The Best Interactive Toy Dogs For Kids Who Want A Pretend Pooch

Move over, Furby — there’s a new interactive toy in town: the walking dog toy. These innovative toys are designed to look and behave like our favorite four-legged friends, complete with realistic doggy noises and even the ability to walk on their own. But that’s not all — some of these walking dog toys are also interactive, responding to remote-controlled commands to perform various tricks and even sing songs. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder these toys have become a hit with kids and parents alike. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular walking dog toys on the market and take a closer look at what makes them such a fun and engaging addition to any child’s toy collection.

Best Walking Dog Toys to Consider

When selecting the right walking dog toy for your child, it’s important to consider several factors. One of the key qualities is durability. Since these toys can be a modest investment, you’ll want to choose one that can withstand the wear and tear of rough play and accidental drops. With that in mind, it’s crucial to look for toys made of sturdy materials that are built to last, and consider toys with warranties that protect against defects.

Another crucial factor to think about is the set of features offered by the toy. Different toys have varying features, from basic functions like barking and walking to more advanced functions like singing and performing tricks. To select the best toy, consider your child’s age and interests to ensure they will enjoy playing with the toy.

Battery life is another important quality when selecting the right walking dog toy. Toys that require batteries need to have a long battery life to ensure that your child can play with them for longer periods without having to constantly replace the batteries. It can be frustrating for your child if they have to keep replacing the batteries.

Size is obviously pretty relevant here as well. These toys come in different sizes, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for where your child will play with it. A smaller toy may be suitable for a small indoor space, while a bigger toy may be more appropriate for playing outside in a larger area.

Lastly, take price into account. Walking dog toys can vary significantly in price, so it’s essential to determine your budget when selecting a toy. Higher-priced toys may indicate more advanced features, but affordable options are available that can still provide hours of fun for your child. By considering these factors, you can choose the best toy for your child, providing them with hours of fun and entertainment.

Top Pick

As one of the most popular options on the market, this walking dog toy piqued our curiosity. What we learned is that it’s an excellent toy that nails the basics and provides some features that other competitors don’t. Let us explain.

To start, the toy is designed to look like a cute little pooch, and it comes with a remote control that allows you to make the dog walk, bark, wag its tail, and even dance. It’s constructed from high-quality materials and is very durable, ensuring that it can withstand the rough play of kids, even toddlers. It’s very easy to operate, too, making it a great option for young children who may be new to remote-controlled toys.

One of the best things about this toy is that it has a realistic walking motion, so your kid might feel like it’s the next best thing to having a real dog. The barking sound is also quite realistic, though it’s true that parents might find it a bit loud. Still, all in all, we think this is the go-to toy for most kids due to its realistic features and its durable construction.

Pros:

• Offered in different colors
• Built to last
• Easy to use even for young toddlers

Cons:

• Quite loud, and the volume can’t be adjusted
• A bit pricy, but we think it’s worth it due to the high-quality construction

Westminster Walking Dog Toy

Affordable, adorable, and reliable, this walking dog toy from Westminster is a standout option, mostly thanks to its lifelike movements and charming personality. Unlike other similar toys, this one — known as Redley the Retriever — boasts movements that are fluid and natural, giving your young child a memorable experience. Battery-operated, it’s mighty easy to use. All you have to do is pop in those batteries, turn it on, and enjoy the show as Redley barks, walks, and wags its tail. Though kids seem to love this toy, dogs also are big fans. Just be careful not to let Buster tear this toy apart — although it’s true that Redley can withstand a little bit of chewing.

Pros:

• Takes the cutest tiny little steps
• A great present for a little one
• If you have a dog, they might find this toy fun and entertaining
• Runs on AA batteries, which are easy to find

Cons:

• Not designed for kids under five years old
• Adults may find the barks and yaps jarring
• Batteries are not included

VTech Walking Dog Toy

We love a toy that provides kids with entertainment, education, and emotional development at the same time, and that’s exactly what this toy from VTech offers. Designed for toddlers, this walking and singing puppy features push buttons and a pull-string, each of which triggers a different response from the puppy, ranging from lovely melodies to numbers and colors. The tactile design makes it easy for a young toddler to intuitively explore the puppy’s features, and this will help them develop fine motor coordination in the meantime. Plus, the dog is pretty cute, so aside from all the educational stuff, this toy will also bring your youngster plenty of joy.

Pros:

• Intuitive design helps teach your kid how to respond to the toy’s various cues
• Can promote fine motor coordination
• Only requires two AAA batteries

Cons:

• The cord should be a bit longer to make it easier to pull comfortably

Think Gizmos Walking Dog Toy

There’s a lot to be said about introducing music into a child’s life at a young age. And we’re not just talking about cognitive development and brain growth — we’ve all heard plenty about how music offers benefits in those avenues. What we’re talking about is the sheer fun involved with singing, dancing, and truly feeling the groove of a tune. Since music speaks to our brains in ways spoken language cannot, we always try to recommend including musical toys in any child’s collection. And this one from Think Gizmos is one of our favorites. All your kid has to do is grab the leash and squeeze on a clearly marked spot on the handle to jump-start the fiesta. That’ll trigger the music to play, at which point this snazzy pooch will start not just walking, but also grooving and shaking to the beat of the music. This can be pretty hilarious, so don’t be surprised if your kids catch a case of the giggles after a few minutes with this toy.

Pros:

• Batteries are included
• Tested rigorously to meet safety standards
• If your kid is a llama person instead of a dog lover, there’s a llama option as well
• Very easy to use, even for kids

Cons:

• Volume can’t be adjusted
• Doesn’t always walk very far

Fisca Walking Dog Toy

While the other options in our article are cute and fun, we wanted to include something a bit more serious. Any parent who wants to combine a bit of STEM-related play with their child’s love of dogs should check out this option from Fisca. It’s a bit more interactive than most — for example, it responds to touch. It can also move in ways that others can’t such as spinning its head and blinking its eyes. But what we like most about it is its programmable capabilities. With a little bit of finagling, you and your kid can program the dog to perform customized functions. Great for learning, this is an engaging and creativity-engendering toy. And it also shares a lot of features with some of our favorite walking dog toys. For example, it can walk, play music, sing, dance, and bark.

Pros:

• Has an auto-shutoff feature to save the battery life
• Offers a lot of potential for creative play thanks to its programmable features
• Can be a good gift for a kid who wants a dog but isn’t quite ready yet

Cons:

• Battery life can be a bit disappointing
• It isn’t quite as durable as we’d like it to be

Frequently Asked Questions

Are walking dog toys safe for children to play with?

These toys are designed to be used by children, so yes, they’re generally safe. As long as they are age-appropriate and made from safe materials, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Still, depending on the age of your child, you might want to supervise them while they play with their toy to ensure they don’t accidentally ingest any small parts. Additionally, make sure to follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid any potential hazards.

How long do the batteries in walking dog toys typically last?

The battery life can vary depending on the toy’s features and how often it’s used. Generally, toys that use alkaline batteries can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, while toys that use rechargeable batteries may last longer. It’s a good idea to check the toy’s packaging for information on battery life and keep extra batteries on hand to avoid any interruptions in playtime.

Will these toys help my children develop important skills?

Absolutely. Toys like the ones we included on our list can help children develop important skills like hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. Interactive toys that respond to commands can also help improve a child’s communication and social skills. On top of that, these toys can encourage your child to develop a sense of empathy for animals. Playing with these toys can be a fun and engaging way for children to develop these skills while enjoying playtime.

Can these toys be repaired if they break or stop working?

Sometimes, but not always. It’s always a good idea to check the toy’s warranty and instructions to see if repairs are possible. Some manufacturers may offer repair services or replacement parts to fix common issues. That being said, in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new toy instead of repairing an old one.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.