Playing fetch is a great way to get your dog to exercise and have some fun yourself. Fetch engages your dog's mind and body. Some breeds, mainly retrievers and other hunting dogs, enjoy fetching more than most. These dogs could play fetch all day with seemingly endless energy. The Ifetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher was designed for these types of dogs.
I watched the videos and read the reviews, but I was still skeptical that this product would be worth the money. Could a dog really entertain himself with an automatic ball launcher?
That's why I had to try the Ifetch Too Ball Launcher for myself. I was surprised at what happened when I introduced it to my dogs. I was also surprised at how well made this product is. The Ifetch was designed by a teenager, so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect.
Most dogs will take to this game quite naturally, but you need to train your dog to play the game with you before you can take it up a notch and train them to use an automatic ball launcher. If you're having trouble teaching your dog to fetch, check out our video guide that shares some pointers on the subject.
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Ifetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs Review
The Ifetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher is made for medium and large breeds. It launches standard size tennis balls (2.5″ in diameter), while the original Ifetch launches mini tennis balls (1.6″ in diameter). As you'll see in my video review, it definitely gets the job done!
You can set this device to launch the tennis ball 10-, 25- or 40-feet. As you'll see in my video guide above, there is also a setting that will randomly choose which of the three distances to launch the ball. You can also lock the Ifetch Too to launch only 10-feet if you'd like to use it indoors or in a small fenced-in area outdoors.
This product is equipped with a rechargeable battery that lasts for at least 300 launches. When it's time to charge the battery, just plug the included charger into an electrical outlet. It takes less than 3 hours to charge fully.
In my video review, I mention our Labrador, Saddie. She loves to play fetch, but she's also a little bit timid. Unfortunately, she was scared of the Ifetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher when we first received it. She's finally coming around to it now, but we've been using it for about 3 months with our Beagle mix, Molly, who you can see in the photo above.
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Molly loves the Ifetch. It took me about a month to train her to drop the into the Ifetch herself and still doesn't like to do it every time. But, if I drop the ball in for her, she'll play as long as I will.
Sadly, I can't recommend this product for timid dogs. In my video review, you can hear the sound it makes when it launches the ball. It's not loud, but it is different, and many dogs are uneasy around new devices that make strange noises.
You also need to know that it will take training before your dog will enjoy using the Ifetch on his own. You can't just buy this product and expect your dog to teach himself to use it. If you're not willing to put in the effort like you have to with many other interactive dog toys, then the Ifetch Interactive Ball Launcher will not be worth the investment.
My favorite feature of the Ifetch is that it launches the ball immediately in order to reduce the chance that the ball will hit your dog. It is important that you teach your dog to drop the ball in from the side or behind the Ifetch. If he's standing in front of it and doesn't move immediately, he will get hit by the ball.
Dirty or wet tennis balls may also affect the performance of the Ifetch. However, we always use it outdoors and there has never been an issue with the launcher due to debris or moisture. If the ball was launched directly into the mud or water, you may have an issue, but it works just fine for outdoor use on the grass or packed ground.
With added technology comes an increased price tag. I was expecting this product to cost $250 or $300 dollars. You can purchase the Ifetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher for $199.99 on Amazon right now. It's a little bit less expensive than I expected, but still out of the question for pet owners on a budget.
Of course, the Ifetch isn't a necessity. But, it can save a lot of hassle and headaches if your pet is constantly pestering you to play fetch with him. If you're wondering about the cost of the smaller original Ifetch, you can pick that up on Amazon for $114.99.
The company has also come up with a more affordable option for pet owners on a tight budget. The Ifetch Frenzy is an interactive brain game for dogs that only costs $49.95. Instead of launching the tennis ball, your dog drops the ball into a hole in the top and has to find it as it randomly rolls (6-12 feet) out of 1 of the 3 chutes at the base of the toy.
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