The Ford Quiet Kennel cribs technology from the company’s cars and trucks to create a comfortable sleeping space for dogs. Using noise-cancelling technology, the dog house, which is made largely of high-density cork, relies on a built-in audio system that emits opposing frequencies to common dog distressing noises such as the sound of celebratory fireworks. "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." The result is a space that’s able to limit, if not completely eliminate, some of these booming sound waves.

Ford noise-cancelling dog kennel

The Quiet Kennel marks the first item produced by Ford as part of its Interventions series of items that apply the company’s automotive learnings to everyday items. While Ford didn’t announce what its next Interventions will be, we hope the brand finds a way to apply the exhaust howl of the Mustang Shelby GT350 or the adjustable foot pedals of the GT to ordinary objects.

Ford noise-cancelling dog kennel

As of now, the Quiet Kennel is simply a prototype, and Ford has yet to announce plans to formally sell the modern looking, noise-reducing dog house to the public.

Of course, this isn’t the first time an automaker has gone out of its way to improve canine comfort. At the 2017 New York Auto Show, Nissan introduced the Rogue Dogue concept, a dog-friendly version of its Rogue small crossover SUV that included a dog bed, slide-out ramp, slide-out shower, a poop-bag dispenser, and more. A number of automakers also offer dog-friendly accessories for their vehicles, including soft rubber cargo mats and metal dividers that prevent man’s best friend from making a mess in the passenger area.

Ford noise-cancelling dog kennel

 

Gallery: 2017 Nissan Rogue Dogue concept

Hide press release Show press release

New Year’s Eve. Faces lit up with joy as the countdown to midnight begins and the skies are illuminated by fireworks. But the soundtrack to that experience can be a painful one for pets and worrying for owners.
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.

One possible answer could be a noise-canceling kennel that uses similar technology to that found in cars and headphones to protect sensitive canine ears and ensure owners do not have to banish their pets away from the rest of the family. 

Once microphones inside the prototype kennel detect the sound of the fireworks, a built-in audio system emits opposing frequencies that in effect cancels out the noise completely – or at least reduces it significantly. High-density cork, ideal for soundproofing was an integral part of the design. The result? No more stress for your pet. A concept for now, but with the potential to mean a much better start to the year, both for your dog – and for you.

Graeme Hall, “The Dogfather”, one of the UK's best dog trainers who has helped 5,000 dogs and their owners with behavioral problems.
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-canceling technology that we have 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 or transmission, this is counteracted using opposing sound waves from the car’s audio system. 
 
Lyn West, brand content manager, Marketing Communications, Ford of 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.
Just a prototype for now, the noise-canceling kennel is the first in a series of initiatives – called Interventions – that applies automotive know-how to help solve everyday problems.