| Arrf, Woof, Bow-wow! Ever wonder what these | | | | emotions over time. The doggy translator also |
| dog sounds mean? Do you think your dog might | | | | includes a Body Language Translation Mode, a |
| be trying to say something really important to | | | | Training Mode and a Medical Reference Mode. It |
| you? Well now you may be able to find out. The | | | | uses 5 "AAA" batteries, and the first set is usually |
| Japanese toy company Takara claims that their | | | | included. |
| new dog translator called Bow-Lingual can actually | | | | So how does Bow-Lingual turn bow-wow into |
| translate dog sounds into human words and | | | | human talk? Well, the device uses what is known |
| phrases. | | | | as an animal Emotion Analysis System. This |
| The device comes in two parts: a radio | | | | basically means that it has a large database of |
| microphone that attaches to the dog's collar, and | | | | dog sounds which have been translated into |
| a receiver held by the owner that is said to | | | | human language by dog experts. So, when the |
| translate the dog's barks. The translater is capable | | | | dog makes a particular sound, the device matches |
| of translating the growls, grunts, and whines into | | | | the sound with the closest one it its database and |
| phrases such as "I'm hungry," "walk me," and "I'm | | | | spits out the human equivalent. Thus, the |
| tired." The phrases as well as illustrations are | | | | accuracy of the device is largely dependent on |
| displayed on the receivers LCD screen. Although | | | | the experts prior ability to properly assign words |
| the phrases are far from complex sentences, | | | | and phrases to dog barks. And this, of course, is |
| they do a reasonable job in describing what the | | | | far from a perfect science. |
| dog wants or thinks. | | | | The device originally sold for over $150, but now |
| In addition to translating what your dog is saying | | | | can be bought for around $40 - $50. At this price |
| at any given moment, Bow-Lingual is equipped | | | | it is probably worth experimenting with if you are |
| with a Data Analysis Mode, which allows the | | | | at all curious about what your furry best friend is |
| owner to track changes in the dogs perceived | | | | trying to tell you. |