PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
Fetch-obsessed dogs whose owners want hands-free play and adjustable distance settings
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
Dogs who love foraging and owners looking for interactive puzzle play
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
Fetch-obsessed dogs whose owners want hands-free play and adjustable distance settings
The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is the most ambitious toy in this comparison — it genuinely enables independent fetch play, and the built-in safety sensor shows thoughtful engineering. Nine distance settings make it adaptable from apartment hallways to backyards. The $170 price and reliance on electronics are real drawbacks, but for fetch-obsessed dogs, it provides unmatched autonomous play value.
Strengths
- Automatic fetch enables independent play — dogs can load and launch balls on their own
- Nine distance settings from 8 to 30 feet adapt to indoor and outdoor spaces
- Built-in motion sensor pauses launch when dogs are too close for safety
Limitations
- Most expensive toy in this comparison at $170 — significant investment for a single toy
- Requires standard-size tennis balls — not compatible with smaller or oversized balls
- Electronic components can fail and are not field-serviceable
When to Choose Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
Dogs who love foraging and owners looking for interactive puzzle play
The Hide-A-Squirrel is one of the most engaging enrichment toys available — the hide-and-seek mechanic taps into dogs' natural foraging instincts, and the squeaky squirrels sustain interest across multiple play sessions. Durability is the main weakness, making this best suited for supervised play. The availability of replacement squirrels is a smart touch that extends overall value.
Strengths
- Hide-and-seek concept with squeaky squirrels in a plush tree trunk engages natural foraging instincts
- Multiple sizes available with varying numbers of squirrels (junior, large, jumbo, ginormous)
- Replacement squirrels sold separately — extends the toy's lifespan
Limitations
- Plush squirrels and trunk are not durable against moderate to heavy chewers
- Squeakers in squirrels can fail after repeated use and washing
- Stuffing in trunk can be pulled out by determined dogs
