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Even the most devoted dog parents get tired of bending over to pick up a slobbery ball for another round of fetch. If that’s you, there’s no need to be a hero: there’s a huge variety of toys out there to assist and enhance your ball throwing, from automatic fetch machines to stick throwers and novelty items that are entertaining for you and your dog. You want one—trust us! If you’ve got a dog who could chase a ball all day long, you want one of these fetching (har, har) toys.
We’ll introduce you to the classics, plus a few new and improved fetch machines that are bound to thrill your dog with their launching abilities and make your life a little easier.
9 Top Throwing Toys for Dogs: Fetch Machines, Slings, and More
We’ve divided our list of throwers for dogs into three categories: Fetch machines; manual throwers, which includes throw extenders like the Chuckit; and novelty items like cannon launchers that might be as much fun for the humans as the dogs.
Automatic/Interactive Fetch Machines for Dogs
iFetch Automatic Fetch Machine for Dogs (Verified Review)
This line of fetch machines for dogs encourages mental and physical stimulation. We did an in-depth review of the iFetch Too, which uses standard-sized tennis balls and is made for bigger dogs. The original iFetch (pictured) and the iFetch Frenzy are both made for smaller dogs; each includes three mini tennis balls. With the touch of a button, you can adjust the distance and use these toys for ball launching both indoors and out.
The ultimate goal? To have your dog learn to drop the ball into the launcher themselves—that may or may not happen, but it’s plenty of fun to try! The manual includes training tips to hone your dog’s fetch game. This company is owned and operated by the Hamill family in Austin, Texas, and their products come with a one-year warranty.
Shop on Chewy Find on Amazon Shop on PetcoGoDogGo Automatic Fetch Machine for Dogs (Verified Review)
This automatic ball thrower is kind of like a pitching machine—but for your dog. Load the fetch machine with three balls, then launch with the click of a remote or automatically with a 4-, 7-, or 15-second timer. On its highest setting, the Fetch Machine can launch a ball as far as 40+ feet away, but lower settings are more backyard friendly (as testers Margeaux and Merlot demonstrate below).
We found the machine easy to use and appreciated the built-in rechargeable lithium battery—though you can also use it with an included AC adapter too should you have a power outlet in your outdoor play area.
It comes with five balls, but if you have any tennis balls laying around, those will likely work too.
Ball Throwers for Dogs
They’re not fetch machines, but they’ll turn your dog into one! These throwers extend your reach and add power to your throw—they’re perfect for dog parks, large yards, the beach . . . any place your dog has a little more room to run.
Chuckit! Classic Ball Thrower (Verified Review)
Nothing beats a classic like the Chuckit! dog ball launcher. There are a few different varieties of this launcher available, including options of different lengths. This original version is great for stashing in the car for trips to the beach or the dog park. One brightly colored Chuckit! tennis ball is included—though the launcher is compatible with standard-size tennis balls if you need replacements. It picks your ball up and helps you throw it far—and it’ll last a long while, too.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonFranklin Pet Supply Tennis Ball Launcher (Verified Review)
This lightweight plastic ball launcher comes with a tennis ball and is easy to bring to the dog park or the beach. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to operate, and as with the Chuckit!, you can use it to scoop up your pup’s slobbery ball without bending too far. The curves built into the handle give it extra spring, so if your dog needs to go really long to get their energy out, this ball launcher is perfect for you.
Find on AmazonHyper Pet Throw-N-Go Dog Ball Launcher (Verified Review)
This flexible ball launcher is great for kids who want to play fetch with their dog because it’s bendy, soft, easy to operate, and versatile. It comes with a ball, but as with most of these stick launchers, standard tennis balls are also compatible. Compact it to put it in a pocket or bag, extend it to throw. While it looks like you should be able to use it at a variety of lengths, there is no locking mechanism to keep it at any of the middle lengths for throwing—but that doesn’t change the basic functionality of this thrower.
Find on AmazonChew King Fetch Dog Toy (Verified Review)
This unique thrower gives you options. It comes as a set with six rubber balls that are 2.5 inches in diameter (one glows in the dark). The grip isn’t as comfortable and the stick is much stiffer compared to some other stick styles, but you can adjust it to soft or hard throwing mode with the twist of a button at the top so that people of any age can use it for playing with their dogs, in smaller spaces or larger ones. This launcher is made in the U.S., and unlike those automatic fetch machines, you can wash it on the top rack of a dishwasher.
Find on Amazon Shop on PetcoJust Plain Fun Fetch Machines for Dogs
Nerf Tennis Ball Blaster for Dogs (Verified Review)
Nerf toys aren’t just for kids! This tennis ball blasting fetch machine is ideal for energetic dogs since it can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet in the air.
If you place the barrel directly over the ball, it’ll pick it up for you. It’s compatible with regular-sized tennis balls, and you can adjust the launching distance based on your dog’s energy level or the amount of space you have. Pull the lever slightly for shorter distances and all the way back if you want it to really launch. This kind of toy is great for kids who might get bored just tossing a ball around or who just can’t throw all that far.
Shop on Chewy Shop on Amazon Shop on PetcoHyper Pet K9 Kannon Fetch Machine for Dogs (Verified Review)
This super simple (you just pull back on the handle, load the ball, and shoot) fetch machine for dogs comes with one mini tennis ball made of non-toxic rubber. Word of warning? Don’t pull the lever back all the way if you’re playing in the house—it’s got some power! Like the Nerf toy above, this style is great for anyone who can’t throw too far or who wants to turn playing fetch into a full-on party for dogs and humans alike.
Shop on Chewy Shop on AmazonNerf Dog Toys Tennis Ball Stomper (Verified Review)
This stomper offers a slightly different take on fetch machines for dogs. Made of durable rubber, you simply stomp your foot on the toy to send the ball sailing. Whether you feel like it’s worth the effort is up to you—our testing found that you needed to stomp or jump pretty heavily to get the ball to launch very far, but a toy like this could be intriguing to kids who need to burn off some energy along with their dogs!
Find on AmazonFurther Reading
- The Best Dog Fetch Toys for Hours of Endless Play
- Excellent Dog Frisbees for the Ultimate Game of Fetch
- The Best Dog Rope Toys for Fetch, Tug of War, and Dental Hygiene
