Japanese startup One By One Music presented a unique solution for dog separation anxiety at CES 2024. This gains attention for its innovative approach to this widespread concern among global pet owners.
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Two dogs that are up for adoption sleep together at the Humane Society of Greater Miami on December 13, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
Mitigating Prevalent Issue of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
One By One Music, a Japanese startup founded by Sho Hatakeyama, showcased a distinctive solution aimed at mitigating the prevalent issue of separation anxiety in dogs. The startup has gained notable attention for its innovative approach to addressing the growing concern shared by pet owners globally.
With a somber expression, Interesting Engineering reported that the representative emphasized that dogs experience separation anxiety, shedding light on a prevalent issue affecting pets in the evolving landscape of post-pandemic routines.
Sho Hatakeyama and his team delved into extensive research on music, identifying melodies and tempos proven to be the most soothing for dogs. Leveraging their findings, they trained an AI model dedicated to generating music tailored specifically to calm canines.
One By One Music provides its product through three distinct subscription options: an individual plan priced at approximately $7 (980 Japanese Yen) per month, a corporate plan available at around $20.5 (2980 Japanese Yen) per month, and a complimentary special protection plan exclusively designed for animal welfare facilities, shelters, and foster families.
The company emphasizes its commitment to animal welfare by donating a portion of its revenue. Additionally, they are currently offering a free trial of their services.
Conducting Experiments
Over a span of two years, Engadget reported that One By One Music conducted experiments in partnership with Katsuji Uetake, a Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Azabu University, Japan.
The team scientifically measured cortisol levels in dogs' saliva to validate the effectiveness of their product. The results were noteworthy, showcasing an impressive 84 percent reduction in anxiety-related behaviors when dogs listened to the specially crafted music.
Also Read: Dogs May Have Been Domesticated Earlier than Previously Believed: 17,000 Years Ago
The surge in dog ownership during the pandemic, when people sought companionship while staying at home, has led to an unprecedented number of pet owners. As restrictions eased and individuals returned to their workplaces, a significant challenge arose, leaving dogs alone at home for extended periods.
Dogs, inherently social animals, often struggle with prolonged loneliness, exhibiting signs of nervousness, and in some cases, developing depression and anxiety.
Personal Experience
Music Ally reported that Hatakeyama's childhood fondness for animals, particularly his Pomeranian named Pal, carried into his adult life. With the end of the remote work period, he resumed working in the office, leaving his dog home alone.
Observing the evident stress and discomfort his dog-faced in isolation, he delved into the issue. Discovering a growing number of dogs experiencing separation anxiety disorder, Hatakeyama felt compelled to find ways to alleviate the stress induced by anxiety, sparking his determination to take action.
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