GPS Tracking Systems Keep Track Of Your Dog

We often go walking in the forest. My German Shepherd, Max (shown above) loved being off-leash. We’d walk down the trail and he’d be thrashing through the underbrush alongside. He always came back when we called him. Max would sit right next to us at night by the fire, mostly because he was more afraid of bears then we are.

Fast forward a few years to our dog Ezri who, if not securely leashed, with tear off like a rocket after any animal that crosses our path. We’ve had to go looking for her several times after she’s ripped the leash from our hands and disappeared. So far, we’ve managed to find her. Once she was tangled by her leash around a tree. She wouldn’t have been able to respond to our calls even if she’d wanted to. We were lucky we found her. She’s a strictly on-leash dog now. I feel bad about that because she really likes to run, but we just can’t take the chance of losing her.

Reasons to Buy a Dog Tracking Device

Our tiny town is on the edge of Colorado wilderness. We frequently see Facebook® posts from people who have lost their tiny dogs in these mountains. We know they probably won’t last more than a day or two if they’re not found. Even big dogs are in danger of the predators we have here. While this is my most important reason to keep track of my dog, there are many other reasons people want to keep track of theirs. GPS Tracking Systems Keep Track Of Your Dog

For instance: Hunting, dog training, making sure your dog stays in the yard while you’re at work, traveling in unfamiliar territory, and dog theft. Activity monitors can make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and keep track of your dog-walking service. All good reasons. Their are literally dozens of tracking/training collars each tailored to your specific set of needs.

We will look at the best examples of the different kinds of trackers to help you zero in on what would work best for you.

Dog Tracking Devices

tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs

tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs is one of the most popular dog tracking devices. The reasonable price of only $34.99* makes tractive a great choice. It also requires a monthly subscription, and it communicates via it’s app on your smart phone. Click on image to buy from Amazon.

The monthly subscription (they say) is “as-low-as” $5.00/mth, but that’s only if you buy 5 years’ worth. They make you pay for at least a full year of service when you buy it, even though they show a monthly price.

This smart device will use the GPS satellite network if it can, and claims to be able to pinpoint your pet’s position within about 30 feet. If it can’t reach a satellite, it will try cell phone towers regardless of your cell phone plan. In this case, the accuracy is about 150 feet. In the US it works with the following roaming partners: AT&T Mobility, Viaero Wireless USA, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon USA.

The tractive has a virtual fence mode. You’ll get a notification when your pet crosses the fence.

The USB rechargeable battery will last seven days, and you can set up a low-power zone around your house so it lasts longer. A USB cable is included, but not the actual charger. It has a  “Live” mode if you need to see exactly where your pet is in real time, but this really eats up the battery. Usually it sends you updated locations every 30-40 minutes.

Weighs less than 1.2 ounces and measures 2.81″ wide, 1″ high, and .68″ thick.

Some of the reported downsides: While it has a money-back guarantee the subscription fee is non-refundable. It can lose signal if obstructed by thick forest, rocks, and severe weather. Some users reported it being inaccurate when you’re close by. Only 58% of the reviews on Amazon were 5 stars.

Tracki

Tracki is also a GPS tracking device. It does not have the cell tower tracking backup, but if it’s within range of a WiFi router, it knows it can use that. That’s useful only within about 50 feet of your house.

The initial cost is just $18.88*, but you’ll need to purchase the “optional” battery and waterproof case too. It requires a monthly subscription of $9.95/mth. if you buy a whole years’ worth, but they make you buy two years’ worth initially.

It wasn’t designed specifically for dogs, but has a lot more uses. Out of over 20k reviews, 68% were five star. It does have a lifetime warranty.

Tracki is super small (1.75 x1.5×0.55in) and super light (1.26 oz). Comes with embedded, built-in SIM card included, and works worldwide. Included attachments: strong magnet, dog collar, water-resistant silicone cover, belt clip, keychain, and lanyard.

Rechargeable battery life is 2-3 days (the more it moves, the fewer the days), tracking real time every 1-5 minutes. If real time tracking is not needed, battery lasts 30-75 days tracking 1-3 times per day (using battery save mode). Optional accessory (not included ASIN B07YVNV82V) comes with 6 times longer life, 3,500mAh battery + magnetic waterproof box, extends battery life to 2 weeks at 1 min update and up to 10 months tracking once a day. There is also a car hardwire kit available.

PETFON2 Pet GPS Tracker

Yet another GPS dog tracking device. Very similar to the others, but the initial cost is a whopping $199.99*. However, they don’t charge a monthly fee, so it could work out to cost less if it lasts more than two years.

The range is limited to 0.65 miles in a city and up to 3.5 miles in an open area. It’s a two-piece system. One part goes on your dog’s collar and the receiver stays with you. Petfon GPS dog trcker combines GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and long distance wireless technologies for accurate real-time positioning. Perfon uses the original LoPowan wireless transmission technology, free to travel without the need of SIM card and mobile phone network signals, and no monthly fee.

Voice commands can be recorded and stored on the tracker to communicate with your pets remotely. You can activate a blinking light on the collar device to make it easier to find in dim light. It will also emit a loud alarm so you can find you pet in dense underbrush.

The rechargeable battery lasts 8 to 16 hours. The box it comes in will recharge the device three times before you need to plug it in.

Petfon tracker is only 1.65 ” x  1.65 ” x  0.7″

Many more dog tracking systems of this type

There are a bunch of dog tracking systems that use an app on your smart phone, cell towers and GPS, or WiFi and wireless networks so I’ll just list a few more for you to investigate.

Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracker:

Know and adventure more with Whistle Go Explore. Always know where they are—and how they are. Whistle Go Explore monitors your pet’s location and health for total peace of mind. Just attach it to your pet’s collar, and customize the Whistle app to send alerts and insights to key people in your pack. Pinpoint your pet’s location with live tracking.

2,400 reviews, 4-stars, $149.95*. Free Returns. 20-day battery. Requires WiFi. Unique feature: On Demand access to VETINSIGHT, a team of licensed veterinary professionals, where you’ll get expert advice and guidance from the comfort of your home.

Dogtra Waterproof Smartphone GPS Tracking and Training Dog E-Collar

Dogtra Pathfinder 9-Mile 21-Dog Expandable Waterproof Smartphone GPS Tracking & Training E-Collar with 2-Second Update Rate, No Subscription Fee, Free Satellite Map $239.99*.

The Ultimate in Dog Tracking Systems

Track and train your pack with the Alpha TT 25 dog collar. The rugged yet slim housing is designed to fit a range of breeds and features a user-replaceable flex band. When used with a compatible handheld (sold separately), you can track and send training commands up to 9 miles.

A built-in multi-color LED makes identifying your dog easy, even in darkness. It also can be used to train your dog. The collar features 18 levels of momentary and continuous stimulation as well as tone and vibration for training.

Get up to 68 hours of battery with the standard battery pack, or upgrade to the expanded battery pack to get up to 136 hours with dynamic tracking — which optimizes update rates based on how your dog is moving.

Plus, when charging and connected to your network with Wi-Fi technology, the collar will automatically install the latest software updates.

This device is available here from Amazon. Click on the image for more details.

For more great information about safely camping with your pet visit these pages:

How to provide for your dog at the campground

Comparing Pet Home Monitoring Systems

Are you using a pet tracking system you love? Share your experience with others by leaving a comment below.