Automatic tennis ball launchers for dogs are so yesterday.
Robotics, artificial intelligence and other advanced dog technology continues to deliver futuristic tech for dog lovers and their furry family members. This dog tech makes life more fun and/or easier for dogs and their owners.
Some of this new dog technology offers clear advantages, and others, not so much. Here are just a few recent dog tech picks that could help you and your dog.
Know your dog’s emotional state
A new dog tech collar harnesses AI to interpret if your dog is feeling happy, anxious, angry, sad or relaxed. Developed in South Korea, the collar pairs a proprietary algorithm with a database of 10,000 canine vocal samples from about 50 breeds to interpret your dog’s moods. Although the company claims an “emotional recognition accuracy rate of more than 80 percent,” short of having the dog verify its mood, we’re not sure how that figure is calculated. But as dog technology evolves, there’s huge potential here.
Create a virtual fence anywhere with new dog technology
Another smart system attaches to your dog’s collar and uses vibrations, sound and ultrasonic signals, rather than shocks, to keep your pet within boundaries. By opening the app and drawing a line with your finger, you can create a fence in a matter of seconds, thanks to geofence technology.
Let your pup out to potty remotely
Pet doors used to be nothing more than flimsy flaps that let your pets out but could also allow a family of racoons inside. This CES Smart Home Innovation Award Winner reads your dog’s Bluetooth collar sensor, then activates the doors to open sideways like an elevator.
Or the device can send you a push notification that your pet is at the door and you can open the app, click to open the door and supervise your pet’s comings and goings with live video streaming and 2-way communication. Dog tech that makes life easier for both humans and dogs!
Play with your pet
Touted as “the first 100% automatic pet companion,” this auto-ball can be programmed with three different interaction modes to move on its own and keep dogs on their toes. It also includes a treat hole for more interest.
Still, it’s never a good idea to leave pets alone with toys in case they accidentally chew or swallow them. Supervised play is always safer, especially when dog tech is involved.
Be comforted by a dog, even if you can’t own one
Two companies offer furry, robotic pets. One is about the size and weight of a small dog and has a palpable heartbeat. If you can get over the fact that it doesn’t have a head or legs, it may be comforting to see the tail wag when the pillow is stroked. Dog tech at its finest!
The other option uses AI, a unique algorithm and built-in sensors to evaluate interactions with different people and express emotions such as happiness, excitement or calm through movements and animal-like mewing. This one is also limbless but features soft fur and black eyes. What will they think of next?
Dog technology is an ever-evolving world of possibility, and that world changes quickly. It’s worth checking in regularly with your favorite pet outlets to see what they have in store on the dog tech front. Your dog will appreciate it!
The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian.
