An arm extension, so you may stand a chance of tiring the dog out. (Dog Ball Thrower)

Member Name: LoolooMe

Product:	Dog Ball Thrower
Date:	14/07/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very very easy to use and so cheap.

Disadvantages: Only works if your dog likes chasing balls.

I was first introduced to these years ago and I absolutely love them. All of my dogs (a whippet cross, a Cairn Terrier, a Labrador and a complete mix with a lot of German Shepard) have had them integrated into their play time at one point or another and I have found them invaluable. I love these throwers for a number of reasons, 1. Cost 2. Size 3. Usefulness and 4. Easy of use (part of three).

So cost wise they are great value for money. As a dog spoiler I love getting my dog new toys which can sometimes be extortionate, or can end up getting destroyed in less than three minutes especially if they squeak! I've seen them advertised as low as two pounds! I purchased mine from a local pet store and it cost under a fiver. In terms of quality it doesn't really matter as your dog doesn't touch it -so it doesn't matter what it's made from and the only thing which can go long is the tennis ball doesn't fit (although then it's not fit for purpose and so you can ask for a refund) or the shaft breaks, but there is not too much strain so i don't see how this might happen.

Size. It's usually around 80cm and is normally made of plastic and so is very light, so you can carry it for the whole walk without getting tired. It also fits easily into a car (due to small size) and at home can be stored out of sight anywhere. Mine is on top of a book shelf as my dogs get far too excited when they see it.

Usefulness. If you have a dog that likes chasing balls then you must get it, you will use it in any situation where you throw balls. It is an extension of your arm so it takes about as much effort to throw a ball normally, just this time it goes much further giving your dog a chance to run.

Ease of use. So easy when your dog brings the ball back to you simply place the cup over it and push down. The tennis ball pops into the cup (note this is why it can only be used for tennis balls). You don't even have to touch the ball (unless your dog hates giving the ball back, then unfortunately it's up to you to play the game of tug of war!). When you get home or out on your walk it is so easy to wash, normally I just swish it about it a stream or run the hose pipe over it. Then it drips dry.


On the disadvantages you do have to be careful when first using them as they can go further than you think, if you get together for a dog socialising then you will be nominated as the ball thrower and lastly people without dogs will think that you are lazy, but as they have no idea how much exercise dogs actually need (an awful lot) then I don't listen to them.

Summary: If ball retreaval is your dogs favorite game then this is the toy for the both of you.