World's First Dog TV Remote Means Your Pooch Can Change Channels When You're Out

The 21st century has brought many fascinating innovations into our daily lives, but none as exciting as the world’s first dog television remote.

You heard. 

The world’s first dog-friendly television remote has been created by Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, PhD Researcher in Animal Computer Design at the University of Central Lancashire and pet food brand Wagg.

The partnership decided to build the prototype because owners “feel guilty” about leaving their dogs alone at home, either while they are out during the day.

Dan Reeves from Wagg said: “We wanted to create something that would keep the dog entertained and reassure owners of their well-being.”

Reeves wants dogs to feel like they are part of the family and as such should get to channel hop and pick what they watch whilst relaxing at home.

The dog remote allows canines to control the TV by themselves when owners leave the room, made with extra large buttons (the absence of thumbs means paws can get pretty clumsy).

Not to mention the colour scheme (the remote comes in blue and yellow) because dog’s eyesight is most receptive to these colours because they are red-green colour blind.

Hirskyj-Douglas said: “Recent research found the average dog now watches more than nine hours of TV a week, showing that technology is already playing a huge part in our pets’ lives."

This is the next step in animal computer interaction, which has seen many pet-focused apps and interactive toy launches over the past few years – including the intelligent dog bone.

The remote has been commissioned as a spoof by Wagg alongside the special Channel 4 episode of Gogglebox, which will see pets watching our favourite shows - Dogglebox.