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

Many dogs, especially young ones, are not obedient and prone to escaping from the owner. In addition, a thoroughbred animal is of particular interest to attackers. For a long time, the owners tried different methods of protecting pets from the dangers threatening them. But a real breakthrough was the invention of a GPS tracker for a dog. It was he who made it possible to always control the movement of the pet and at the same time not to impede 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, it does not attract attention, allows you to get a fairly high accuracy of data transfer.

GPS-tracker for dogs - a device designed specifically for animals with high requirements for physical activity. "Smart" collars with a navigator allow you to not limit the freedom of the animal while walking or hunting, always knowing the exact location of the animal. Such freedom is especially important for dogs that highly value their independence.

Important characteristics of the device are indicators such as:

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

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

In the absence of towers of base stations, data transmission will not occur. In addition, the stability of communications in areas with complex terrain is reduced by 30-60% of the initial values.

The GPS beacon built into the dog’s collar works on the basis of satellite communications and is similar in principle to a classic car alarm or cell phone. The device is connected with 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 just control the direction of its movement during the hunt. True, This technology works only with access to the Internet.

Can be used a combination of LBS and GPS network range. In fact, this limits the work of the tracker; in case of communication failure, the animal has every chance of getting lost.

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

• set a safe radius of movement - a "virtual fence", at the intersection of which a signal will be given;
• Track available movement 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 300 m).

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

• Without SIM card. They simply transmit coordinates in real time. Models with a built-in module (with a GPRS chip) of mobile communication can receive a signal like a regular telephone, 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 location in the coordinates. Many trackers are focused on connecting to a specific navigator, are purchased bundled with it or as an additional unit.
• With feedback. Allows you to communicate with the pet through the speaker, give him commands. The presence of a built-in microphone will determine if the dog is alone or if there are people nearby.
• With geo-fence. The safety radius limiter gives a signal after the user-set limit is exceeded.
• With a bark sensor. He will give a signal if the dog's voice is recorded.
• With the SOS button. It can be pressed by people who find the animal in case of loss.
• To track theft (anti-theft) - when moving at a speed exceeding the standard, the sensor will give a signal. So you can understand that the dog is taken away by car.
• With display-sensor for quick and precise adjustment of options. It helps to do without additional tricks when managing 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.
• With 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 and picture transmission in the frame, especially when wearing a dog collar with a small stature, will be low.

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

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

It works without additional recharging, is small in size, and supports viewing the navigation function over the past 24 hours. The model supports tracking changes in the state of the pet. Waterproof case Compatible with most mobile devices.

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

It 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.

A model with built-in recharge from a solar battery, respectively, the dimensions are larger than other versions 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, this is enough for 7 days of work in active mode. The best option for hiking and traveling without access to the benefits of civilization.

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

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

A model released by the popular Swedish brand. The product is protected according to the IP67 standard - 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 dog owner 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, decorative pets will use a weaker option. Pay attention also 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 light should be quickly charged in an emergency.
• Type of communication. The most modern is A-GPS, which requires less response time - from 1 to 180 seconds compared to 30–720 in classic GPS models. In addition, the first version of the signal is able to work indoors.A-GPS is able to transmit data, even if the dog ran into the room or is in a strange house, car. Another communication option is WAAS-GPS, which 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 weight of not more than 100 g. The presence of a sealed, waterproof housing is mandatory for hunting dogs. As standard, GPS trackers have only protection against splashes and rain.
• Type of mount. The tracker must be fixed securely, not fly off the surface of the collar. 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 the battery runs out urgently when the temperature is too low, it will be impossible to find the dog on the street. In the heat, many electronic devices also cease to function normally.

In order for the GPS tracker for the dog 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 case, you should purchase an additional special silicone case. The strength of fixation also matters - the device should not fall off during movement.

When planning long trips or trips, you need to get replaceable batteries in advance. They will provide the best conditions for constant communication with the pet. The difference between unprofessional 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.