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Find out what your dog is really up to with Mattel's Puppy Tweets. This fun electronic device attaches to your dog's collar and transmits tweets about her physical activity during the day. Barking, sleeping, and running all trigger humorous tweets corresponding to the activity, such as "I've got a new leash on life!" or "L'il help! Nose stuck in bird feeder!" This fun accessory is perfect for any adult dog owner who wants to know what Fido does while home alone.

Puppy Tweets
Ages: Adult
Requires: Phillips screwdriver (for battery installation), computer with USB port, Twitter account
What We Think
Fun factor:
Durability:
Ease of assembly:
Novelty factor:

The Good: A fun way to lightly monitor your dog's behavior while you're away.

The Challenging: Repetitive tweets cannot be customized or changed by dog owners.

In a Nutshell: A device that brightens any dog owner's day.
Opposable Thumbs Not Required
Puppy Tweets works wirelessly with an electronic tag that communicates to the provided USB dongle when installed on a nearby computer. Tweets are generated based on the dog's physical behavior, such as running or napping, and audible behavior, like barking, and transmitted to a dog's Twitter account wirelessly via the USB dongle. The operating range varies depending on physical obstructions but may reach up to 100 feet between USB dongle and the tag.

Twitter Isn't Just for the Birds
After downloading the Puppy Tweets software and inserting the 3V lithium battery, dog owners can access the Puppy Tweets desktop icon to modify the frequency of tweets. The content of the tweets, however, is not customizable. In response to consumer demand, on the manufacturer's Web site there is mention of forthcoming downloadable "packs" for increased variety of puppy tweets.

Although the tag that attaches to the dog's collar is made of hard plastic, the device is not likely to withstand destruction if Fido ever uses the device as a chew toy. However, when the tag is securely attached to a dog's collar it is out of reach and should not get in the way of usual canine activity.

What's in the Box
Puppy Tweets tag, USB dongle, 3V lithium battery, and battery instruction sheet.

Simple to set up, the Puppy Tweets device attaches directly to your dog's collar.
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You'll receive hilarious tweets about your dog's status - whether he's eating, playing, or napping! (shown in blue) View larger.

From the Manufacturer

Tweets are the new Barks! Ever wonder what your pup is doing while you're away? Well, now you can get the 411 with text messages from Puppy Tweets! Whenever your dog moves, barks (or just naps), the tag knows it and sends a WiFi signal to your computer which then sends you a Tweet via Twitter. Simply set up a Twitter page for your dog and your Puppy Tweets tag starts generating Tweets. Puppy Tweets comes pre-loaded with over 500 phrases that put a humorous or insightful spin on your dog's daily activity. For example, a bark may generate a Tweet of: “I bark because I miss you. There I said it. Now hurry home.” A quick run through the house could produce: “I finally caught that tail I’ve been chasing and…OOUUUCHH!” Invite your friends and family to follow your pet on Twitter and help your dog follow his or her favorite puppy pals or celebrities. Puppy Twitter lets you connect with your pet over the Internet. It’s a great way to brighten your day ‘cause a Tweet from your pooch is a virtual smooch!