With the festive season comes New Year Fireworks and an estimated 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.
Many of us look forward to New Year Eve with the countdown to midnight and the skies illuminated by fireworks, but this can cause distress to pet owners.
To help pet owners during this stressful time, Ford Motor Company may have the answer, a noise-cancelling kennel that uses similar technology to that found in cars and headphones to protect sensitive canine ears.
Once microphones inside the prototype kennel detect the sound of fireworks, a built-in audio system emits opposing frequencies that in effect cancel out the noise completely – or at least reduces it significantly.
High-density cork, ideal for sound proofing was an integral part of the design, which results in no more stress for your pet. The kennel is a concept for now, but with the potential to mean a much better start to the year, both for your dog – and you.
Graeme Hall, one of the UKs best dog trainers, said: “Many animals find fireworks scary- and compared to people, dogs can hear things that are four times further away, and across a much wider range of frequencies. Preparing in advance of firework displays is the key – and part of that is to identify a place where your pets feel safe and happy.”
The idea was inspired by the noise-cancelling technology that Ford was introduced to the Edge SUV, that helps to ensure quieter journeys for drivers and passengers.
When microphones pick up high levels of noise from the engine of transmission, this is counteracted using opposing sound waves from the car’s audio system.
Lyn West, Brand Content Manager, Marketing and Communications, Ford of Europe, said: “We wondered how the technologies we use in our cars could be applied to help in other situations. Could dogs enjoy quieter New Year’s Eve celebrations through the application of our Active Noise Control System? We have a few more ideas in progress as to how or everyday lives might benefit from a little Ford know-how.”
Just a prototype for now, the noise-cancelling kennel is the first in a series of Ford initiatives – called interventions – that applies automotive know-how to help solve everyday problems.
