UK-Based Startup Reveals Plans to Develop Video Game Consoles for Dogs

While you may have a video game console to entertain yourself every now and then, a man’s best friend is also an equally fun partner to spend your time with.

But what happens when you’re busy and you don’t have the time to spend with your dog? On one hand, you do have video games as an alternative. But canines don’t necessarily have that as an option. Until now.

As reported by Axios, a UK-based startup called Joipaw has showcased a plan to develop video games for dogs to play. The current prototypes feature games that play on a custom saliva-resistant touch-screen console for the dogs to interact with their snouts.

At the moment, Joipaw is testing games like Whack-A-Mole, and another test where dogs determine which side has more bubbles. While the reward for completing challenges in games for human players is pride, dogs receive much more, as the console dispenses treats upon succeeding.

The idea of a video game console for dogs stemmed from Joipaw co-founder Dersim Avdar’s decision to give his pet Kawet something to entertain itself..

However, in a recent blog post, Avdar explained why the console may provide cognitive benefits to ageing dogs. According to studies shown by Avdar, mental stimulation along with a healthy lifestyle helps delay the onset of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or dementia. With the condition affecting around 35% of dogs over 8 years of age, Joipaw’s solutions might help dogs in the long run.

Joipaw currently offers several long-term solutions to people, who are looking to provide physical and cognitive solution to their dogs. The company’s current product lineup also features wearables and a software platform that helps owners track their dog’s health indicators.