Virtual Reality dog as educational tool to help prevent dog bites

Using the virtual reality (VR) experience, adults and children can recognize specific behaviors displayed by dogs.

Researchers have developed a virtual dog that can soon be used as an educational tool to help prevent dog bites.

Using the virtual reality (VR) experience, adults and children can recognize specific behaviors displayed by dogs.

The experience would help them approach and interact with dogs displaying signs of aggression, in a safe and controlled way.

The body language and detail shown in the virtual environment was both realistic and a truthful reflection of the real-world canine behavior, said animal behavior researchers, from the University of Liverpool in the UK.

As users approach the VR dog, its behavior and body language gradually change, and it begins to display signs of aggression, including licking its lips, lowering of the head and body, front paw lifting, growling and showing teeth.

These behaviors show how a dog may behave when it does not want to be approached.

"The next steps will look to enhance the details within the immersive environment to ensure the simulation is as realistic as possible.

"Future developments will also show a wider range of dog behaviors and the dog's reactions to user behavior," said Iain Cant, Visualisation Team Leader of an innovative project the from the University's Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC).

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