GPS trackers for dogs: why are you needed and how to choose them?

Many dogs, especially young ones, are not very obedient and tend to run away from their owners. In addition, a thoroughbred animal is of some interest to intruders. For a long time, the owners have tried different methods of protecting pets from the dangers that threaten them. But the real breakthrough was the invention of the GPS tracker for the dog. It was he who allowed him to always keep the movement of the pet under control and at the same time not restrict his freedom.

Instead of a long leash and other restrictions, you can now simply purchase smart collars with a navigator for hunting dogs and other breeds with increased activity. The accessory is matched based on the size and breed characteristics of the animal, it does not attract attention, it allows you to get a sufficiently high accuracy of data transmission.

GPS tracker for dogs is a device specially designed for animals with high demands for physical activity. "Smart" collars with a navigator allow you not to restrict the freedom of the animal while walking or hunting, always knowing the exact location of the animal. This freedom is especially important for dogs who value their independence highly.

Important characteristics of the device are such indicators as:

• range of action;
• antenna length;
• type of connection;
• battery capacity.

GPS trackers must have high level of reliability. If the model regularly breaks down, gives out equipment failure or turns off due to a discharged battery, there is no need to rely on the accuracy of the instrument readings. Attempts to save money on purchases in this case are simply harmful.

If there are no base station towers, data transmission will not occur. In addition, the stability of communication on terrain with difficult terrain is reduced by 30-60% of the initial values.

The GPS beacon built into a dog collar works on the basis of satellite communication and is similar in principle to a classic car alarm or a cell phone. The device is connected to a special mobile application, where a signal is received in real time. Having received the coordinates, you can find the dog in a short time, or simply control the direction of its movement during the hunt. Truth, This technology works only if you have access to the Internet.

A combination of LBS and GPS network range can be used. In fact, this limits the work of the tracker; if the connection fails, the animal has every chance of being lost.

When using a tracker, depending on its model, you can:

• set a safe radius of movement - a "virtual fence", upon crossing which a signal will be given;
• track the available travel history;
• view the location of the object with reference to the terrain, as on the navigator.

Depending on the model of the GPS tracker, it can use a special transmitter included in the kit, or require installation of special software on a PC or smartphone. There are also versions that support both methods of data translation. Positioning accuracy matters. It can be high (within a radius of 2-3 m) and approximate (within a radius of up to 300 m).

There are tons of mobile devices on the market to track your pet's location. Among the available types, the following beacons are worth highlighting.

• SIM-free... They simply transmit coordinates in real time. Models with a built-in module (with a GPRS chip) for mobile communication can receive a signal like a regular phone, and in response send an SMS message with coordinates and a link to a Google map.
• With navigation or with a location sensor. All models are equipped with this option; the signal is displayed taking into account the binding to the terrain by coordinates. Many trackers are focused on connecting to a specific navigator, purchased as a set with it or as an additional unit.
• With feedback. Allows you to communicate with your pet through the speaker, give him commands. The presence of a built-in microphone will allow you to determine if the dog is alone or there are people nearby.
• With geo-fence... The safety radius limiter sounds a signal after a user-defined limit is exceeded.
• With bark sensor. He will give a signal if the dog's voice is recorded.
• With SOS button. It can be pressed by people who find the animal in case of loss.
• To track the fact of theft (anti-theft) - when moving at a speed exceeding the standard one, the sensor will give a signal. So you can understand that the dog is being taken away by car.
• With touch screen display for quick and precise setting of options. It helps to do without additional tweaks when controlling the device.
• With physical activity monitoring - by analogy with a fitness bracelet for a person. Records the number of steps taken or the change in heart rate.
• From the remote control. With some training, the dog will receive and recognize signals in the form of vibration as commands received from the owner.
• With a surveillance camera. It allows you to conduct covert shooting remotely, but the quality of data transmission and picture in the frame, especially when the collar is worn by a small dog, will be low.

It is not too difficult to rank the best manufacturers of GPS trackers for dogs, most of these devices have appeared on the market in the last 2-3 years.Among the models that are highly popular, you can find versions for medium-sized animals, options for medium-sized dogs and large dogs. For hunters, they produce whole GSM-complexes based on a radio signal. But GPS trackers are still much more mobile and widely used. The most popular models of such mobile equipment should be considered in more detail.

High tech GPS tracker with support for the mass of functions of the "smart home" system. You can set the allowed perimeter for movement. Determine changes in dog's body temperature and other indicators. The manufacturer offers opportunities for the owner of the animal to independently select additional modules. You can choose the option with vibration and training, voice transmission.

Works without additional recharging, is small in size, supports viewing the navigation function for the last 24 hours. The model supports tracking changes in the state of the pet. The case is waterproof, Compatibility with most mobile devices is provided.

The brand produces both training and walking Delta Smart models and professional solutions for hunting ASTRO 320 T5 with a combination of radio signal and GPS navigation. A lot of options, high-precision control over the location of the dog in real time makes the offerings of this brand recognized as market leaders.

Supports work with smartphones and tablets based on Android and Apple, there are GPS navigation functions and support for SIM cards. The affordable cost of the model is combined with ease of use and compact size.

The model with a built-in recharging from the solar battery, respectively, is larger than other variants of GPS trackers. It should be chosen for hunting dogs or active animals above average height. The capacity of the built-in battery reaches 1500 mAh, which is enough for 7 days of operation in active mode. The best option for hiking and traveling without access to the benefits of civilization.

Ideal for puppies and small dogs - weighing only 21 grams. To protect against moisture, there is an additional silicone cover in the kit. The built-in 400 mAh battery creates conditions for standby operation up to 3-4 days in a row.

Chinese-made product, convenient and lightweight. One of the most affordable options for the price. The small battery capacity provides about 12 hours of active work. There is support for russified applications on popular mobile platforms, the case is protected from dust, but moisture permeable.

A model produced by a popular Swedish brand. The product is protected according to the IP67 standard - the device withstands short-term contact with moisture, does not let dust into the case. The capacity of the 900 mAh battery is enough for a day of active data exchange or for 15 days in standby mode.

When choosing a GPS tracker, the dog owner should pay attention to the following points.

• The duration of the battery life. For hunting dogs, a device with the most capacious and powerful battery is needed, for decorative pets a weaker version is suitable. You also need to pay attention to the choice of signal frequency and range. The operating time on one charge is also important - at rest and in the active phase. The beacon should charge quickly in an emergency.
• Link type. A-GPS is considered the most modern, which requires less response time - from 1 to 180 seconds versus 30-720 in classic models with GPS.In addition, the first version of the signal is capable of working indoors. A-GPS is capable of broadcasting data even if the dog ran into the room or is in someone else's house or car. Another communication option is WAAS-GPS, it is more accurate in geolocation, but operates within a radius of 3 m.
• Execution. A puppy collar or its version for a medium-sized adult dog should be as lightweight as possible. Models for large breeds weigh from 300 g, miniature animals are offered much lighter versions with a mass of no more than 100 g. The presence of a sealed, waterproof case is mandatory for hunting dogs. As standard, GPS trackers are only splash and rain resistant.
• Mount type... The tracker must be attached securely, not flying off the collar surface. The dog is not static, actively moves, moves, swims, rolls on the ground. All these actions should not interfere with the operation of the device.
• Indicators of the permissible temperature range. If at too low air temperature the battery is urgently discharged, it will be impossible to find the dog on the street. In hot weather, many electronic devices also cease to function normally.

In order for a GPS tracker for a dog to provide high efficiency, it is worth adhering to certain rules for using the device. It should be kept charged by regularly replenishing the battery level to normal values. If the model does not have a waterproof case, it is worth purchasing an additional special silicone case. The fixing strength is also important - the device should not fall off when moving.

When planning long trips or journeys, you need to get replaceable batteries in advance. They will provide the best conditions for constant communication with the pet. The difference between non-professional models in different price categories is not too great, additional modules can increase the cost. For hunting, it is better to choose special multifunctional trackers that support the maximum duration of work in the most difficult conditions.

In the next video you can get acquainted with the characteristics and operation of the GPS collar MYOX MPT-03.