Caissie Canine Instruction: Is a G.P.S. Tracking Device a Good Idea?

We begin this week’s ‘RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 4-year-old Belgian Malinois named Larson.

Laron is a high energy boy. He loves snow, water, and the cooler weather. Larson came to us as a very shy and skittish dog. He’s now very confident and very loyal to his pack.

Larson is always excited for his next adventure. Whether it be going for a hike, a walk in the woods, camping, or gallivanting in the river chasing fish. 

Larson is very attentive and always has his head on a swivel. His pumpkin carving skills are extraordinary, but after all the hard work, at the end of the day though, he just wants to curl up for some pets!!!!

Welcome to Doggie Dialogue

G.P.S. trackers are different from e-collar systems. What your G.P.S. trackers offer will vary from device to device. G.P.S. trackers can be costly, especially if there is a subscription fee on top.

Different trackers rely on different technologies but not all of them are effective. You can find G.P.S. devices that offer Geofencing, which allows you to set up a “safe zone” that will alert you when your K9 leaves the area.

The Real-Time Tracking System lets you keep tabs on your K9 if they are out with your dog walker, or another caretaker.

Activity monitoring allows you to see your K9’s daily, weekly, monthly activity in “steps” or “miles”.

 The Health Insights system, this allows you to monitor your K9’s sleep, behaviour and weight.

G.P.S. tracker do work; however, this really depends primarily on the type of device. For example, the cellular G.P.S. K9 trackers like the “Whistle Go Explore” have a built-in chip that relies on cell towers to ping the location of your K9, which goes back to your phone anywhere in the world. This tracker requires a subscription plan.

Bluetooth trackers, need a Bluetooth connection. This tracker is best for short range and precision tracking within a couple hundred feet. This tracker is typically affordable.

The Paw scout pet tracker is lightweight, with no monthly fees, and are best for K9’s that are smaller in size. Many lost-pet community members will use this type of tracker and encourage pet parents to use them if they have been “lost” before.

Most hunters will use the Garmin Dog G.P.S. tracker, as this tracker relies on radio frequencies. This tracker is built right into the collar and has an antenna as well. This tracker allows you to help locate your K9 up to 9 miles away.

A G.P.S. device is a wonderful tool to have, and it can give you extra peace of mind, especially if your K9 is more “active” when outdoors.

Please feel free to reach out to Paul should you have any questions about the G.P.S. tracking devices.