GoDogGo Fetch Machine Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons, and More

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: October 11, 2022
© thka/Shutterstock.com

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Best forProduct
Best For Dogs of All SizesGoDogGo Fetch Machine Dog Ball Launcher
Best For Dogs of All SizesGoDogGo Fetch Machine Dog Ball Launcher

If your is dog ball-crazy, short of wearing out your arm, you can let your dog enjoy the GoDogGo fetch machine, which automatically launches balls to play fetch with your excited pup. Use the automatic feature or play along with a remote!

Summary

GoDogGo hit the market back in 1999 when it revolutionized the pet industry with the world’s first automatic ball launcher. Inspired by a ball-crazy Chocolate Labrador named Hershey Docker Thompson, the GoDogGo fetch machine had to be created. Hershey constantly demanded to play ball almost every minute of the day. However, her owners were unable to meet her high demands and needed to find a creative alternative. Together, her pet parents invented a way to meet all her demands to keep her entertained, safe, and loving her life.

As part of keeping Hershey’s legacy alive, GoDogGo continues to make the fetch machine available for other pet parents who need a little help satisfying the demands of their playful, active dogs. This is a family-owned and operated business that is fully committed to creating high-quality products. They offer an old-fashioned style of customer service to maintain the human connection and add a personal touch to their interactions with their many customers.

Best For Dogs of All Sizes
GoDogGo Fetch Machine Dog Ball Launcher
  • Keep your dog safely entertained
  • Automatic feature for solo playtime
  • Features three distance settings
  • Comes with a remote for alternative play
Check Amazon

GoDogGo Fetch Machine Benefits and Features

  • Three distance settings to maximize fun
  • Multi-play option keeps your pup engaged
  • Safety arc keeps your pet safe
  • Automatic feature for solo playtime
  • Remote for playtime with you

With three time settings, you can set up the fetch machine based on your dog’s perfect rate of retrieval and return. The shortest time interval between launches is four seconds and you can also use the remote control if you prefer to engage with your dog during playtime. You can also just use one ball for independent play until your dog returns it or you can load the bucket with multiple balls to keep your dog fully engaged with continuous launching. The three distance settings are low, medium, or high. You can use the low setting indoors and the high setting outdoors whenever you have more ample space.

There’s also a safety sensor included with the fetch machine. With this safety sensor, your dog can fetch independently whenever he wants. It powers up on-demand only once a ball is loaded. That means the motor doesn’t run continuously and will only run when a ball is put back in when your dog returns it to the bucket. The multi-use design allows your dog to play different types of games. The independent fetch option is always available as well. Whenever you want to use the remote control and play with your dog, you always can! You have those two options and additional options like playing indoors or outdoors, playing with a single ball, or playing with multiple balls.

GoDogGo Fetch Machine Pros & Cons

PROS:

  • Safety sensor and safety arc
  • Wide mouth bucket for balls
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Multiple time settings
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Independent play or owner-controlled play

CONS:

  • Requires safety training before use
  • AC adapter cord is limited to 10 feet

Where is GoDogGo Fetch Machine Made?

The GoDogGo fetch machine is Made in China. Although GoDogGo is based out of the US, not all their products are made within the US. However, they always ensure their product materials or sourced responsibly, are non-toxic, and safe for your dog. GoDogGo, Inc. is an American-owned and operated business since its launch back in 1999. Currently, the GoDogGo headquarters are located in Kent, Washington, US.

GoDogGo Fetch Machine Materials

The GoDogGo fetch machine is made with plastic and includes tennis balls, a remote control, lithium batteries, and an AC adapter. The ergo bucket is wide-mouthed so that it can make returning balls easy for your dog. It’s a compact and lightweight model that you can easily pack up and take with you when you travel.

GoDogGo Fetch Machine: Where to Buy

The GoDogGo fetch machine is sold directly to consumers. It’s available for shipping to countries outside of the United States when you purchase it directly from the company, but you can also purchase it from one of their authorized resellers. You can find it on websites like Chewy and Amazon as well.

Best For Dogs of All Sizes
GoDogGo Fetch Machine Dog Ball Launcher
  • Keep your dog safely entertained
  • Automatic feature for solo playtime
  • Features three distance settings
  • Comes with a remote for alternative play
Check Amazon

GoDogGo Fetch Machine Specs

Design

The GoDogGo fetch machine is designed for multiple types of play. It can be used indoors or outdoors with multiple speed settings, so you don’t have to worry about rogue tennis balls hitting your fine China cabinet. The two primary settings are for your dog to either play independently or for you to play with him using the remote control. You can also set it up for playtime with only one ball or use multiple balls for continuous launching.

Safety

The safety sensor and safety arc are included to keep you and your dog safe during playtime. Eager pups may get too close to the fetch machine so be sure to go through a few practice drills with your pup to ensure he doesn’t get hurt when the ball launches. The safety arc is designed so the balls are launched upward and outward instead of head-on into your pup’s face. So long as both you and your pup keep at least two feet from the fetch machine when it’s powered on, the safety features keep your pup protected.

Price

The price of the GoDogGo fetch machine is $149.99. It’s often sold out on the company website but you can find it on Amazon and Chewy as well!

GoDogGo Fetch Machine vs. iFetch Too

AttributeGoDogGo Fetch MachineiFetch Too
PowerAC Adapter and lithium batteriesRechargeable battery only
Balls IncludedFiveThree
SafetySafety sensor and safety arcNone

Bottom Line

The GoDogGo fetch machine is perfect for when you need a break from all the playtime with your pup. Your dog can play fetch independently, so long as he’s able to return the ball to the bucket or the ball launch area. This can keep him entertained for endless amounts of fun and when you’re ready to enjoy playtime with him, you can use the remote control for owner-controlled play. You can even load the ball bucket with up to 25 balls when you use the multi-ball use setting. Overall, this fetch machine is designed to make your life easier and enrich your dog’s life with extra playtime.

The design of the GoDogGo fetch machine includes a safety arc to make automatic fetch safe. This safety arc launches upwards and outward, meaning that the balls will never shoot straight out from the machine at a dog or into their mouth. Even though your dog may try to hover in front of the fetch machine, it’s best to train him to stand at least two feet away from the machine while it’s working automatically to launch balls. The same goes for you! Make sure you’re always standing at least two feet away when the fetch machine is on.

Best forProduct
Best For Dogs of All SizesGoDogGo Fetch Machine Dog Ball Launcher
Best For Dogs of All SizesGoDogGo Fetch Machine Dog Ball Launcher
About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

GoDogGo Fetch Machine Review: Recalls, Pros & Cons, and More FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How does GoDogGo work?

This fetch machine by GoDogGo is a ball launcher that can be used as an automatic ball launcher or an owner-controlled ball launcher. Your dog can play fetch independently or you can join him with remote control. It’s powered by an AC adapter with a 10-foot long cord but if you need it to be more portable, you can use lithium batteries to keep it powered. Once the ball is launched, your pup can go fetch, bring it back, and the fetch machine powers up to launch the ball again. Your dog can play with a single ball or with multiple balls at once.

Who invented dog ball launcher?

The pet parents of a gorgeous, hyperactive, and demanding Chocolate Labrador named Hershey Docker Thompson. GoDogGo Inc. is the inventor, patent holder, and manufacturer of the original ball launcher, introduced to the market in 1999.

How do you make an automatic dog ball thrower?

You could take a DIY approach to an automatic ball thrower but the original ball launcher by GoDogGo incorporates safety features that make it reliable and safe for your dog, so you don’t have to worry.

What is a ball launcher used for?

Ball launchers are used for different sports, like tennis and baseball. However, a ball launcher for pets is specifically for facilitating the game of fetch. Your pup can play independently or with you, so you’re not relying solely on your arm for long-distance throws that keep your pup happy and engaged.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.