Signal Range
This one goes without saying. The best GPS tracker for dogs should have a decent range in communicating with the local signal tower. Whenever the signal is weak, you can't know the location of your pooch. This can defeat the entire purpose of using a canine tracking device.
Related: Best Invisible Dog Fence
Extended Battery Life
Another thing that's a must for a GPS dog tracking device is good battery life. This is especially crucial if the device will be “on” always. If you choose from the products we featured above, you won't have to worry about this as their batteries, when fully charged, can last for days.
But, there's one thing that you also need to do and that's to remember the recharging of the tracker. Charging will vary from one device to the other. If possible, choose the one that can last the longest. Five to ten days with just a few hours of charging is ideal. Make sure you don't skip this aspect as a device that can't hold a charge is next to useless.
Waterproof
A good canine tracker is waterproof; it will work even during heavy rain or when a dog jumps in a body of water. If your pooch likes water, then you definitely need a waterproof GPS device as nothing upsets a sensitive device more than water.
Geo-Fencing
The best GPS canine trackers use zones. They allow you to allocate a certain area that's safe for a pooch to wander or roam. In this area, the tracking device won't give false alerts but will only give notifications to your cell phone when the dog goes out of its zone.
Geo-fencing is not really a unique feature of GPS trackers as most have them have it. Geofencing isn't solely for GPS trackers as well as it can appear in all kinds of modern technology. It is pretty cool – even a robotic lawnmower is given this kind of technology. The geo-fence will let you set the boundaries of your 4-legged friend. The boundary can be set inside your home or around your entire property.
GPS Tracker Subscription
A canine tracking device often comes with a monthly subscription. For example, the Tractive LTE Pet GPS Tracker requires a fee of $5 per month to track your escape artist in real-time. Although this can feel like a commitment you don't want to take part in, it is essential that you consider the advantages of having a device that can accurately inform you of your furry companion's whereabouts. If you're like us, then you also value your mental health. We would gladly pay a small fee if that means we get to enjoy peace of mind knowing that our beloved furry babies are safe and sound.
Yearly plans are also offered by most manufacturers of GPS trackers for dogs. There are also those that don't require a subscription such as the Garmin Alpha 100 as they rely on their networks for the tracking of dogs. The tradeoff, obviously, is that the upfront cost is more expensive. As soon as you've made the investment, the tracker will be all yours and will run continuously.
The right tracker for you will depend on your confidence in a particular device as well as your budget.
Accuracy
The best canine GPS trackers track pets in real-time; therefore, you will be able to pinpoint your dog's exact location. Others have slight delays, which are usually just a few seconds.
Additional Features
The devices we listed above come with additional features beyond GPS tracking. They can let you track the daily activity of your pet to ensure that it is getting enough exercise. Other devices available for purchase online can let you track your pet's temperature so that your pooch is in no danger of overheating.
If extra features are essential for you, then get a tracker that comes with all the necessary ones that you need.
Durability
This may seem obvious, but most dog owners purchase the cheapest devices they see online and hope that they work! That's why we are stressing the fact that you need a GPS tracking dog collar that isn't straight-up rubbish or else you'll just be throwing money away. Keep in mind that we have researched the products above and made sure that they last for a long time.
Related: Best Escape-Proof Dog Harness
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does A GPS Tracking Device Work?
A canine GPS tracker makes use of satellites via GPS or Global Positioning System in order to locate a pooch, regardless of where it is on the planet. There are cases when the device is sold on its own and you simply need to attach it to your pet pooch's existing dog collar. Some also come with dog collars. The device won't bother your dog, especially when it's of great quality as it's specifically made to be unobtrusive and lightweight.
A tracking system has various applications; it can be used to check where your pooch is when it runs away. You can also check if it is inside or outside its designated area. A GPS tracker is made to give a dog owner peace of mind. Most trackers inform you of your dog's location through apps or through websites.
Is There A Need To Download Specific Apps To Track My Dog?
This will depend on the tracker that you use. The Garmin Alpha 100 comes with a handheld device that allows you to skip the use of an app from your cell phone. There are also those, as we already mentioned, that use apps. Some come with in-depth websites that will detail all the info you need, so you won't need an app anymore.
A few trackers sold online will send out emails or texts to update you of your pooch's location. So, to answer your question, it will depend on the GPS tracker that you use for your dog.
Will I Be Able To Train My Dog Using A GPS Tracker?
It is possible if your tracker is built for such additional use as the Garmin Alpha 100. If you need extra training for your pooch, the Alpha 100 will let you set a vibration or ringer that will activate when your canine companion breaches its geofence or when the stimulation is activated.
Be aware that the training will ask for both of your time and patience. In most cases, you will also need lots of treats for your pooch. On the upside, it's a fun and practical skill that a dog can learn.
