GPS dog tracking systems send coordinates about your dog’s current location via a cell phone network or radio signals, through a device in the dog collar, back to a handheld receiver on your end. Add additional GPS collars as you need, depending on your number of dogs.
These pet tracking locators are an incredibly useful way to locate and keep tabs on your best friend. Hunters and sportsmen who train and use dogs will find these GPS tracking devices indispensable in the field. That’s because once the dog is out of sight, old low-tech tracking systems like dog bells or beeping collars are pretty useless.
Some tracking collars for hunting dogs will even send you a text message (SMS) when your pet enters a pre-defined area. You’ll probably want a GPRS compatible phone to take full advantage of this feature.
Now let’s discuss exactly what to look for in dog tracking equipment.
Seek a dog tracking system that can send GPS data via VHF radio waves. That will mean no cell service or monthly fees. (Also, keep in mind that AM signals will be weaker in thick terrain.) As for range, you’ll probably want a pet tracker with a range of about 5 miles. A weighted collar can keep the transmitter above your pet’s back.
A color handheld monitor is nice but not essential. Also not essential (but really cool) would be audio surveillance — a microphone for your dog! This way you will be able to tell when your dog is walking or has stopped, or whether he’s barking at something or has already caught the prey.
Don’t forget about battery life of the dog tracker; you don’t want to keep charging the batteries after only several hours of use. Never send a dog into the field wearing a low-battery collar.
Price
Expect to spend a few hundred dollars to buy the right canine tracking device. As is the case with other GPS products, the more features, the more you’ll pay. In other words, you get what you pay for. But shop around; there are some good deals to be had on low-cost GPS dog training collars these days.
Best Dog Tracking Systems
Here are some of the best dog tracking systems we found in a recent survey online:
- Contact Pro USA CP-3200 Contact Pro Dog Tracking Kit with Light Transmitter. Lightweight and accurate, with a range of up to an amazing 12 miles. This dog tracker unit has 200 built-in channels.
- Petsafe Tracking System. Comes with two transmitter dog collars. Waterproof transmitters, four frequencies, quick-release antenna.
- Garmin AstroCombo 220 Combo Package with DC-30. Comes with one GPS dog collar, carrying case and AC adapter. Waterproof. Can relay the dog’s position to your handheld receiver up to every five seconds.
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1 Comment - Where Is Yours?
The article was helpful but short. I wish you had written more on the topic. Thanx still.
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