A VIDEO game console is being developed for dogs to help improve their brains and help them better deal with separation anxiety.
A UK-based company came up with the idea of a console for dogs after founder Dersim Avdar wanted something to help his dog Kawet when he’s away from home.
The prototype for the Joipaw.
The upcoming system apparently offers a number of health benefits for dogs, and can help owners track their pets’ health.
Called the Joipaw, the console is designed to be used by dogs while their owners are away.
Much like how cat owners are known to play bird videos for their furry friends, the console will feature a number of interactive games to keep dogs entertained.
Working with animal-computer interaction researcher Clara Mancini, the company has developed a number of games to help improve dogs’ health.
The games are simple and are controlled by a touch screen, most based on observing and catching critters.
Mancini believes that the activities could help dogs suffering from canine dementia.
The console will incentivise dogs to play the games by offering treats, and will also help with separation anxiety and boredom.
The games will also collect data on the dogs’ performance, and the console comes with a built-in camera so you can check up on them.
This can also help owners document their dogs’ health and see and vet if problems arise, identifying issues earlier.
Some of the games are also designed to be played together with their owners, and will be released as a subscription service.
No price and release date has been set for the Joipaw, as it is still being developed.
Dealing with separation anxiety is a common issue for dog owners, whose pets become stressed when they are left alone.
This can lead to a number of unwanted behaviours, such as destroying items and furniture, or barking loudly.
A number of apps are available to help with the issue, but this is the first time a whole console has been developed with the idea in mind.
Written by Oliver Brandt and Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
