How SilentBuddy is intended to work
The idea is simple. Your dog learns there is a difference between "it is not morning yet" and "the day has started".
Before your chosen wake time
If your dog wakes and starts barking, SilentBuddy detects the sound.
The concept includes a possible ultrasonic cue: a short tone pitched above human hearing, intended to interrupt early barking. You stay in bed, so you don't accidentally reward the barking by getting up.
Your dog then has the chance to settle again.
At your chosen wake time
SilentBuddy changes state. The sunrise-style light gradually comes on and the gentle melody plays.
That is the positive, predictable cue that morning has started. Now is the time to get up, go out and have breakfast.
Repeated every day
Noise at 5am does not start the day.
The SilentBuddy morning signal does.
That is the whole behavioural idea. The aim is for your dog to learn it through consistency.
Images are design renders. SilentBuddy is in development.
What still has to be proven
We would rather tell you what we don't know yet.
- The ultrasonic cue is part of the concept, not a settled feature. It needs proper technical, welfare and behavioural validation before it goes into a product.
- We don't claim it is proven safe, effective or suitable for every dog. Views on ultrasonic cues differ among welfare and behaviour professionals.
- Welfare decides the final method. How SilentBuddy responds to early barking will be chosen with the dog's welfare as the priority, and we intend to have it reviewed by a suitably qualified dog behaviour professional.
- No behaviourist or vet has reviewed or endorsed SilentBuddy yet. We'll say so here when that changes.
Adjustable for your dog
Everything is set on the device itself. Bark sensitivity and signal strength can both be turned up or down to suit your dog and your home.
Puppy mode reduces or mutes the night-time cue for young dogs or dogs with more sensitive hearing.
Optional collar tag
The design includes an optional collar tag that gives a gentle vibration pattern. It could be used alongside the bedside unit or on its own, for example for dogs with impaired hearing.
Questions dog owners ask
Is it just an anti-bark device?
Responding to early barking is half of it. The other half, and the part that makes it different, is the morning signal that tells your dog when the day really starts.
Will it work for every dog?
We can't promise that. Dogs differ, and early waking can have causes a device won't address, such as needing the toilet, pain or anxiety. If you're worried about your dog's behaviour, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist. Our articles cover the common causes.
Will I need an app or Wi-Fi?
No. The first device is designed to be set up on the unit itself. Connected features are something we're exploring for later, as an option.
Does SilentBuddy use AI?
Not today. The current design detects sound. AI sound recognition is future research, explained on the technology page.
Does it listen all the time? Is audio recorded?
The design listens for barking during the quiet period you set. The technical design isn't final, so we won't make detailed promises yet. See our privacy principles.
When can I buy one, and how much will it cost?
SilentBuddy isn't available yet, and price and launch date aren't confirmed. Waitlist members will hear first.
Can I take part in testing?
We expect testing opportunities with dog-owner households once there is a working prototype. Tick the testing box when you join the waitlist.