Ford’s Noise-Canceling Doghouse Keeps Your Pup Calm, Cool During Fireworks
In light of the upcoming New Year Eve’s fireworks celebrations, Ford has unveiled its noise-canceling doghouse prototype, inspired by technology built into its ‘Edge SUV’ model that warrants quieter rides for drivers and passengers.
“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,” explains Graeme Hall aka ‘The Dogfather’—a renowned dog trainer in the UK who has helped 5,000 canines and their owners with behavioural problems—on Ford Europe’s blog. “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.”
According to Ford Europe, “An estimated 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks—causing distress to owners and their families too.”
To help calm man’s best friend and provide a safe place for respite, Ford built this special kennel that houses microphones, which detect the sound of the fireworks. Its built-in audio system then emits opposing frequencies to cancel out the audio of the fireworks completely, or at least reduce it significantly.
“High-density cork, ideal for sound proofing was an integral part of the design,” explains Ford Europe.
“We wondered how the technologies we use in our cars could help people in other situations. Making sure dogs and their owners could enjoy a stress-free New Year’s Eve seemed like the perfect application for our Active Noise Control system, and we have a few more ideas in progress as to how our everyday lives might benefit from a little Ford know-how,” commented Lyn West, Ford Europe’s brand content manager of Marketing Communication.
Although the kennel remains a prototype for now, and was created with fireworks in mind, many readers on Ford Europe’s blog have already begun asking about its price, availability, and whether it is just as effective during thunderstorms.
Reader ‘JP’ responded, “Please make this a reality. There’s an estimated 90 million dogs in American homes, more than 1/2 suffer from fear of thunder and fireworks. You would be improving the quality of life of so many, 4 legged and 2.”
[via Ford Europe, video via Ford Europe, main image via Ford Europe]
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