dog talking
Talking dog device being developed YouTube

Inventors are trying to make many a dog owners' dream a reality – a device that lets canines speak to you.

No More Woof is a device that fits to a dog's head and reads its brainwaves, then translates these brainwaves into English.

The device would be fairly similar to that seen in the 2009 Pixar film Up, where Dug has a device on his collar that lets him speak.

The technology is being developed by the Nordic Society for Invention and Discovery in Sweden, a country known as a nation of dog lovers.

Researchers say No More Woof is their most "revolutionary invention so far". Their other products include a flying carpet and a rocking chair that charges an iPad.

No More Woof, they say, is the result of combining three key elements: Electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors, Micro computing and brain-computer interface (BCI).

It does not exist yet, but the team are confident about the idea.

"During the last decade huge discoveries have been made to map out the human brain's functions," they said. "But never before has anyone made a serious attempt to apply this groundbreaking technology on man's best friend.

"Every mammal creates and transports "thoughts" the same way, as a swarm of electrical signals through a complex neurosystem). It has long been possible to record this activity through EEG readings. When it comes to humans, the last decade has seen tremendous progress.

"As animal brains are less complex than humans their signal patterns are more distinct for feelings of anger, curiosity or tiredness – actually making them easier to distinguish."

Explaining some of their main obstacles, the inventors say they will have to work out placement for optimal comfort – if you have ever tried to put a hat on a dog, you will know it does not stay on for long – and how to identify the clearest signal through fur.

"Right now we are only scraping the surface of possibilities; the project is only in its cradle. And to be completely honest, the first version will be quite rudimentary. But hey, the first computer was pretty crappy too."

As it might be some time for the device to hit the market, here are some videos of dogs talking on YouTube.