priced affordably. It comes with the thrower and 6 fetch balls. The complete package comes with one launcher, 5 durable balls, and 1 glow in the dark fetch ball which is easy to see in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable launcher
- Lightweight
- Balls are fun colored
- Non-toxic
- Extreme bounce for added fun
- Long distance launch
- Numerous sizes and styles available
- Safety air vent in balls
- Can launch regular tennis balls
Cons
- Ball rips apart after being chewed
- Description for models may be difficult to comprehend
Customers Feedback
This product has a impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. Customers liked this product because it was easy-to-use, and the balls are durable and bouncy. The Chew King balls were a favorite among all dog parents, and could hold treats inside. These fetch balls were also less expensive than some other brands. Customers also commented on how children could use the launcher.
Hyper Pet | K9 Kannon Ball Launcher
This product allows for hands-free ball pick up. It offers storage space for two extra balls, and is easily used. Being lightweight and easy-to-use, the K9 Kannon Ball Launcher is a high-quality dog ball launcher.
With a 75 feet ball launch, it allows for plenty of fun exercise time with Fido. Although it shoots tennis balls, this launcher does not use real tennis balls. The tennis balls provided are made from A-grade rubber, and are safe for your dog to chew on.
It weighs 1.65 pounds, making it easy to carry and launch tennis balls. With numbers on the pull lever from 1-10, and 10 being the strongest launch, Hyper Pet launching is done via rods and rubber bands.
This is a very powerful Kannon Ball launcher with most pet parents not pulling the trigger back the full distance. A great plus is that the ball stays at the end of the tube, so the dirt is not transferred inside the launcher.
Pros
- High-quality
- Affordable
- Powerful launch
- Easy ball scooping
- Durable
- Multiple settings
Cons
- Band wears out after lots of use and cannot be replaced
Customers Feedback
This product has a good 3.7 out of 5 stars rating. Customers loved this product for the holidays to play Fetch with their dogs. It is a popular gifting item. Pet parents enjoyed the fact that they did not have to dirty their hands, and could use the end of the gun to pick up slobbery tennis balls. They also used the smaller version for indoor play with Fido. This product received many positive reviews. The reviews that were negative stated that the balls did not launch to the described 75 ft., and that the launch was not powerful enough.
Nerf Dog | 16” Tennis Ball Blaster
This fun dog product launches balls 50 feet into the air. The Nerf Dog ball launcher has a hands-free pick up and reload. With adjustable power options, it comes with 4 balls and is tennis ball friendly. It is high powered, and safe to use with no exposed moving parts.
The balls provided are lightweight and soft, making them easy to launch. This launcher has a shorter barrel and allows for easy movement and play with Fido. The handle is ergonomic, and the launcher is a high-quality durable product. The Nerf brand is a legendary brand name for ball launching toys.
The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Launcher comes in a combination of blue and bright orange, and makes for a wonderful gift for the holidays. The top sliding handle makes it easier to launch the ball where you want it to go. This product is simple to use, and requires no set up time.
Pros
- Fits regular tennis balls perfectly
- High-quality
- Easy-to-use
- Affordable
- Easy ball scooping
- Powerful ball launch
- Lightweight
- Comes with 4 Nerf Dog Tennis balls
- Adjustable loading mechanism
- Ready–to-use after unpacking
- Safety release mechanism with no exposed moving parts
- Great for outdoor use
Cons
- Trigger may be hard to pull back
- Rubber bands may break after a while
Customers Feedback
This product has a good 3.4 out of 5 stars rating. Customers found this to be a great product that was durable, safe, and easy-to-use. Dog parents overall gave this product great reviews because balls can be launched further than many automatic dog ball launchers. It also has a safety release mechanism, and comes with four Nerf Dog Tennis balls.
Paws & Pals | BazooK-9 Dog Ball Launcher Gun
This launcher is a gun–shaped plastic Bazooka that works with standard tennis balls, and is offered with 2 squeaky balls. The ball travel distance is adjustable, and there is extra storage offered for more tennis balls.
The BazooK-9 Dog Ball Launcher Gun is lightweight and durable, and also offers hands-free pick up. Additionally, there is a shoulder strap for easy-use. It is recommended for outdoor use with Fido. This launcher has a launching capability of 75 feet.
Pros
- Long range launch
- Works well indoors too
- Easy-to-use
- Lightweight at 1.9 pounds
- Great for gifting during the holidays
- Hands-free ball pick-up
- 2 additional ball slots beneath barrel extra storage
- Offers several different settings from short indoor distances to extended outdoor launches
Cons
- Pricey
- Launch may not be extensive, and may not shoot 50 feet or more consistently.
- Handle may break with force
Customers Feedback
The BazooK-9 Dog Ball Launcher Gun has a solid 2.6 out of 5 stars. Customers complained about the durability and launching capability of this product. Dogs enjoyed the squeaky tennis balls. Dog parents liked the shoulder strap, which they found convenient. That said, numerous reviews about how this product broke after a few uses, and how the launch was not powerful enough. The balls also don’t last long.
The final throw
Keeping your dog healthy and well-exercised is an important part of pet parenting. Dogs love to play Fetch! That said, dog ball launchers also make for fun gifts during the holidays, and are great to take along when traveling with Fido.
When choosing your dog ball launcher, make sure to know exactly what it is that you’re looking for. Some products may be more durable, while others may have greater launching power. Additionally, make sure that the balls used, are of the correct size, and that your dog cannot choke on them accidentally.
Regardless of whether you purchase an inexpensive model or pricier dog ball launcher, keep in mind that your dog will have fun, regardless of how much money you’ve spent. Quality time spent with your dog at the dog park, dog beach, or even indoors while it’s snowing outside, make for fun days with family and pooch, and great bonding with Fido!