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

Many dogs, especially young ones, do not differ in obedience and are prone to escapes from the owner. In addition, a purebred animal is of particular interest to intruders. For a long time, the owners tried different methods of protecting pets from the dangers threatening them. But the real breakthrough made the invention of the GPS tracker for dogs. It was he who allowed to always keep the movement of the pet in control and not to hamper 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. Accessory is selected based on the size and breed characteristics of the animal, does not attract attention, allows you to get a fairly high accuracy of data transmission.

GPS dog tracker is a device designed specifically for animals with high needs for physical activity. "Smart" collars with the navigator allow you not to restrict the freedom of the animal during a walk or hunt, always knowing the location of the animal. Such freedom is especially important for dogs that value their independence highly.

Important characteristics of the device are such indicators as:

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

GPS trackers must have high level of reliability. If a model regularly fails, fails equipment or disconnects due to a discharged battery, there is no reason to hope for accuracy of the instrument readings. Attempts to save on the purchase in this case are simply harmful.

In the absence of base station towers, data transmission will not occur. In addition, the stability of communication in areas with complex terrain is reduced by 30–60% of the original values.

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

Can be used a combination of LBS and GPS network range. In fact, this limits the work of the tracker, with a communication failure, the animal has all chances to get lost.

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

• establish a safe movement radius - “virtual fence”, at the intersection of which a signal will be given;
• track available travel history;
• view the location of the object with reference to the terrain, as in the navigator.

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

On sale you can find a lot of mobile devices to track the location of the pet. Among the available species are the following beacons.

• Without a SIM card. They simply transmit the coordinates in real time. Models with a built-in module (with a GPRS chip) of mobile communication can receive a signal like a normal phone, and in reply send an SMS with the coordinates and a link to Google map.
• With navigation or location sensor. All models are equipped with this option, the signal display, taking into account the location reference, takes place according to the coordinates. Many trackers are focused on connecting with a specific navigator, purchased with it, or as an additional unit.
• With feedback. Allows you to communicate with the pet through the speaker, to give him commands. The presence of a built-in microphone will determine whether the dog is alone or there are people nearby.
• With geo-fence. The safe radius limiter beeps after the user-defined limit is exceeded.
• With a barking 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 with a speed exceeding the standard, the sensor will give a signal. So you can understand that the dog is taken away by car.
• With a display sensor for quick and precise setting options. It helps to do without additional tricks in the management of the device.
• With monitoring of physical activity - by analogy with a fitness bracelet for a man. Records the number of steps taken or a change in heart rate.
• From the remote control. With certain training, the dog will receive and recognize signals in the form of vibration as commands received from the host.
• With surveillance camera. It allows you to conduct hidden shooting remotely, but the quality of data transmission and pictures in the frame, especially when a dog with a small height is wearing a collar, will be low.

Rating the best manufacturers of GPS trackers for dogs is not too difficult, most of these devices appeared on the market in the last 2-3 years. Among the models that enjoy high popularity, you can find versions for small animals, options for medium dogs and large dogs. For hunters they release whole GSM-complexes operating on the basis of a radio signal. But GPS trackers are much more mobile, they are widely used. The most popular models of such mobile equipment should be considered in more detail.

Hi-tech GPS tracker with the support of the mass of functions of the system "smart home". You can set the allowed perimeter to move. To determine changes in the body temperature of the dog and other indicators. The manufacturer offers opportunities for self-selection of additional modules by the owner of the animal. You can choose the option with vibration and learning, voice transmission.

It works without additional recharging; it is small in size; it 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, provides compatibility with most mobile devices.

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

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

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

The ideal model for puppies and small dogs - the weight of the device is only 21 grams. To protect against moisture in the kit there is an additional silicone case. The built-in 400 mAh battery creates the conditions for operating in standby mode for up to 3-4 days in a row.

The product is Chinese, convenient and easy. One of the most budget options for the price. A 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 it lets moisture through.

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

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

• Duration of battery life. For hunting dogs, you need a device with the most capacious and powerful battery; a weaker version is suitable for decorative pets. Pay attention to the choice of signal frequency and range. The time of work on one charge is also important - at rest and in the active phase. The beacon should be quickly charged in an emergency.
• Type of communication. The most modern is A-GPS, which requires less time to respond - from 1 to 180 seconds versus 30-720 in classic models with GPS. In addition, the first version of the signal is able to work indoors. A-GPS is able to transmit data, even if the dog has run into a room or is in a strange 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 light 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 housing is necessary for hunting dogs. In the standard version, GPS trackers have only protection against splashes and rain.
• Mount type. The tracker must be securely fastened, not fly off the surface of the collar. The dog is not static, actively moving, moving, swimming, rolling on the ground. All these actions should not interfere with the operation of the device.
• Indicators of permissible temperature range. If the battery is discharged urgently when the air temperature is too low, it will be impossible to find a dog on the street. In the heat, many electronic devices also cease to operate normally.

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

When planning long trips or trips, you need to acquire replacement 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 large, additional modules can increase the cost. For hunting, it is better to choose special multifunction 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.