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GPS for Dogs

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Using GPS for Dogs

Whether you are a sportsman working with dogs or a pet owner who simply wants to keep his pet safe, GPS for dogs makes sense for many people. These products allow you to find your dogs when the wander off. wherever they may roam. Using satellite tracking and radio signals you can map your dogs movements and location to retrieve them quickly. They'll even notifiy you when you pet goes missing.

On this page, you can learn more about the capabilities of GPS for dogs and how to go about choosing the right product/services.

Photo by Jeffreyw.

About GPS for Dogs

GPS tracking is useful in a number of instances when you have dogs. While microchips allow your pet to be identified when found, they don't assist you in tracking down your dog unless someone locates the dog first and takes them in to be scanned. GPS for dogs allows you to track them down yourself. These devices save on the expense and risk of having a chip embedded. The only potential drawbacks are that the collar could conceivably be torn off of the dog rendering it useless and the fact that there is a monthly fee which increases the expense incurred by the owner.

Sportsman often use GPS tracking with their dogs to great advantage. It allows them to plot movements and easily locate their dogs on a map.

Choosing GPS for Dogs

There are a number of products/services available for tracking your pet or hunting dog with GPS. Here are just a few things to consider when making your selection:

  • Size
    The size of your dog may determine which products will be appropriate. Many systems are designed only for dogs over 11 pounds in weight. The device the dog wears may come embedded in the collar, therefore the collar must fit your dogs neck. Others are a device that merely attaches to their existing collar. Of course a larger dog can tolerate a bulkier, heavier device than a small dog.

  • Features and Functions
    It will be important to know how a given product functions and what capabilities it provides. A device used with hunting dogs will ideally allow sportsmen to track the real time movements of their dogs. Their current location and whether they are pointing or on the chase. Having a map to assist in locating them/plotting their movements is important.

    For pet owners, being able to identify safety zones may be desirable. When these are breached you can be alerted. This allows you to know when your pet has left the yard for instance, so that you can immediately take action. You'll want to know how the product notifies you. Will it e-mail your, text message, or call you? Will it allow you to view your dog's location on a map? Can you access such information online or will you need to call a customer service number?

  • Range and coverage area.
    At what distance will the device function? If your dog travels 5 miles from home but the device only functions at 2 miles or less, it won't be as useful. Many of the devices intended for pet owners may be run through cellular networks, so the coverage will be similar to their cellular coverage areas. Just be sure you know the range and/or coverage area.

  • Upfront and Ongoing Costs
    In most instances, you will be purchasing a device to track your dog; one which they will wear. In some instance you will also need to purchase a receiver while in other cases your PDA or cell phone can serve this purpose. You will also likely need to purchase a service plan. Be sure you know the ongoing monthly cost for this service.

  • Committment
    Anytime you commit to a monthly service you need to consider more than the monthly fee. You also need to consider the length of the committment. In many instances, you can cancel within thirty days, but after that you cannot. The agreement may extend for a year or longer. Be sure you know the details before choosing.


  • Other Features
    Certainly a good tracking device would be water resistant. This would assure that it would continue to function even when your dog goes swimming in stream or is out in inclement weather. Another feature that can assure safety is a low battery indicator. You certainly don't want your dog to become separated from you when the battery goes dead. You'll want advanced notice so that you can keep it charged up and in working order.

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