We Tried It: The Dirt Devil DogWalker
It promises an easy, no-contact dog poop cleanup. Does it deliver? Well, it depends on several factors. Spoiler: Testing was sometimes quite messy.
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Managing pet waste efficiently is an ongoing challenge for many dog owners. My routine, like many dog parents, involves using poop bags during walks and a pooper scooper for backyard cleanup. However, the Dirt Devil DogWalker introduces a different approach, aiming to streamline pet waste management with a vacuum-powered system that picks up waste directly from the ground.
I tested this product for a week with my two 40-pound dogs. Consumer Reports also sent a Dirt Devil DogWalker to an employee’s father, who has a disability, for testing with his 45-pound dog. Here’s what we thought.
First Impressions
The Dirt Devil DogWalker was neatly packaged alongside 16 scented disposable waste cups, a charger, and a lanyard. Despite the claim of scented cups, I couldn’t detect any noticeable fragrance, which might be preferable for those sensitive to scents. The build quality is robust and solid. Ergonomically, it’s comfortable to hold. These initial impressions set a hopeful tone for the functionality and effectiveness of the device.
Setup and Charging
The Dirt Devil DogWalker is ready for use and requires minimal setup. The charging process is straightforward, with the vacuum unit being operational after two hours of charging. Attaching the lanyard and the disposable waste cups is intuitive. The device includes an on/off button and a big “quick release” button to remove the cup efficiently after use.
Upon initial use, I noticed that the disposable waste cups did not appear to have an internal layer to catch the pet waste. However, a closer inspection revealed a paper netting at the base of the cup, which aids in trapping the waste. Additionally, the vacuum includes a removable, washable mesh filter (the brand does not provide washing instructions). While this filter provides some level of filtration, it is important to note that it is not a sealed HEPA filter.
How the Dirt Devil Dog Walker Performed
I tested the Dirt Devil DogWalker in two rounds, using two different types of samples: Sample one consisted of both wrapped and partially softened unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses, while sample two involved actual dog poop. These tests were carried out across dry grass, decking, and pavement to assess the vacuum’s versatility and effectiveness.
We had to make multiple attempts when picking up unwrapped Hershey's Kisses from grass.
