Traditional toys, video games, and action figures tend to operate on pretty simple principles. You push a button, something happens; you push the button again, and the same thing happens again. Not so with Tekno, the Electronic Robot Puppy, one of the most popular entries in the electronic dog craze. And that unpredictability is part of the charm. A seemingly simple little silver pooch, Tekno becomes more engrossing the more time you spend with it. Various commands, buttons, and actions lead to an entertaining assortment of walks, barks, yelps, tail-waggings, and even words. Even those skeptical about robotic pets may find themselves shouting out commands, petting Tekno, trying to figure out what will happen next, and beaming with pride when the electronic pup does something new. Some may even realize that what they"re feeling is the same parental pride that accompanies a successful dog training. Tekno comes with a plastic bone, a card trick to perform, and, mercifully, an on/off switch. --John Moe