This was posted 5 months 19 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Furbo 360° Dog Camera $119 Delivered ($30 3-Month Premium Safety Package Subscription Required) @ Furbo AU Amazon AU

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If you have a dog that you have to leave by itself, this thing is a must. Previously, my dog would start feeling anxious after around 4 hours of being by himself, escalating to noticeable distress by the 6-hour mark. Since using this product, he can comfortably spend up to 10 hours alone without exhibiting any signs of stress upon my return from work.

Tossing a treat once every hour is enough to keep your pet engaged and prevent them from fixating on your absence and sitting behind the door the whole time.

Now the deal. The normal Furbo's usual price is $319 (now on sale for $249). The subscription based version (which is new), is now on sale for $159 with a coupon that brings it down to $119.

The subscription model needs an active subscription to work (duh!), however, the subscription is only mandatory for the first 3 months. At $10 a month, that's $30.

So even with the $30 for the mandatory subscription, you're effectively getting the usually $359 device for $149.

Speaking from personal experience, I find the subscription worthwhile. The app is really smart and the subscription offers continuous alerts for barking, crying, howling, CO/smoke, and glass breaking (these are in addition to the alerts that you get without subscription). Trust me, the alerts actually work, and you have the option to adjust their sensitivity to suit your preferences.

If you have any questions, ask away.

P.S.: just to clarify, the initial subscription only opens up additional software features (like the alerts that I mentioned above) and is not required for the device's basic functions like live viewing, tossing treats, and basic alerts. However, 3 months of subscription is still mandatory for this deal.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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  • +1

    Have always wondered if these are effective, thanks for sharing your experience in the desc OP.

    • One more thing worth mentioning is that compared to similar devices on the market, this makes the least noise when tossing a treat. So if you're dog is a nervous wreck who jumps up with every little noise, this is your best option out there. Also, compared to the competition, the app is the smartest by far.

      • What happens if you don’t subscribe after 3 months?

        • Nothing. You'll have a perfectly working device (RRP $359) unlocked forever. You just don't get the alerts that I mentioned in the post (you still get some basic alerts that don't need subscription).

          • @DontNeedThis: How far does it shoot out the treat?

            • @nightelves: It's really random and depends on the size of the treat. Sometimes two to three meters away, sometimes right in front of it. I personally put the device on the edge my dinner table.

      • Did you buy all of the other competitor versions as well?

        • You know people write reviews and you can read them and don't have to buy every product, right? You must be broke by now.

          • @DontNeedThis: Generally when someone writes something like "compared to similar devices on the market, this makes the least noise when tossing a treat. So if you're dog is a nervous wreck who jumps up with every little noise, this is your best option out there. Also, compared to the competition, the app is the smartest by far"

            It appears they are writing as if it is a fact, not something they have read from, most likely, paid reviews.

            • @the-fuzz: My experience was based on trying two other products and reading reviews on the rest. Your question was if I had tried "every" other product, which is a troll question to begin with.

              Also, aren't paid reviews supposed to be positive? Who pays people to write negative reviews for them?

              • @DontNeedThis: Lots of companies pay for "reviews" to rubbish other products.

                Anyway, all good - enjoy the Furbo

  • So just to clarify, this version is the exact same as the more expensive version, it just requires 3 months of a subscription? After that they're exactly the same?

    • Correct, it is exactly the same device. I have both versions. The subscription lock will lift the moment you pay the $29.97 subscription fee and you'll be left with the original non-subscription device.

  • What do you mean the subscription is only mandatory for 3 months? From my understanding, 3 month is the minimum subscription period, but after the 3 months the product will not work without an active subscription. Am i wrong?

    • Please refer to my comment below.

  • Just to clarify, you only need to get subscription for three months to lift the subscription lock. After that, you have a normal device that doesn't need subscription (RRP $359).

    Also note that you need to pay the 3 months subscription ($29.97) at the start. You can cancel right after.

  • Can I just clarify, based on what I've found on their website, a subscription is required to watch any recordings?

    As in, without a subscription, you can only view live video from the camera?

    • +1

      Correct, the camera auto records some events (like the dog barking, howling, etc.). If you're not subscribed, it won't record them. You'll just be able to watch your dog live and toss them treats.

      • +1

        Perfect, thank you

  • +1

    Dogs need to know that their food comes from their master and not a machine though.

    • These are treat so they don’t get bored.

  • If you have a cat and are wondering if there is any difference between the cat and dog models, the AI in the cat version is trained to recognise and alert on hearing Meowing (vs dog barking). If you only need it to watch your cat and toss them treats, the dog version will do just fine (basically the same device) and is cheaper.

  • Can’t see the 3 months minimum to unlock full camera. Sounds to me like you need to subscribe to use, and that 3 months is the minimum term for subscription?

    • No, the subscription only opens extra features like the alerts that I mentioned in the post. Basic features like live viewing, treating tossing, and basic alerts, don't need a subscription.

      • Took your word for it. Bought one.

        • You still need to subscribe for 3 months. It's their marketing tactic to encourage you to subscribe to the app. You'll pay the 3 months upfront and can cancel right after.

          Its been a life saver for me. I have two, which I've put in different rooms just to make it more fun for my dog.

          It makes a squeaky sound when tossing the treats (just need to turn the sound on in the settings). So even if the dogs are not near it, they'll still hear the sound and come running.

          • @DontNeedThis: Can you subscribe via itunes Turkey?

            • @nightelves: Assuming your not joking: I'm on Android, but the app didn't go to Google Pay for payment, it took me to its own website. I'm pretty sure it's the same on ios.

              • @DontNeedThis: Oh I thought it was through an app.

                • @nightelves: Itis through the app, but the app takes you to their own website. At least that's how it is on Android.

                  • @DontNeedThis: Bought one based on your review. Does this device need to be plugged in all the time?

                    • @nightelves: It doesn't have a battery, so needs to be plugged in when you want to use it. When you plug it in, it takes about 20 to 30 seconds to boot up and connect to the internet.
                      Mine are connected to smart plugs, so in case I go out and forget to turn them on, I just turn on the plug remotely.
                      Trust me, if your dog loves treats, they're going to love this. And you'll have peace of mind too.

                      • @DontNeedThis: Just bought mine. So once you subscribe to the $30 plan should you cancel right away? Also can you schedule how often a treat gets thrown?

                        • @nightelves: Yes you can cancel right away. From what I've read on the internet, you can schedule through Alexa. I don't have Alexa, so I'm not sure how that works. I just open the app once an hour or once in two hours and toss him a treat. The simple fact that he doesn't fixate on my absence for 10 hours, has made him so much calmer. Before this, he could barely tolerate 5 hours, once a week.

                          • @DontNeedThis: One other thing I’ve noticed. The app does not have sounding when viewing the video. Is that correct?

                            • @nightelves: It does. It's two way audio.

                              • @DontNeedThis: The video playback. It says dog barking but I can’t hear the sound 😂

                                • @nightelves: You mean the recorded videos? My dog doesn't bark a lot, so I only have had those alerts a few times, and every time I checked, there was barking (with sound). If it's a live view, the barking might have stopped. If you're not hearing anything at all, your mic might be faulty.

                                  How are you finding it? Does your dog like it?

                                  • @DontNeedThis: Nah do is scared of the sound and I’m trying to get her used to it. How do you get your dig used to the sound?

                                    • @nightelves: Don't turn on the device for the first couple of days. Let her get used to it. Put treats on top of it, let her pick up. Give treats for every interaction that she has with it. Even the smallest interactions. My dog is scared of everything, but he got used to this in 15 minutes.

  • +2

    I have had one of these for a couple years. Works really well for its purpose. Camera quality is very good, app works well. Sometimes it shoots too many treats but then I just don't do it again. Hasn't caused any behaviour issues - pretty sure my dog knows its me who activates it (you're meant to train them to know you control it, e.g. have a training session, you say 'yes' when they do the correct behaviour, and then make the machine give the treat.

    As with any camera that can be viewed from the internet (with credentials) just be cautious of what it can see inside your home. Who knows with any of these IoT devices

  • worst idea in pet history. humans need to feed pets, and the pets need human interaction, if your answer to things is to use a remote robot to feed your pet, then youre doing it wrong. if you wouldnt buy one to admin a human child, then dont do it to a pet…

    buy one of these (its cheaper, and no subscription) and actually spend time with your pet. your pet doesnt need treats while youre at work, unless youre trying to make sure obesity continues to be a pet issue too, or you can use a simple feeder to feed them if you must

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/812655

    • Furbo is the best thing I've ever bought for my dog. He's so happy with it that I bought two. What do you suggest for someone who has to work in the office 4 days a week, and is away 10 hours in those days? My dog can barely tolerate being alone more than 5 hours. By 6 hours he is mess. But with this device he is surprisingly chill and happy even for 10 hours.

      What's the use of a simple camera for the dog? How is he going to interact with a security camera?

      • +2

        This might sound harsh, but…its honest

        Personally if i was in an office 10 hours a day, i probably wouldnt get a dog - id get a far less demanding/less dependent pet, or id pay a human to walk or spend time with them

        I was a petminder for over a decade (retired now) for people just like that, i also housesat/petminder for sometimes 8 weeks for a steady roster of friends for absolutely no $$. So maybe find a family friend or neighbour who could benefit themselves from some pet contact (maybe they cant have one in their home/apartment) and throw them a few $, most would probably do it for $0

        theres literally half a dozen things id do before ceding pet care to a camera and built in lazy treat dispenser, and then if i got to that stage id think about the welfare of the animal above and over the (self admitted) limited time i actually spent with them.

        speaking as someone who is about to rehome a cat, because im now at home 90% of the time, and cats are far less dependent than dogs… sadly my roster of friends with pets now have to find someone else to look after their pets…they had a good run

        also most cameras have a two way intercom function, you can still interact with the animal, you just wont be feeding it treats for no reason

        the average pet has a human intelligence equivalency of about 2-5 years, so its basically like throwing candy at a toddler, remotely, for no reason. youre not teaching it anything good

        • +2

          Personally if i was in an office 10 hours a day, i probably wouldnt get a dog

          A lot of things happen in life mate. A lot of ups and downs. I didn't wake up one day and decided to leave my dog alone for 10 hours a day. People find new jobs, people get separated from their partners, and so on and so on.

          • +2

            @DontNeedThis: understood, and sympathize

            i just spent 13 years looking for a place i could even have a companion animal (and i have a disability, which meant 0 in Sydney stupid landlords have all the rights market), and that was after taking 10 years to get over losing my last cat. So im 23 years in the hole since regular pet company of my own at home, and it came along at the best time because im now there most of the time, but i made do in the meantime by walking and looking after others pets, and im sure theres plenty out there in the same boat only too happy to spend time with others pets for their own mental health and enrichment, yes theres paid services, but theres people also just want the contact and not looking for $, everyone benefits

            anyways best of luck and have a good weekend!

  • Thanks for the very detailed description OP! A deal was posted today of the same item and no one went into as much detail as you so very happy I found your post. I was able to save some $$ getting the $99 model and subscribing for 3 months then cancel. My dog is also very anxious when left home alone for long periods but she also loves treats so I’m hoping this solves the problem of her tearing up the couch. Thanks again :)

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