The Wrapping Paper is Gone, So is the Excitement
Written: Mar 26 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cute concept
Cons: Fragile, doesn't interact much.
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a toy that will entertain your child for a long time, it may be worth the extra money to look elsewhere considering Poo-chi's limited abilities.
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| Mrs.Mac's Full Review: Poo-Chi The Interactive Puppy |
My son's delighted squeals when he's excited always make me smile. His face lit up last October when he received his Poo-chi for his birthday. For the rest of the night I was "treated" to songs by Poo-chi. We were amused by the fact Poo-chi didn't like singing Bingo for us. (His distaste was indicated by his eyes, my son informed me)
I was skeptical. It didn't always respond to clapping and "Good Dog" as it was supposed to, and quite frankly, I was expecting it to respond to more than that. But, my son seemed to be happy, and that's what was important.
Between October and December all I heard from my younger son was "I want a Poo-chi too"!! I ignored the fact that my older son wasn't playing with his much anymore and once again I was sucked in. I started searching stores and the web for the elusive gold and black Poo-chi my youngest son wanted.
In the meantime, I had to use a pen to "reset" the Poo-chi we already had twice because he mysteriously quit working. He couldn't seem to get up on his feet when he sang, and although the reset button worked it seemed like his legs were just worn out.
Christmas came and my youngest son got his wish and we were all anticipating the two Poo-chis interacting. The instructions say if they like each other, they will sing a song together. It took some doing to push the buttons on top of their heads 5 times at the exact same time to get them to do this. The boys finally managed this, and we were treated to When the Saints Go Marching In. We were "treated" to it about 50 times that day. This is the only song they sing with each other, and the only way they interact.
It wasn't long before both of my boys lost interest. It took less than a month. I also found it interesting the newer Poo-chi seemed to get a case of weak legs too.
Poo-chi's Faults in a Nutshell
Cheap construction, I've put Poo-chi's ears on more times than I can count. Legs seem to malfunction.
The only way they interact is to bark in response to clapping or "Good Dog" both of which have to be very loud and very close for it to work
There is no "off" button. Poo-chi has to be kept in the dark and not played with for a few minutes to shut up.
There is nothing unique about them, they ALL hate to sing Bingo, and they all sing When the Saints Come Marching In when they are together.
It's bone is not small enough to be a choking hazard, but it is small and unattached to the dog, so it is easy to loose.
If they would add a few more functions to this toy, it would be great, although I know that would raise the price. Both of the Poo-chi's were purchased for my boys around $20 each, which were cheaper than the other interactive pets that were popular last Christmas. But, the old saying "You get what you pay for", really rings true in Poo-chi's case.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 20.00
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years
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Epinions.com ID:
Mrs.Mac
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Member: Lori McAlister
Location: Indiana
Reviews written: 57
Trusted by: 20 members
About Me:
Mom to two wonderful boys, a huge Peanuts fan, and wannabe computer nerd.
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