One of the scariest things you’ll have to face as a dog owner is his tendency to run away from you. Whether the dog is your pet or he’s a working dog that you use for hunting, it can be a difficult time to track your dog down.
Dogs just run. It’s what they like to do, especially energetic working or hunting breeds. If you’re a hunter out in the field and your dog sees a rabbit and takes off after it, you know that it can be less than a second or two before your dog is completely out of sight. It’s intimidating to think of your dog out there, alone, lost, and unsure of where he is or where to find you. A dog tracking collar can change this.
Options for Tracking Collars
As a dog owner, there are two choices for dog tracking collars. You can opt for a GPS type of collar that will transmit signals from a satellite, or you can go for the Radio tracking collar that will transmit signals from a frequency feed. Although different from one another, each carries similar features including:
• Transmitters on the dogs’ collars
• Works with hand-held receives
• Lightweight
• Safe to use in all weather conditions
Each of these dog tracking collar options has distinct advantages and disadvantages as well which can be deciding factors when you are making your decision:
• Radio tracking collars cost less than GPS collars
• GPS collars are more effective in tracking down your pet than radio collars
• Neither collars will allow you to track your dog if he’s out of line of the site
• Both types of tracking collars are sturdy and can be used in various weather conditions
• Radio tracking collars work in longer ranges than the GPS collar
Dog Tracking Collar Brands
There are a few specific tracking collars for both types of tracking devices
Johnson, a trusted name in dog tracking collars, offers the following benefits:
Waterproof/coated & sealed
Works with other receivers
10-12 mile range (line of sight)
Beeps when dog is close
Works with dogs in water
This one is considered the best in the industry for GPS type tog tracking collars and the Garmin Astro 220 has the following features:
Color screen
Flexible antenna
Display map
Light weight
Tracks up to 10 dogs simultaneously
Range of 7 miles (line of sight)
After Purchasing Your Dog Collar
Regardless of which dog tracking collar that you elect to purchase for your dog, you might discover (especially with hunting dogs) that they cover a lot of ground. Keeping in mind that all dog tracking collars are designed to only work in ‘sight’ this does affect how you are going to find your dog. If they’ve managed to get themselves into heavy brush your coverage area is going to be limited.
Like any other tool for training or playing with your dog, you’ll need to know all the ins-and-outs of how it works and how to best utilize it. Be sure to understand the operation of your tracking collar and receiver combination. Try it out in the back yard to learn the different beeps, range finders, and other indications it gives. You’ll be glad you did once you’re out in the field.
Summary
No one wants to ever imagine his dog being lost in the neighborhood, let alone out in the woods. For added peace of mind and for the safety of your pet, a dog tracking collar is a great idea. It’s a small investment for both your comfort and your dog’s safety.