If your child mainly wants to steer the robot themselves and trigger tricks, easy-to-use direct controls are essential. To create and repeat their own sequences of movements, the instructions should explicitly describe a training or programming function: gesture control alone is no proof of this. App or voice features also raise questions about the language of the commands, whether an internet connection is required and how data is processed.
Children who want to put together and repeat short sequences of movements need more than tricks they can simply trigger. Lexibook describes the Power Puppy DOG01 as having a training function for creating new dances and movements. Check the instructions for the specific model to find out how many steps can be entered and which commands are available.
Here, changing direction and triggering actions directly matter more than saving a choreography. Lexibook describes a remote control that steers in all directions, while Silverlit says the Robo Dackel R can be controlled directly using its controller.
Using hand movements to trigger actions can be an engaging way to play. If you also want to play without a constant internet connection, check the connections required and how data is processed by the specific model. The German consumer advice centre distinguishes between locally operated and connected toys.
First, decide whether your child wants to save their own sequences, steer the dog freely or mainly play with it using gestures. Then check which features are available without an app or internet connection.
| What you want | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Creating your own movement sequences | Whether you can save and replay your own actions, which inputs are available and how many steps you can programme. | If I want my child to put together their own dance, simply triggering pre-set tricks won’t be enough. Creating your own sequences is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Direct steering | Whether the controller or remote control allows you to change direction precisely and trigger actions straight away. | When playing freely, I want to guide the dog to a target myself, rather than just trigger a reaction. Direct control is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Gestures and tricks | Which actions are triggered by hand movements and whether direct control is also available. | If my child prefers playing with hand movements and watching the dog follow them, saving sequences is less important. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this type of interaction. |
| Offline use and data | Whether the features you want require an internet connection or app, and how the microphone, Bluetooth or voice control handles data. | I want to know whether the toy works without a constant connection and where any recordings might be sent. For around 20% of consumers, finding this out is a priority. |
A training function may mean that the robot can save and play back a sequence of movements you’ve entered. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can programme it using variables, sensor logic or an app interface.
Check the instructions to see which actions you can enter, whether they stay saved and how long a sequence can be.
A gesture may trigger a single action without letting you guide the robot around the room in a particular direction. Silverlit lists gesture control and direct control as separate features for the Robo Dackel R.
If your child wants to guide the dog deliberately towards play targets, check for directional or direct control separately from gesture features.
The German consumer advice centre warns that connected toys can pose risks relating to data processing and Bluetooth and internet connections. The German Federal Network Agency also describes certain situations in which toys that can transmit data and have covert recording features may be prohibited.
Check the product description, instructions and privacy information for details of the microphone, camera, connections, local processing and data sharing. If your child wants to use voice commands in German, ask the seller to confirm that they’re available for the specific model.
The instructions for the Lexibook Power Puppy DOG01 specify a rechargeable battery for the robot and two AA/LR6 batteries for the remote control. Silverlit specifies five AA batteries for the Robo Dackel R and two AAA batteries for the remote control; the manufacturer says these batteries aren’t included.
Check what’s included, the charging connection, and the stated run and charging times for the version you’re considering. If you’re choosing a model with a rechargeable battery, also check whether it can be replaced if needed.
According to Lexibook, the Power Puppy DOG01 combines remote control and tricks with a training function for creating new dances and movements.
According to the manufacturer, the Robo Dackel R focuses on gestures, direct control and visible actions such as following and fetching a ball.
Yes. Toys placed on the EU market must carry a CE mark under the EU Toy Safety Directive. Check the mark on the specific product; it doesn’t tell you which control or programming features the model offers.
No. Voice control alone doesn’t make a robot dog illegal. The German Federal Network Agency describes cases in which toys that can transmit data are prohibited if voice or image files are recorded and used or shared without the user’s knowledge, or if they can secretly record other people. So check the recording and transmission features of the specific model.
According to the Lexibook instructions, the robot uses an included rechargeable 3.7 V, 600 mAh battery. The remote control needs two AA/LR6 batteries, which aren’t included. If play time is important to you, check the run and charging times for this model before buying.
Silverlit specifies five AA batteries for the Robo Dackel R and two AAA batteries for its remote control; the manufacturer says they aren’t included. Make sure you have both types of battery if you want to use the toy straight out of the box.