In an age where technology touches every corner of our lives, it’s no surprise that it’s now making waves in the pet industry. From smart feeders to GPS collars, pet tech has exploded in popularity — and the Wickedbone Smart Bone stands out as one of the most intriguing innovations. Marketed as the world’s first “smart and interactive dog toy,” it promises to keep your furry friend entertained while you sit back and control the action.
The Wickedbone is an interactive, app-controlled dog toy that’s designed to stimulate both your dog’s body and mind. Developed by Cheerble, a company that specializes in smart pet products, this high-tech bone aims to bring a new level of engagement to your dog’s playtime. Shaped like a regular bone but equipped with wheels at both ends, it can move, spin, roll, and react to your dog’s actions.
Unlike ordinary chew toys that rely solely on texture or scent to attract your dog’s attention, the Wickedbone combines movement, sound, and interactivity. It can be driven manually through an app or set to “smart mode,” where it moves autonomously in response to your dog’s touch or approach. This means your dog can chase, pounce, or play tug-of-war with the toy — even when you’re not holding a leash.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Wickedbone looks sleek and futuristic. It’s made of FDA food-grade polycarbonate, a material known for being both durable and safe for pets. The central body houses the electronics, while the detachable rubber tires on each end act as bumpers that absorb shock and protect the device when it crashes into furniture or walls.
The toy measures around 151 millimeters long and weighs just under 300 grams, making it ideal for small to medium-sized dogs. For larger breeds, the Wickedbone is still entertaining, though some power chewers might find its durability lacking. The removable tires are a thoughtful touch — they can be easily cleaned or replaced if your pup gets a bit too enthusiastic.
The color options are minimalist — typically white with soft blue LED accents — giving it a clean, modern appearance that fits right into a tech-savvy home.
How It Works: Two Modes of Play
Features two primary modes: Drive Mode and Interactive Mode, both of which add flexibility to playtime.
1. Drive Mode
In this mode, you control the Wickedbone through the companion app available on both iOS and Android. The interface features a virtual joystick, allowing you to steer the toy like a remote-controlled car. You can also trigger pre-programmed actions — flips, spins, circles, or back-and-forth movements — to tease and engage your dog.
Drive Mode is perfect for pet owners who enjoy active play sessions and want to bond with their pets through direct interaction. The app even includes sound effects and speed adjustments, giving you full control over how wild or calm the playtime gets.
If you’re busy working or cooking dinner, you can switch to Interactive Mode. In this setting, the Wickedbone uses its internal sensors and algorithm to react automatically to your dog’s actions. When your dog touches it, the toy moves or wiggles in response — mimicking real play behavior.
It can run around the room, stop suddenly, roll away, or spin in place — all designed to keep your dog intrigued. This mode is a lifesaver for pet owners who want to keep their dogs entertained without having to constantly intervene.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is always a concern with smart devices, and the Wickedbone performs fairly well here. It’s powered by a 470–500 mAh rechargeable battery that charges fully in about one hour via USB. Depending on how you use it, it lasts approximately 40 minutes in manual Drive Mode and up to four hours in Interactive Mode.
While not marathon-worthy, the battery life is reasonable considering how much movement and responsiveness it delivers. Still, for extended play sessions, you’ll need to recharge it regularly — or keep another toy on hand to fill in the gaps.
Performance and User Experience
When in action, the Wickedbone is fast, smooth, and surprisingly agile. It can reach speeds of around 3.5 meters per second, darting across floors and turning sharply thanks to its wheel design. The Bluetooth range of about 20 meters ensures you can control it from a distance without losing connection, provided there aren’t too many obstacles in the way.
Most users report that their dogs are immediately intrigued by the Wickedbone’s unpredictable movements. Dogs that love to chase things — like Terriers, Retrievers, and Shepherd mixes — tend to respond especially well. Some dogs, however, may take a bit of time to warm up to it, particularly if they’re used to plush or squeaky toys rather than hard plastic.
One of the biggest positives is mental stimulation. Dogs that spend too much time alone can develop boredom-related behaviors like chewing furniture or barking excessively. The Wickedbone helps alleviate that by providing interactive play that challenges their instincts.
Durability and Safety
Durability is perhaps the most debated aspect of the Wickedbone. For light to moderate chewers, the toy holds up quite well. The polycarbonate shell resists scratches and impacts, while the rubber wheels cushion most bumps. However, for strong chewers, this isn’t indestructible — persistent gnawing could damage the outer casing or expose internal parts, which could be dangerous.
The manufacturer advises supervised play, especially during the first few sessions. Because it’s an electronic device with a battery, dogs shouldn’t be left alone with it for long periods or allowed to chew it like a bone.
This isn’t waterproof, either, so it’s best used indoors or on dry, flat surfaces. You can remove and wash the tires, but the main body should never be submerged.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Highly interactive and fun for both dogs and owners
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Smart auto-play mode keeps pets engaged
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Durable, safe materials (FDA food-grade polycarbonate)
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Easy to clean; replaceable rubber tires
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Great for mental and physical stimulation
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Sleek design with simple, intuitive app control
Cons
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Not suitable for heavy chewers
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Limited battery life in manual mode
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Not waterproof (indoor use recommended)
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High price compared to regular toys
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Requires supervision for safety
Price and Availability
The Wickedbone retails at around $60–$70 USD, depending on the retailer, though prices can vary significantly by region — on some import platforms like Alibaba due to shipping and wholesale pricing. You can find it on Amazon, Cheerble’s official website, and major online pet stores. Replacement tires and accessories are also available for purchase separately.
Who Is It Best For?
This is ideal for tech-savvy dog owners who want to enrich their pet’s playtime experience. It’s particularly well-suited for:
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Dogs that get bored easily or need more mental stimulation
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Owners who work from home and want a way to entertain their dogs during meetings
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Small to medium dogs that enjoy chasing, pawing, or pouncing on moving toys
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Pet lovers who appreciate smart technology and modern design
It might not be the best choice for large breeds with powerful jaws or for households that prefer low-maintenance toys.
The Verdict: A Smart Toy with Real Heart
This is more than a novelty — it’s a thoughtful step forward in the world of pet technology. It bridges the gap between traditional toys and interactive gadgets, offering a new way to connect with your pet even when life gets busy. While it’s not indestructible and carries a premium price tag, the fun, engagement, and mental stimulation it provides make it worth considering for the right type of dog.
For dogs that crave excitement and owners who love innovation, this is a glimpse into the future of pet playtime — where smart tech meets wagging tails.
