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Use Dog Gps Tracking Collars For Your Hunting Dog

March 12, 2009

One of the scariest things you’ll have to face as a dog owner is his tendency to run away from you. Whether the dog is your pet or he’s a working dog that you use for hunting, it can be a difficult time to track your dog down.

Dogs run – that’s what they do – it brings them a great deal of delight to take off running in the wind or just running away from you. If you’re a hunter and your dog takes off through the field chasing a rabbit that caught his attention, he could be long gone before you can even blink your eyes. What can be intimidating is the thought of your dog wandering around lost in an area that he’s not necessarily familiar with and not being able to hear you to find his way back. For you, the answer could well be a dog tracking collar.

Options for Tracking collars

As a dog owner, you have two choices in tracking collars: radio or GPS. The radio collar sends a radio signal to a handheld receiver that tells you which direction your dog is in, how far away, etc. The GPS type collar receives a signal from a satellite and sends a radio signal to your receiver telling you where the dog is by coordinates. Both collar types have some things in common:

• Transmitters on the dogs’ collars
• Works with hand-held receives
• Lightweight
• Safe to use in all weather conditions

Likewise, each type has its own pros and cons which you should know about to make the right choice for you and your dog:

• GPS collars are more expensive than radio tracking collars
• GPS collars are easier to track your dog than radio tracking collars
• Both GPS and radio tracking collars do not allow for tracking ‘out of line of site’
• Both radio and GPS tracking collars offer sturdy casings that are not easily damaged
• GPS tracking collars cover less ground than radio tracking collars

Dog Tracking Collar Brands

There are a few specific tracking collars for both types of tracking devices

Johnson tracking collars

Johnson, a trusted name in dog tracking collars, offers the following benefits:

• Tracks from 10 to 12 miles from the range site
• Works effectively with other receives
• Are waterproof and are treated for protection
• Works even if the dog is swimming or is in the water
• Receiver produces beeps when your dog is close by

Garmin astro 220

The Garmin Astro 220 dog tracking collar is considered best in the industry for the GPS tracking collars. It offers the following features:

Color screen
Flexible antenna
Display map
Light weight
Tracks up to 10 dogs simultaneously
Range of 7 miles (line of sight)

After Purchasing Your Dog Collar

Whichever collar you choose, you will likely discover that they can cover a lot of ground (both the dog and the collar). Hunting or outdoor dogs will benefit most from these collars, though all dogs can be safer with one. These collars work “in sight,” which means that if the terrain is not level, the dog is in heavy brush, a ditch, etc., the collar will have limited range.

Like any other tool for training or playing with your dog, you’ll need to know all the ins-and-outs of how it works and how to best utilize it. Be sure to understand the operation of your tracking collar and receiver combination. Try it out in the back yard to learn the different beeps, range finders, and other indications it gives. You’ll be glad you did once you’re out in the field.

Summary
No one wants to ever imagine his dog being lost in the neighborhood, let alone out in the woods. For added peace of mind and for the safety of your pet, a dog tracking collar is a great idea. It’s a small investment for both your comfort and your dog’s safety.

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