Best Ball Throwers for Dogs – UK Edition
🏆 1. Calmshops Maxi Automatic Ball Launcher – Calmshops

UK site: £129.95 (currently sold out but expected back soon)
Amazon UK: £129.95
✅ Pros
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🔋 USB‑rechargeable 2000 mAh battery
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🎯 Three adjustable distances (3 m, 7.6 m, 12 m)
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🧠 Encourages independent fetch & reward
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🎁 Comes with 6 balls
❌ Cons
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💷 Pricey
2. Automatic Dog Ball Launcher (Budget)

Rating: 2.8/5
✅ Pros
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💰 Very affordable
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🔁 Suitable for indoor/outdoor
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🔄 Recharges via USB
❌ Cons
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❌ Limited throwing range (5–10 m)
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⚙️ Build quality may vary
3. Calmshops Mini Automatic Ball Launcher

UK site: £59.95
Amazon UK: 64.95
✅ Pros
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🐕 Compact & ideal for small/medium dogs
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🎯 Three distance settings (3 m, 6 m, 9 m)
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🔋 USB rechargeable
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💵 Great price
❌ Cons
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🚫 May jam easily if dirty
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🔊 Motor noise may disturb pets/owners over time
4. PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher

Pet store: ~£180
Amazon UK: £130
Rating: 4/5
✅ Pros
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🔁 Reliable with multiple launch distances
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🧼 Easy to clean
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🏋️♂️ Designed for medium to large dogs
❌ Cons
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⚡ Needs C batteries or mains
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🔊 Louder than some models
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💷 On the expensive side
5. QT Toys & Games Dog Ball Launcher
Superdrug: ~£18
Amazon UK: ~£20
✅ Pros
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💸 Great value
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🔧 Light and easy to use
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🏠 Good for indoor use
❌ Cons
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🏄♂️ Short launch distance
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⚠️ Few reviews, uncertain durability
6. Chuckit! Sport Launcher (Manual)

✅ Pros
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💪 Ergonomic and easy on wrists
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🎾 Durable high-bounce balls
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🌧️ Floats for water play
❌ Cons
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💪 Manual—requires your strength
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🏠 Not automatic
7. Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster (Manual)

✅ Pros
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🎯 Fun pump-action design
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🔫 Durable and lightweight
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🚿 Easy to rinse
❌ Cons
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💪 Manual
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🔊 Pump noise
8. Nerf Deluxe Air Strike Thrower (Manual)

✅ Pros
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💵 Budget-friendly
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🧒 Child‑safe design
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🎾 Quick charging action
❌ Cons
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⚠️ Very short range
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🧩 Not ideal for big dogs
9. iFetch Ball Launcher (Mini Automatic)

iFetch UK: £99.99
Amazon UK: £208.95
Rating: 3.4/5
✅ Pros
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🥇 Award‑winning design
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🔁 Precise distances (3 m, 6 m, 9 m)
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💡 Wall-plug or C batteries
❌ Cons
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💷 Fairly expensive
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🔊 Battery mode louder
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📏 Only mini balls
10. Three‑Mode Automatic Launcher (Unbranded)

✅ Pros
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🔧 Three distances + mains or battery
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🎾 Comes with balls
❌ Cons
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⚠️ Third‑party quality varies
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🛠️ Warranty uncertain
11. AFP Interactive Hyper Fetch Maxi (All‑For‑Paws)
PawSphere / Aussie: £120
✅ Pros
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🌦️ Rechargeable battery
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🎯 Three distance settings (3 m, 7 m, 12 m)
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🧠 Encourages independence
❌ Cons
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🌐 May need import ship
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❓ UK stock limited
12. Manual Cannon‑Style Thrower (Unbranded)

✅ Pros
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💷 Budget-friendly
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🎾 Large reach (~15 m)
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🚿 Floats on water
❌ Cons
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💪 Manual
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🏗️ Cheaper materials
🎯 Summary Table
Rank | Model | Type | UK Price | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Maxi Auto (Calmshops) | Auto | £129.95 | Long throw, USB, reward-led | Expensive, no waterproof |
2 | Budget Auto | Auto | £20.95 | USB, cheap | Range limited |
3 | Mini Auto (Calmshops) | Auto | £59.95 | Compact, USB | Can jam, coarse noise |
4 | PetSafe | Auto | ~£130 | Reliable, sturdy | Battery, noisy |
5 | QT Launcher | Auto | £18 | Cheap, lightweight | Few reviews |
6 | Chuckit! Sport | Manual | £12–£25 | Durable, floats | Needs effort |
7 | Nerf Tennis Blaster | Manual | £24.99 | Lightweight, fun | Manual |
8 | Nerf Air Strike | Manual | £9.99 | Budget | Short range |
9 | iFetch | Auto | £99.99 | Award-winning | Pricey, small balls |
10 | Unbranded 3-mode | Auto | £65 | Distance choices | Quality variable |
11 | AFP Hyper Fetch | Auto | £55–£70 | Rechargeable | Import needed |
12 | Manual Cannon | Manual | £19.65 | Long reach | Manual, flimsy |
✅ How to Choose the Right Thrower
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Auto vs Manual
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Automatic models like Calmshops, PetSafe, iFetch—great for independent play, but pricier and electric.
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Manual options like Chuckit!, Nerf—child‑safe, affordable, but require effort.
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Throw Distance
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Small dogs/flat areas: 3–9 m is ideal.
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Larger breeds/yards: 10–15 m for daily exercise.
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Power/Recharge
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USB rechargeable is most convenient.
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Electric plug models (iFetch, PetSafe) vs battery: consider ongoing cost.
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Ball Size Compatibility
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Standard tennis vs mini balls—check product specs.
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Durability & Outdoor Use
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Robust builds (Chuckit!, Calmshops Maxi) for sunny yards; auto units often lack waterproofing—avoid wet surfaces.
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✅ Final Recommendation
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Best overall auto: Calmshops Maxi – perfect for large dogs with long‑throw needs.
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Best compact auto: Calmshops Mini – small‑dog friendly, value for money.
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Best budget auto: £20 generic USB launcher—great for testing interest.
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Best manual crowd‑pleaser: Chuckit! Sport—with ergonomic handle and durable balls.