iFetch Mini Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy
Give your arm a break with the iFetch Mini Automatic Ball Launcher Dog Toy. Designed especially for small to medium dogs, this interactive dog toy launches the ball for you! It’s perfect for when you’re away or busy doing other things—like getting his dinner ready—while ensuring he gets all the mental and physical exercise that he needs. All you have to do is plug it in, choose your launching distance and then drop in a mini ball. Soon your dog will learn how to drop it himself, which stimulates his mind and allows for totally independent play.
Key Benefits- Automatic ball launcher is designed specifically for small to medium sized dogs.
- Comes with three mini tennis balls that are 1.6-inches in diameter. Easier for small mouths to fetch!
- Launches the ball 10, 20 or 30 feet, which can easily be changed with the push of a button.
- Operates almost silently with a streamlined plastic design with rubber feet keep it in place.
- Measures 10.5" x 7" x 7.5" high, with a 6.5" diameter ball return cone at the top and a 1-5/8" diameter ball launching hole.
(3) pack of iFetch Mini Tennis Balls, AC Adapter for 110 and 220 volts (batteries not included).
Precautions
Every dog plays differently and, since not all toys are created equal, it’s always best to keep a close watch on your pup in case things get ruff. Supervised play will help toys last longer and most importantly keep your pal safe. No dog toy is truly indestructible, so always remove the toy from playtime if pieces begin to break off.
Get an extra set of iFetch Mini Tennis Balls Here
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Item Number115171
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Dimensions11 x 8 x 8 inches
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Weight3.0 pounds
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Breed Size
Extra Small & Toy Breeds, Small Breeds
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Lifestage
Adult
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Toy Feature
Training
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Compatibility
Plug-In Power, Battery Powered
To get started with the iFetch, all you need to do is plug it in (or insert 6 C-cell batteries), press the button on the back to select a distance setting (10, 20 or 30 feet), drop a ball in, and it’s playtime! iFetch can be used on almost any surface indoors and outdoors. Let the fetching fun begin!
Training Tips
- When teaching your dog how to play fetch, make sure you train near the iFetch so that your dog can connect the dots between fetch and the iFetch.
- Train with the iFetch at most three times a day and only for ten minutes at a time. That way, fetch stays fun and doesn’t become fetch bootcamp.
- If you feel like your dog is getting frustrated and is unable to get the ball into the iFetch , then just work on reinforcing any behavior toward the iFetch and make sure your dog gets rewarded.
- If your dog attempts to get the reward via other behaviors (e.g. rolling over, jumping up, shaking paws, etc.), it’s important that you NOT reward these behaviors.
- If your dog is cautious around the iFetch at first, that’s okay. The iFetch is new and different and he’s probably not sure what it is. You can start by rewarding him for just going near the iFetch. This way he learns that the iFetch is just another part of the house. With a little time, you can use treats to bring him closer to the iFetch, teaching him to drop the ball as close to the iFetch as possible. After a few training sessions (results may vary) your dog will learn to trust the iFetch and then it will be playtime.
How do you clean the iFetch?
With the unit powered off feed a damp cloth down into the tube and out the front launch area. Pulling the cloth back and forth (similar to flossing your teeth) will take care of one level of dirt.As a bonus (and to get a better clean on the wheels) firmly hold the cloth from the ball hopper end and then carefully turn on the unit and press in the ball trigger to cause the wheels to spin about the cloth. Worst case, the cloth might tear or it might get jerked out of your hand and launched, but it shouldn’t damage the unit.
Is this product safe for my dog?
When introducing iFetch to your dog, we recommend that you teach him or her to stay behind the product (or to the side of it) as the product prepares to launch. At its highest launch setting (30 feet), the product can toss the ball at speeds which could injure your dog, especially if they are standing directly in front of the product. While most dogs learn very quickly where to stand to avoid getting hit by the ball, adult human supervision is recommended until your dog is fully trained.
What size balls does the iFetch use?
The iFetch is designed for indoor/outdoor use with miniature tennis balls that are 40 mm or 1.5 inches in diameter.
How far does the iFetch launch the ball?
The iFetch has three launch distance settings. 10 feet, 20 feet, or 30 feet. To set the launch distance, all you have to do is press the button on the back to cycle through the settings. The light will turn off after 30 seconds, but the iFetch will remain on (in standby mode) until you drop another ball into the funnel.
What size dog can use the iFetch?
The iFetch is specifically designed for small to medium sized breeds.
How long does the iFetch work on batteries?
A long time! We’ve done extensive testing of iFetch and we have found that it will keep throwing balls for approximately 30 hours on a fully charged set of 6 C-cell batteries.
My dog slobbers a lot. Is that a problem?
Some dogs slobber more than others. If your dog is a heavy slobberer, you may need to wipe off the balls from time to time.
88% Recommend
88% of reviewersrecommend this product
You've Already Reviewed This Item
32 Reviews
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By rockdoc on Sep 8, 2018
We have been looking at this toy for some time and finally bought it. The dogs love to watch the ball go in, make a whirring sound, the shoot out. They chase it and bring it back. We are still working on getting them to put the ball in the machine. My youngest one still like to chew on the balls so we have to keep them up and us it supervised. Great toy, great idea!
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By Trudy14 on Sep 3, 2018
My little Maltese absolutely loves this I fetch ball launcher! He learned to use it the first day! He is an inside dog so this gives him much needed exercise and we all have fun watching him play ball! I ordered this on Monday evening and received it on Wednesday! Chewy shipped it super fast and I appreciate that! Great toy!
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By Lola on Jun 26, 2018
Was very easy to start playing with. Just plug it in (didn't come with batteries). We love it but balls are small, my local stores don't carry same sizes so I had to buy replacement balls. My yorkie hasn't learned how to bring it back to the machine but she LOVESSSS it. Our insta account has videos of them playing at yorkietime. She did get hit by the ball until she learned to sit to the side of it (instead of in front of it) Keep it on the lowest setting at the beginning so your pup doesn't get hurt!
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By Cinnamon on Jul 4, 2018
Ball hit my Chiweenie straight in the nose, really hard. That was the end of play time. The motor being turned on now scares her to death. I tried for a week to make it fun, but. She says - it’s a NO
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By Sharon on Jul 11, 2018
My dog only weighs about 6 pounds and she keeps tipping it over I think it needs to be heavier or have something to secure it to the ground or maybe come with Velcro strips to secure it to the carpet
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By Buddy on May 31, 2018
I have an 18 month old Yorkie, with energy that I could run my home on he is so wound up. I was nervous at first as to if he would like this, he "LOVES" it. He has yet to learn to drop the ball in the unit himself, but it won't be long, he is a smart little thing. Absolutely worth every penny. I have people that are going to get one for their pets as soon as they see him play with it. Nothing more beautiful than a happy Yorkie with a big smile on this face.
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By Graham on Mar 13, 2018
My dog absolutely loves this machine. The only problem we have found is that it does weigh much so he has figured out how to move it around. He figured out how to use it in 5 minutes or less and loves it. Thank you so much.
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By AnetaLe on Jun 2, 2018 Top 1000 Contributor
An interesting alternative for a pup, but tends to "swallow" the ball without any reason and it's hard to get that ball out. My pup loves it, but (although she's really good with puzzles) I cannot get her to bring the ball back inside.
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By Granny on Feb 7, 2018
I was skeptical after reading some reviews that stated the iFetch got stuck, however ours works great! We have two Shorkies & they are learning to drop the ball in to make it shoot out!
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By Greta on Jan 26, 2018
Love it but what’s more important is Greta loves more. The excitement of the wait for the ball to shot out is worth a million, I can’t help myself I laugh out loud. We love it.
