Best smart dog toys to buy | Smart toys for smart pets [Review 2021]

Mental stimulation is important for all pets, especially dogs. And if you are someone who has to leave your Fido home alone during the day, physical and mental stimulation is even more important. After all, you would not want your beloved doggie to chew through your cushions, shoes and other household items in your absence!

One way to keep your pooch engaged and stimulated is to use interactive dog toys. In our article on the best interactive dog toys, we saw some options that can provide supervised and unsupervised fun to the pets.

But if you want to take this to the next level and do not mind spending extra, then picking an innovative smart dog toy is an ideal option.

In this article, we will look at some of the best smart dog toys available in the market. These hi-tech, mind-stimulating and automatic dog toys go well beyond the standard dog toys to provide hours of fun and exercise to your pooch. Many of them also act as excellent treat dispensers to keep the pet motivated and well-fed.

We will look at the main characteristics of each toy and also share some things to keep in mind while using these toys. Read On!

Also, check out our article on the best dog ball launchers for some automatic dog ball throwers that can also provide plenty of entertainment and exercise.

Best smart dog toys list

Some of the best smart dog toys available in the market are listed below:
PictureProductSpecifications
Varram Pet Fitness RobotInteractive play toy with treat dispenser.
6.5” x 4.05”, 1.5 lbs.
Indoor use only.
Price: $$.
Wickedbone Smart Bone Interactive Dog ToyInteractive bone toy.
6” x 2.5” x 2.5”, 0.67 lbs.
Indoor/Outdoor use.
Price: $.
iDig Digging Toy by iFetchInteractive dog digger toy.
2.0” x 22.0” x 4.0”, 4.8 lbs.
Indoor/Travel use.
Price: $.
Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser ToyWi-Fi pet camera with smart laser toy.
3.6" x 3.6" x 3.2", 2.0 lbs.
Indoor use only.
Price: $$$.


GoBone Interactive Smart Bone for DogsInteractive bone toy with treat dispenser.
10.1" x 3.64" x 5.8", 1 lbs.
Indoor use only.
Price: $ to $$.
Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet RobotMobile robot with a camera, smart laser toy, and treat dispenser.
9.0" x 10.0" x 14.0", 4.0 lbs.
Indoor use only.
Price: $$$.
Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog ToyPlush Dog Calming toy with a heartbeat simulator and disposable heat pack.
6.0” × 3.0” × 12.0”, 1.98 lbs.
Price: $.


Best Smart Dog Toys Review

Varram Pet Fitness RobotBest smart dog toy - VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot Full Package: Treat Tossing, Schedule Automatic Drives, Manual Play via App, Activity Tracking, Interactive Moving Toy for Cats & Dogs

Type: Interactive play toy with treat dispenser. No camera.
Material: Food-grade, water-resistant FDA-approved Polycarbonate thermoplastic outer shell.
Size: 6.5” x 4.05” x 4.05”, 1.5 lbs.
Suitable For: Adult dog breeds and cats – soft to medium chewers. Suitable for unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $$.
Features:

  • Interactive, smart pet robot and treat dispenser that uses Artificial Intelligence to stimulate all of the pet’s senses. Made in the US of imported circuitry.
  • Made with food-grade, FDA-approved polycarbonate, rated at IPX4 to withstand moderate exposure to moisture. Removable cover and parts can be easily cleaned by hand or dishwasher (top shelf).
  • Supported by an iOS/Android app to control and monitor the pet’s activity. Supports both manual and automatic interaction mode with Bluetooth connection. However, does not have a camera or Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Suitable for indoor use only. Works on all household surfaces – hardwood, tiles, and carpets. Suitable for adult dogs and cats, but not for power chewers.
  • Powered by a built-in, USB rechargeable Lithium-Ion polymer battery that can last over four hours in play mode and 24 hours in standby mode.
  • Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects.

Review:

Looking to raise your dog’s interactive play game even when you are not around? Then check out the smart Varram Pet Fitness Robot. This hi-tech, AI-driven toy is truly a smart, interactive treat-dispensing toy that can provide hours of fun, engagement, and exercise to your beloved canine. And it works well with cats too.

The Varram Pet Fitness Robot is made of FDA-approved, food-grade polycarbonate body that houses an AI-driven smart treat dispenser and play system, programmed to provide a wide array of interactive activities to the canine. The treat dispenser has dimensions of 1″ x 0.6″, so the mini or small, dry dog treats would work best with this toy.

The toy can be managed by the accompanying iOS/Android app to control, program and track the pet’s interaction with the toy. The pet robot offers countless play and exercise combinations, all driven by Artificial Intelligence. The robot is also equipped with hurdle-avoidance TOF and Gyro sensors that use infrared-laser distance measurement technology for distance tracking and environment mapping.

You can even program the activity yourself through the App. It can work in both interactive auto-mode through one-time configuration or manually-controlled mode through Bluetooth connectivity. In automatic mode, the toy automatically responds to the dog’s actions and rewards it intermittently, while in controlled mode, you can use the accompanying smartphone app to control the actions. You can even control the dispensation of treats to be automatic or manual.

The toy runs on a rechargeable 3.7V, 800mAh Lithium-Ion polymer battery that can last over four hours in continuous interactive play mode and 24 hours in standby mode. The battery can be recharged using the included USB charging cable, though the manufacturer is working on offering a docking station for charging the toy.

The Varram Pet Robot is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty and a responsive customer support service.

With respect to the limitations, not having Wi-Fi connectivity or a pet monitoring camera is something that many pet owners have reported as a letdown. Some pet owners have also reported the treats getting stuck in the dispenser. The obvious solution is to use mini and small dog treats with this toy.

Overall, the Varram smart pet robot toy offers a complete package for supervised or unsupervised play for next-generation pets and pet owners. It is considerably costlier than standard interactive dog toys, but you get what you pay for.

Wickedbone Smart Bone Interactive Dog ToyWickedbone Smart Bone, Automatic & Interactive Toy for Dog, Puppy and Cat, App Control, Safe & Durable, Keep Your Pets Entertained All Day

Type: Interactive bone-shaped smart dog toy. No camera or treat dispenser.
Material: Food-grade, water-resistant FDA-approved Polycarbonate thermoplastic body, cover and tires
Size: 6” x 2.5” x 2.5”, 0.67 lbs.
Suitable For: Adult dog breeds and cats – soft to medium chewers. Suitable for unsupervised play. Indoor/Outdoor use (grass only).
Price: $.
Features:

  • Smart, automatic interactive dog bone with 12 built-in play modes and 9 motion modes. Made in China.
  • Made with food-grade, FDA-approved polycarbonate – body, cover, and tires. The cover and tires are removable and can be easily cleaned with soap and water or dishwasher (top shelf).
  • Supported by an iOS/Android app to control and monitor the pet’s activity. Supports both manual and automatic interaction mode with Bluetooth connectivity. However, does not have a camera or treat dispenser.
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use (grass). Works on all household surfaces – hardwood, tiles, and carpets. Suitable for adult dogs and cats, but not for aggressive chewers.
  • Powered by a built-in rechargeable 470MAh Lithium polymer battery that can last over two hours in auto-play mode and one month in sleep mode.
  • Available with four different tire colors – blue, green, white and yellow. Replacement tires are also sold separately.
  • Backed by a one-year warranty on the toy and six months on the battery.

Review:

The Wickedbone Automatic Interactive Dog Toy is another automatic, smart dog toy for pet owners who are looking for an interactive toy for their pets. This futuristic dog toy is designed specifically to keep medium to large adult dogs engaged for hours of fun. The toy is made in China under strict quality control measures.

The Wickedbone Automatic Interactive Dog Toy features a polycarbonate body and tire covers that house an AI-driven smart system to provide interactive play to the dogs (and cats too!). It is most suitable for gentle to mild chewers, as power chewers can chew through the shell and destroy it. The manufacturers are working on introducing an aluminum-alloy shell that would be more durable than the polycarbonate thermoplastic shell. At 6” x 2.5” x 2.5”, 0.67 lbs., it is considerably lighter than the Varram smart toy.

The Wickedbone can work in both interactive auto-mode or controlled mode. In automatic mode, the toy automatically responds to the dog’s actions, while in controlled mode, you can use the accompanying iOS/Android app to control the actions. Equipped with 9 motion modes and 12 emotion-driven action modes, you can get countless combinations for your pet. However, like the Varram smart dog toy, the Wickedbone only offers Bluetooth connectivity over a range of 10-20 feet.

The toy runs on a rechargeable 470MAh Lithium polymer battery that can charge quickly within one hour and last over two hours in interactive mode and 30 minutes in the app mode. The battery is however not removable or replaceable, so you will have to reach out to the manufacturer in case of any issues.

The covers and tires of the Wickedbone dog bone are removable and can be easily washed by hand using soap and water or in the top shelf of the dishwasher. The tires are available in four colors – white, blue, yellow and green and replacements are also available.

The Wickedbone Automatic Interactive Dog Toy is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty on the toy and six-months on the battery. The manufacturer also offers a 24-hour customer support service through email.

When it comes to the limitations, the absence of any sound or treat dispenser, some food-motivated dogs may not feel stimulated for a long time and give up after 10-15 minutes of playtime. Some toy owners have also reported that the battery drains faster than Varram dog toy.

Overall, the Wickedbone is another smart dog toy that can provide some interactive fun and mental stimulation for a play-motivated dog – both indoors or outdoors.

iDig Digging Toy by iFetchiFetch Q-100 Idig Digging Toy, One Size, Blue/White

Type: Interactive dog digger toy. No batteries required.
Material:

  • iDig Stay: Hard ABS plastic shell with ripstop fabric flaps and thermoplastic hooks.
  • iDig Go: Ripstop fabric shell and flaps with thermoplastic hooks.

Size:

  • iDig Stay: 2.0” x 22.0” x 4.0”, 4.8 lbs.
  • iDig Go: 42.0” x 42.0” x 4.5”, 3.25 lbs.

Suitable For: Small to medium/medium-large dogs. For indoor use only.
Price: $.
Features:

  • An innovative, battery-free smart dog toy that caters to the natural digging and foraging behavior of canines. Made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
  • Features a base with tear-resistant, ripstop-fabric flaps with about 2-3 pockets each to hide toys and treats. Suitable for all dog breeds but works best with small and medium dogs.
  • Each iDig comes with three layers of flaps with thermoplastic stabilizers for hooking the flaps and providing uniform support. The middle layer is meshed to allow provide additional motivation to the dog to dig further.
  • Comes in two versions – the iDig Stay that features a hard shell and plastic base, best for aggressive diggers, and the iDig Go that features a collapsible fabric base, best for storage and travel.
  • Easy to clean and set up. The flaps are removable and machine-washable. The shell and base can be washed with soap and water.
  • Available in a single blue-and-white iFetch color and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects and workmanship.

Review:

If you have a small or medium-sized dog that loves to dig and sniff, then it is going to love the iDig Digging Toy by iFetch. The Texas-based, family-owned iFetch is a popular brand thanks to their iFetch automatic dog ball launcher, and the iDig Digging Toy is an innovative addition to the product line. Like other iFetch pet products, the iDig toy is made in China under the company’s strict quality control measures.

This simple yet ingenious, battery and electronics-free smart dog toy features an oversized shell with multiple layers of ripstop-fabric flaps that the dog can “dig-through”. Each iDig comes with three flaps with two or three pockets and thermoplastic stabilizers/hooks to secure the flaps in the toy.

You can hide some of the dog’s favorite toys and treats in these pockets as an encouragement for “digging”. The middle layer is meshed to give the dog a view and feel of the hidden treasure and encourage it to continue the digging.

The iDig digging toy comes in two versions – the iDig Stay that features a hard shell and plastic base, best for aggressive diggers, and the iDig Go that features a collapsible fabric base, best for storage and travel. We found the iDig Stay a perfect choice for small and medium to medium-large dogs. With a digger diameter of around 20″, the toy provides enough surface to the pet to interact with. And its 4.8 lbs. weight makes it stable for almost all pets.

Cleaning and maintenance of the toy is easy. The polycarbonate shell and base can be washed with soap and water, while the flaps can be removed and washed in a washing machine in a gentle cycle.

The iDig digging toy is available in a single blue-and-white iFetch color combination and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects and workmanship.

The only drawback with the iDig toy is the limited availability of replacement flaps. Overtime the flaps get frayed and scratched and it would have been a good idea to have some replacement flaps readily available. Moreover, the cost of the toy is a little on the higher side.

Still, if you are looking for a positive outlet to your digging-happy small or medium canine, then the iDig Digging Toy is an excellent smart dog toy choice. And you do not have to take our word for it – this toy was adjudged the best new toy in SuperZoo, 2018.

Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser ToyBest smart dog toy - Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy & Alexa Built-In, for Cats & Dogs. 1080P HD Video, 160° Full-Room View, 2-Way Audio, Sound/Motion Alerts, Night Vision, Pet Monitoring App

Buy It on Chewy

Type: Wi-Fi pet camera with smart laser toy.
Material: Aluminum shell and ABS plastic lens casing. 3R class gentle laser.
Size: 3.6″ x 3.6″ x 3.2″, 2.0 lbs.
Suitable For: All dog breeds and cats. Suitable for unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $$$.
Features:

  • Best-selling pet camera with a built-in laser toy and Alexa device. Supported by cutting-edge AI-technology makes this camera an all-in-one smartphone and robotic pet nanny. Assembled in the US and marketed by the San Francisco-based company.
  • Made of a hard aluminum shell with black ABS plastic casing. Sleek and compact cube design that can be placed flat on a table or shelf. The manufacturer also offers an adjustable mount for more flexibility.
  • Features a 1080p HD camera with a 180-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, 4x digital zoom, and automatic night vision that provides the full room coverage. Provides 4 hours of free cloud storage. Additional storage and live streaming services are available with a subscription. But an SD card slot is not included.
  • Comes with a 3R-class laser (class 2 in EU) – same as one used in laser pointers and computer mouse and safe for human and animal eyes. The laser track is easily programmable by tracing the path on the phone screen with a finger.
  • All the features are configurable through an iOS/Android app. Supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity with built-in 4-microphone array and speaker bar for clear two-way communication. Built-in Alexa device makes remote interaction more convenient and versatile.
  • Powered by an A/C adapter through the 110V power supply. Available in a single color and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer also offers a PetCube 2.0 Bites Camera that comes with a treat dispenser.

Review:

So you can very well ask what a stationary pet camera doing in this list of smart dog toys. Well, the innovative, award-winning PetCube Play 2.0 camera is not your ordinary pet camera. It’s smartphone-controlled, AI-based two-way audio/video communication with built-in smart laser pointer makes it an excellent smart pet toy.

The second-generation PetCube 2 Play camera features a sleek and compact hard aluminum shell with black ABS plastic casing that houses the camera and laser pointer. Its compact design (3.6″ x 3.6″ x 3.2″, 2.0 lbs.) allows you to place the camera flat on a table or shelf, though the manufacturer also offers an adjustable mount for greater flexibility and better interaction. The PetCube was founded in Ukraine and since then has expanded into a full-fledged best-selling brand headquartered in San Francisco, USA. All the PetCube products are assembled in the US.

The PetCube 2 Play camera features a 1080p HD camera with 180° ultra-wide-angle lens, 4x digital zoom, and automatic night vision that provides the full room coverage. The Play camera comes with a 3R-class laser (class 2 in EU) – same as one used in laser pointers and computer mice and safe for human and animal eyes. (you should still not point the laser directly into someone’s eyes for a prolonged duration). The second-generation PetCube 2.0 also houses an Echo/Alexa device in the unit.

What makes the PetCube 2 Play camera an ideal smart pet toy is its configurable features. The video recordings of the pet’s activity can be automatically triggered by sound and motion. And everything is configurable through an iOS/Android smartphone application. Even the laser track is easily programmable by tracing the path on the phone screen with a finger.

The PetCube Camera supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity with built-in 4-microphone array and speaker bar for clear two-way communication. A built-in Alexa device makes remote interaction more convenient and versatile. The camera does not have an SD card slot for additional storage, but it does allow you access up to 4 hours of video streaming through free cloud storage. For additional storage and features like automatic pet alerts, you will have to buy a subscription service separately.

The PetCube 2.0 Play camera is powered by a 110V power supply through an AC power adapter. The camera is available in a single black and silver color. Like other PetCube products, the PetCube 2.0 Play is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects.

The only complain we have with the PetCube Play camera is that it does not have a treat dispenser to go with the laser toy. Considering the laser pointers are not something that the pet can catch physically, a small treat dispenser that can store a few pieces would make things a lot more interesting. PetCube does offer a PetCube 2.0 Bites Camera which comes with a full-fledged treat dispenser.

Still, the PetCube 2.0 Play camera is an excellent pet camera and laser toy that will find a lot of favor with pet owners who are looking for a smart way to monitor and interact with their pets even when not at home.

GoBone Interactive Smart Bone for DogsGoBone Interactive App-Enabled Smart Bone for Dogs and Puppies, One Size

Type: Interactive bone-shaped, smart dog toy with treat dispenser.
Material: Food-grade, water-resistant and US-sourced Nylon and Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) synthetic rubber.
Size: 10.1″ x 3.64″ x 5.8″, 1 lbs.
Suitable For: All dog breeds – soft to medium chewers. Suitable for unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $.
Features:

  • The original smart dog toy bone, designed specifically for dogs that love chasing, chewing, squeaking, and tossing. Assembled in the US from local and imported parts.
  • The outer shell and tires are made of food-grade, and FDA-approved Nylon and Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) synthetic rubber, sourced only from the US.
  • A textured, chew-friendly surface provides motivation to the pet to engage. The AI-driven program automatically adjusts its behavior based on age, weight, breed, and play style of the pet. Treat dispensing out of the wheels adds to the motivation.
  • Supported by an iOS/Android app to control and monitor the pet’s activity. Supports both manual and automatic interaction mode with Bluetooth connectivity. Moves slower in automatic mode to prevent over-exercising. However, does not have a camera.
  • Powered by a built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery that can last over eight hours in auto-play mode and thirty minutes in the manual mode. The removable exterior makes it easy to disassemble the toy for cleaning and charging.
  • Available in the blue and white color combination and backed by a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Review:

The GoBone Interactive Smart Bone for Dogs is another popular smart bone designed specifically for dogs that love chasing, chewing, squeaking, and tossing. In fact, it was one of the first US-based smart dog toy bone in the market and was successfully funded through a Kickstarter campaign. The toy is assembled in the US from locally sourced and imported parts.

The GoBone Interactive Smart Bone features a food-grade, and FDA-approved Nylon and Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) synthetic rubber shell that houses an AI-driven, smart system to provide interactive play to the dogs. It is most suitable for gentle to mild chewers, as power chewers can chew through the shell and destroy it. Unlike the smooth shell of Wickedbone, the shell of GoBone is textured making it a more natural chewing toy than the Wickedbone and other smart dog toy bones.

At 10.1″ x 3.64″ x 5.8″, 1 lbs., it is considerably bigger than the Wickedbone and hence most suitable for medium to medium/large dogs. The outer shell is completely sourced from the US-based manufacturers, so you should have no concern about the quality and suitability of the this smart dog toy.

The GoBone can work in both interactive auto-mode or controlled mode. In automatic mode, the toy automatically responds to the dog’s actions based on age, weight, breed, and play style of the pet. The toy moves a litter slower in the automatic mode to avoid the pet from getting scared and prevent over-exercising.

In controlled mode, you can use the accompanying iOS/Android app to control the actions and motions you want the toy to perform. The best part of the GoBone toy is that it has enough space to add some treats around the wheels of the bone. You can even slather some peanut butter on the shell. Your dog would love to eat out the treats that fall-off the wheels or lick the peanut butter of the shell.

Like Varram and Wickedbone smart dog toy, the GoBone only offers Bluetooth connectivity over a range of 10-20 feet. There is no Wi-Fi support. The toy runs on a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that can charge quickly within one hour and last over eight hours in automatic mode and up to 30 minutes in the manual play mode.

The covers and tires of the GoBone dog bone are removable and can be easily washed by hand using soap and water or in the top shelf of the dishwasher. The outer cover replacements are also available separately.

The GoBone Interactive Smart Bone is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects and failures. The manufacturer also offers a 24-hour customer support service to address any issues.

When it comes to the limitations, some toy owners have reported that the slower auto-mode operation is not motivating and stimulating enough for a high-energy dog and the pet can simply give-up the toy. The non-availability of Wi-Fi to monitor and control the toy is also a limitation that pet owners have reported, though this is an issue with many other smart dog toys as well. Finally, the cost of the toy is also something that many pet owners felt is on the higher side.

Despite these limitations, the GoBone Interactive Smart Bone is a decent smart dog toy that can provide interactive entertainment and mental stimulation for a play-motivated dog.

Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet RobotFelix & Fido Petbot Interactive App Controlled Treat Dispensing Smart Mobile Robot, with HD WiFi Pet Camera, Bluetooth, 2-Way Audio, Built in Laser Toy, for Pets Interact with Your Pet While Away!

Type: Mobile robot with a camera, smart laser toy, and treat dispenser.
Material: ABS plastic shell and casing with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) wheels. 3R class gentle laser.
Size: 9.0″ x 10.0″ x 14.0″, 4.0 lbs.
Suitable For: All dog breeds and cats. Suitable for unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $$$.
Features:

  • Newly launched movable pet robot with an HD camera, smart laser toy and treat dispenser. Made in China.
  • Features an ABS plastic body with chew-resistant, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) synthetic rubber wheels. Has a tray-type treat dispenser that can dispense mini or small dog treats.
  • Equipped with a decent HD Camera with 4X digital zoon attached to the robot head. The camera is not as high-quality as the PetCube camera but capable of capturing images and streaming videos.
  • Comes with a 3R-class laser (class 2 in EU) – same as one used in laser pointers and computer mice and safe for human and animal eyes. The laser pointer is programmable through the app.
  • All the features are configurable through an iOS/Android Pet Robot app. Supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity (no 5G) with built-in 4-microphone array and speaker bar for clear two-way communication.
  • Powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Comes with a USB charging cable but no docking station.
  • Available in a white and black color combination and backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

Review:

The newly launched, Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet Robot in an interesting mobile pet robot the offers decent moveable two-way audio and video communication and an interactive laser toy with treat dispensation – all in a single unit. This toy is made and marketed by the China-based company.

This smart dog toy features an ABS plastic body with chew-resistant, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) synthetic rubber wheels and built-in obstacle sensors to provide seamless mobility. This mobility of the robot makes this toy unique and different from other pet cameras and smart toys as you can now “drive” the camera to the pet.

The Pet Robot is equipped with a decent HD camera with 4X digital zoom, attached to the movable robot-head. The camera is not as high-quality as the PetCube 2.0 camera but is still capable of capturing images and streaming videos stored on the Cloud (and there is no subscription required).

The camera is supported by a built-in speaker and microphone for seamless two-way communication. The video recordings of the pet’s activity can be automatically triggered by sound and motion. There are some in-built sounds as well to get the pet’s attention.

The Felix & Fido Petbot also has a tray-type treat dispenser that allows you to store mini and small dry pet treats. This tray-type treat storage is especially useful as it allows you to store a variety of treats without mixing with other treats. It is important to emphasize that the treats are not launched far, they are in fact rolled close to the robot.

The Petbot also comes with a 3R-class laser – the same as one used in laser pointers and computer mice and safe for human and animal eyes. The laser is only activated when you log in the app and the path can be configured as desired.

All the features of the Petbot are configurable through an iOS/Android Pet Robot app (remember to search for “Pet Robot” App instead of Petbot). The pet robot supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity (there is no 5G).

The Petbot is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery and the Robot comes with a standard wall-USB charger. There is no docking station, however. On a full recharge, the battery can easily last for over 2-3 days.

The Felix & Fido Petbot is available in a single black and white color and backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

With respect to the limitations, the quality of the camera and the viewing angles (the head does not move more than an inch on each side) are not the best by any regards. Additionally, the Petbot does not support 5 GHz. Wi-Fi connection and some people have complained about the connection dropping intermittently. Finally, the syncing of app produces a loud introductory ring every time you connect – something that can be startling to the pet.

So, if you are looking for a mobile Pet Robot that can provide a two-way audio and video communication with your pet and keep it enticed with treats and laser pointer, then the Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet Robot is one option to consider.

Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog ToySmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy, Biscuit

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Type: Cuddling, plush dog calming toy with a disposable heat warmer and a “real-feel” pulsing heartbeat generator.
Material: Plush, fleece shell with a non-toxic disposable heat warmer.
Size: 6.0″ × 3.0″ × 12.0″, 1.98 lbs.
Suitable For: All dog breeds and puppies too. Suitable for supervised and unsupervised use. Indoor use only.
Price: $.
Features:

  • Uniquely-designed, smart cuddling dog toy that reduces negative behaviors resulting from anxiety or loneliness through physical warmth and stimulated heartbeat. Made in China.
  • Features a furry fleece outer shell that is machine washable with the heartbeat simulator and heat pack removed. Available in plush puppy design for dogs. All-natural and chemical/medication free.
  • Comes with an optional, 24-hour disposable warming pack that provides extra warmth without electricity or microwaving. However heat pack is single use and needs to be replaced if necessary.
  • The pulsating heartbeat is powered by two AAA batteries (included) which can last for 15 days on 24/7 use. The heartbeat can be turned on and off.
  • Suitable for all dog breeds and puppies too without supervision. Used by pet-rescues worldwide with optional feeding bottle.
  • Available in five colors Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer. Replacement heat packs and heartbeat simulators are sold separately.

Review:

If you are looking for a smart dog toy that can help in handling loneliness and separation anxiety, then the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy is a perfect choice. For over 20 years, Smart Pet Love toys have been the go-to choice for pet-rescues around the world and there is a good reason for that.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy is a uniquely-designed, puppy-shaped, smart cuddling dog toy that reduces negative behaviors through soft, plush surface, physical warmth and stimulated heartbeat.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Toy features a furry, soft fleece outer shell with a heartbeat simulator and optional heat pack in the core. The toy is all natural and chemical and medication free. It is also machine washable in gentle cycle. Like other Smart Pet Love toys, the Snuggle kitty toy is made in China under strict quality-control measures.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Toy has a pulsating heartbeat simulator that is powered by two AAA batteries (one set included) and produces a real, life-like pulse. The heartbeat can be turned on and off as desired and can last for up to 15 days in 24/7 mode on a single recharge.

The toy also has a removable, single-use air-activated heat pack. The heat pack is made of non-toxic materials and can produce warmth for up to 24 hours on activation. It is, however, not reusable and you will have to get a replacement once used. Just to add, the toy actually provides decent self-warming even without the heat pack, so it is not mandatory to use one.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Toy is suitable for all puppies and dog breeds and can be used without supervision for gentle and non-aggressive chewers. Moreover, like other Smart Pet Love toys, it is backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment.

So, if you are looking for a smart dog toy to ease your pet’s separation anxiety and related behavioral issues, you should definitely consider getting the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy.

Things to remember while using smart dog toys

While interactive dog toys can provide a lot of YouTube-worthy “Ahaa!” and “Wow!” moments to you and your furry friend, it is important that you keep a few things in mind while using them. Some of these major things are summarized below:

  • Always pick an interactive dog toy that is of suitable size, shape and difficulty level. Getting a toy that is too small or too big can make playing uncomfortable for your pet and it can simply ignore the toy. You can consult some trainers or fellow dog owners about their experiences with the toy, check the reviews, videos and Q&A section or reach out to the manufacturer customer support for help.

The interactive dog toys are generally classified into three levels of difficulty. Most smart dog toys fall in Training Level 2 or Training Level 3.:

  • Training Level 1 – Easy: Suitable for most dogs, even puppies. The puzzles are easy for the pet to master.
  • Training Level 2 – Intermediate: Such toys require the canine to use multiple sensory organs – paws, mouth, and snout, etc. Some effort and training may be needed for the dog to master the puzzle.
  • Training Level 3 – Advanced or Difficult: These are the most challenging interactive toys and suitable for well-trained, smart dogs only.
  • Since smart dog toys are not a cheap investment and have circuits that can occasionally malfunction, it is important that you test the toy as soon as you get it to take advantage of the 30-day return policy. If you have got it as a gift or are gifting one to someone else, it would be a good idea to set the expectations accordingly. Also, read the warranty conditions carefully before use.
  • Always purchase these smart dog toys directly from the manufacturers or authorized resellers. And in case of any issues, reach out to the customer support team and ask repair/replacement.
  • Be patient while configuring the toy and teaching your dog to interact with it. Different toys have different learning curves and even the smartest dog can take some time to “get in the zone” with a smart dog toy. Same will apply to you while setting up the toy’s smart application if it comes with one.
  • Clean-up the toy periodically with soap and water. If the toy has dishwasher-safe parts, remove them and keep it in the top rack while cleaning. Remember, the electronic circuitry of these toys is not washable. If the toy shows any signs of damage, reach out to the manufacturer for replacement parts.
  • Avoid sharing of toys with other pets as it can cause infection from one dog to be transferred to the other.
  • While we have clearly stated which toys should be used under supervision and which toys are fine to be left with the pet, no toy is durable enough for a power chewer. If you have such a dog, avoid leaving plastic and other non-chew toys with the canine and only engage in supervised play.
  • If you see a damaged toy or your canine shows some signs of discomfort, immediately consult the vet. Your dog might have accidentally ingested a piece or part of the toy.

Following these basic guidelines would help in playing with smart dog toys more enjoyable for you and your beloved canine companion.

Final thoughts on the best smart dog toys

Dogs, like other pets, love to play around. However, if you have to leave the pet home alone during the day or if you cannot devote a lot of dedicated playtime, this can often be a challenge.

One way to overcome the need for supervised play is to opt for smart dog toys that can provide the needed entertainment and exercise without a lot of supervision. These toys can provide mental, physical and sensory stimulation and not only help in keeping your Fido entertained but also provide the much needed physical and behavioral conditioning that the pet needs.

In this article, we listed some of the best smart dog toys available in the market. All the options that we listed are hi-tech, automatic and configurable and can be used without a lot of supervision. We also listed out some things to keep in mind while using these toys.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best smart dog toy for your smart pooch. Do let us know your feedback, questions and any other smart dog toys that you love by commenting below. Until next time, have a playful time with your Fido!


Image credits:Amazon.com