The bit that takes some explaining with this launcher is that your dog does the reloading. They fetch the ball, bring it back, drop it into the top of the device, and the launcher throws it again automatically. Once a dog figures out what's happening — which usually takes a few minutes of encouragement — the game becomes genuinely self-sustaining. You can be in the kitchen making dinner while your dog is in the living room playing fetch by themselves. Three distance settings The launcher has three preset distances: 10ft (about 3 metres), 20ft (about 6 metres), and 30ft (about 9 metres). The 10ft setting works well in a normal-sized living room or hallway — it's shorter than you might expect but enough to get a dog moving and engaged. The 20ft and 30ft settings are better suited to a garden, a larger open-plan space, or outdoor use. Start on the shortest setting while your dog is learning what to do with it; once they've got the idea, you can adjust based on your space and their energy level. What balls to use The launcher is designed for standard 48–50mm balls. Using the right size matters — too small and the ball won't sit correctly in the launch mechanism; too large and it won't load properly. We stock compatible mini tennis balls specifically sized for this launcher, which are the easiest option. Standard tennis balls are typically 65–68mm and won't fit — worth double-checking if you're planning to use balls you already have. Battery and build The launcher is USB rechargeable with a built-in handle, so it's easy to move between rooms or take outside. It's weather resistant — fine for garden use and light outdoor conditions — though it's not designed for submersion or heavy rain over extended periods. The build is solid enough for regular daily use; it's not a toy that feels like it'll give up after a fortnight. How Figo got on with it Figo's a cocker spaniel with a strong fetch drive, which helped. He worked out the reload loop in about ten minutes — a combination of us dropping the ball in ourselves a few times to show him, and him accidentally doing it right once and realising what happened. After that he was away. The 10ft setting in our living room was genuinely usable without rearranging the furniture, which we weren't sure about beforehand. Dogs with less natural fetch instinct may take longer to learn the reload step, but most get there with a bit of patient encouragement and a treat or two in the early sessions. A few things worth knowing Supervise your dog during the first few sessions while they're learning — you want to make sure they're engaging with it correctly rather than trying to chew the device itself (some dogs will try). Don't leave it running unsupervised for hours at a stretch; like any high-energy activity, fetch needs rest breaks. And if your garden is larger or you want longer throwing distances, we also stock the Maxi Automatic Ball Thrower, which is built for outdoor range. Specifications Feature Detail Distance settings 10ft (~3m) · 20ft (~6m) · 30ft (~9m) Ball size 48–50mm diameter (standard tennis balls will not fit) Power USB rechargeable built-in battery Handle Built-in — portable between rooms and outdoors Use Indoor and outdoor · weather resistant How it works Dog retrieves and reloads ball into launcher · automatic launch cycle Compatible balls Mini tennis balls for automatic ball launchers — available separately Common questions Can I use regular tennis balls with this launcher? No — standard tennis balls are 65–68mm in diameter and won't fit the launcher. It's designed for 48–50mm balls. We stock compatible mini tennis balls specifically sized for this launcher, available separately on our website. How does my dog learn to reload the launcher? Most dogs pick it up within a few sessions. Start by dropping the ball in yourself a few times so your dog sees the launch happen, then encourage them to bring the ball back to the device. Use a treat or praise to reward them when they drop it near or into the opening. Once they've made the connection between dropping the ball in and the launch that follows, they usually take over from there. Is the 10ft setting actually usable indoors? Yes — 10ft is roughly 3 metres, which works in most living rooms and hallways. It's not a huge distance, but it's enough to get a small or medium dog moving and engaged in a fetch loop. For larger breeds or more energetic dogs, you'd want a garden or open space even on the shortest setting. Can I leave my dog alone with it? We'd recommend supervising during the first few sessions while your dog is learning, and keeping an eye on how they interact with the device. Once they're using it correctly and consistently, shorter unsupervised sessions are generally fine — but like any energetic play, build in rest periods rather than letting it run for hours without a break. Is it waterproof? The launcher is weather resistant and suitable for outdoor use in normal conditions, but it's not fully waterproof. Keep it out of heavy rain and don't leave it outside overnight. What's the difference between this and the Maxi Ball Thrower? This is the mini version, designed for indoor use and smaller outdoor spaces with a maximum range of 30ft. The Maxi Automatic Ball Thrower is built for longer outdoor distances and suits larger breeds or dogs that need more room to run. If you have a big garden or plan to use it primarily outside, the Maxi is worth considering.
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