TOP 5 best collars with GPS navigator for dogs

It is important for the owner of a four-legged pet to know that his pet is safe. A dog tracker will help you pinpoint the location of your tailed friend and find him if he runs away. This device is useful for those who often spend time outdoors, those whose dog walks in a private yard, hunters, as well as anyone who wants to protect themselves and their tailed friend.

Types of electronic collars

The variety of different models on the electric collar market will allow you to choose the product that your beloved pet needs.

Electronic collars can be classified according to different criteria:

• based on the breed of dogs - GPS trackers with light weight have been developed for decorative dogs, this is the main criterion when purchasing such devices for “small-sized” dogs, and, for example, for hunting breeds, electric collars have a colossal number of different functions and are highly reliable;
• in terms of battery capacity - to use GPS navigators on dogs of hunting breeds, the battery charge volume must be greater than on devices intended for decorative breeds of dogs;
• in terms of functionality - the most expensive devices have a wide range of different functions: an accurate tracking system with a minimum radius of finding the pet, operation of receiving equipment with a replaceable external battery, an alarm button on the collar;
• based on the purpose of using the device - in this case they can be divided into tracking devices and electronic leashes intended for training.

There are collars of a combined type, i.e. for training, equipped with a GPS navigator. Their functionality is wider and the range of uses is greater.

Next, we will consider the types of electric collars for tracking and training, the capabilities of both types of devices, scope of application and technical characteristics.

Loc8tor, UK

This service offers products for all categories of users (children, employees, cars, animals) and is similar to GdeMoi. The dog tracker weighs about 60 grams, is protected from moisture, shocks and scratches and is powered by a SIM card. The set, which includes a tracker, a case and a beautiful box, costs $166 on sale. In addition, Locator recently presented a special device for cats. It operates on the basis of radio tags, and not on GPS, the coverage area is limited to 122 meters, but the tracker emits light and sound signals - in case the cat likes to hide.

The range of the service includes not only trackers for animals, but also video cameras - to monitor pets while they are in charge of the apartment during human absence.

Dog collars with navigator

A collar with a navigator allows you to determine the location of your pet in real time. It is absolutely safe and allows you to find the animal if it is lost. The functionality of such devices is very wide. It depends on the specific model and cost.

Principle of operation

The location where the dog is located is determined by online navigation via a satellite communication system. The current location of the animal and its territorial movement will be displayed on the device that comes with the collar or on your phone or computer. A GPS tracker is usually compatible with any mobile device. The device transmits communication data using a SIM card. Some models of GPS trackers have a built-in system and are combined with a collar, while others are attached using a clip.

Specifications

The technical data of different models differs in many ways. When choosing an electric collar for your dog, you should first of all take into account the breed and purpose of the device itself.

In terms of technical characteristics, leashes with a GPS tracker differ in:

• tracking coverage areas;
• battery capacity;
• possibility of sending a vibration signal;
• device dimensions;
• presence of a panic button.

Functionality and capabilities

The main function of an electronic collar with a GPS tracker is to track the animal. Options may vary depending on model. Functionality and capabilities depend on the manufacturer and price of the device. Before purchasing, you need to decide for what purpose you are purchasing the device.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a GPS collar for dogs, you should pay attention to features of the accessory such as battery life, connectivity, form factor, as well as some additional features that the tracker offers.

Autonomy

The battery is an important part of the gadget and can cause a real problem if it dies if you lose your dog. Battery life depends on:

• signal frequencies for transmitting location data
• battery capacity
• distance to receiver

When buying a GPS collar for dogs, pay attention to the range of battery life both in rest mode and during data transfer. And, of course, you need to make sure that the GPS tag is always charged before going out with your pet for a walk.

Working hours

For dogs that do not travel far from home, a small battery life is enough - up to 24 hours. For hunting breeds, it is recommended to use devices with a longer operating life.

Types of communication in GPS collars

Basically, new collar models use A-GPS technology. This type of technology improves the time it takes to actually find your dog after turning on the device. Regular GPS uses only satellite signals, which usually take about 30 seconds, but can take up to 12 minutes in areas where open sky transmission is limited. A-GPS also depends on network resources. It only takes a second in good conditions and two to three minutes in bad conditions: a big difference when you're tracking your lost dog.

A-GPS also allows you to locate your pet indoors. If your pet is confined within four walls, the sensor in the collar is unlikely to receive a regular GPS signal. So if your dog is in someone's house, a simple GPS won't help you find it. A-GPS will probably do the trick, although it is usually limited to areas where your cell phone gets reception.

WAAS-GPS is a wide range system. It has better accuracy than standard GPS. But while the latter will locate your dog within 9 meters, WAAS will do so within 3 m. In fixing location, WAAS is not as fast as A-GPS.

Connection quality

When choosing a mobile operator that will service your GPS device, pay attention to the coverage area and signal stability. It's best to use satellite communications

Shape, weight and limitations

A tracker in a collar may become too heavy for a small dog or, for example, a cat. For example, a 300-gram tracker will be an unbearable burden for a 1-kilogram dog, but will be familiar to a dog whose weight reaches 20 kg or more.

The case must be durable so that the gadget does not break if it hits a stone or concrete floor. Most of the collar trackers are not designed to be submersible in water, but only have protection against rain and accidental splashes. If your dog swims, you need to take special precautions to protect USB ports or electronic components. But on sale you can find a special GPS collar for hunting dogs. It is sealed and waterproof.

The tracker mount also plays an important role. If the dog shakes while jumping, or if it rubs against the ground or catches on bush branches, the device can come off and get lost. And in this case, you will only find the tracker, but not the pet.

Consider the permissible air temperature when using the collar in your environment. Indeed, if the temperature is too low or high, the GPS navigator for dogs can shorten the battery life or the device may fail altogether.

Additional functions in GPS collars

A GPS dog collar can have a number of additional functions beyond tracking your pet's location.

1. Listening function. The ability to listen to the environment around the dog
2. Ability to give commands to your pet
3. Installation of geo-fence. If the previously established zone is violated by an animal, the owner will receive a notification. For this, a special application for a GPS collar for dogs can be used.
4. Bark sensor. The owner will be notified if the dog barks.
5. SOS call. If the animal is found by other people, pressing the SOS button on the collar allows you to send the pet's location to the owner
6. Monitoring pet activity. How many steps have you taken and what distance have you covered in a day, week, month or year?
7. Two-way audio. Allows you to hear and talk to your pet
8. Remote control. Allows you to send vibration signals to the collar, which are recognized by the dog as certain commands
9. Camera. Allows you to monitor your location, allowing the owner to see what is going on around and who is nearby
10. SIM card. A dog tracker with a SIM card allows you to send an SMS to your smartphone with a link to Google maps with the coordinates of the animal’s location. To do this, you need to make a call to the number of the SIM card in the collar
11. Touchscreen. Allows you to make beacon settings directly in the device itself
12. Anti-thief. When a dog is in a car and moving at high speed, the gadget will notify the owner about this

How to choose and use a GPS collar for dogs

Reliability and convenience are the main criteria when searching for the right leash model with a GPS tracker. The device should be attached to the dog as securely as possible. If the GPS is not built into the collar, then you need to purchase a metal mounting clip for it, which will reduce the likelihood of its breakage and loss of the device. You should also consider the battery life and range of the equipment.

The operation of collars with a navigator is based on data transfer from the device using a SIM card to equipment connected to the Internet. Since the battery capacity depends on the specific model, you need to know how long the device can operate when searching for an animal. You should not put an electric collar on your animal long before walking if the battery capacity of the device is small.

Application

The device determines the location of cats and dogs, their movement and minimizes the risk of losing a pet. The gadget can be placed on any animals, cargo, or any objects that require tracking trajectories. The use of such a device is considered particularly relevant for young pets who do not have sufficient upbringing and behavior skills in a free environment, for animals prone to picking up food outside the home and for walks in an urban environment, where there is a place for non-standard situations with the risk of fright.

Restricting pets from walking without a collar harms their well-being, changes their character, and can cause illness.

Review of the best models

Tagg The Pet Tracker

Tagg The Pet Tracker is a device for locating pets. The model allows you to determine the area where the dog stays. An SMS notification alerts the owner if the pet has left the designated area. The Tagg The Pet Tracker model will indicate the location of the dog with high probability and accuracy. The big advantage of this GPS tracker model is that it can monitor your pet's daily exercise by monitoring its activity. The device is easily attached using a clip.

TBPT Pet Tracker MSP-340

This model of GPS tracker, with its light weight (35 grams), has a large battery capacity and can work up to 48 hours without recharging. The device is simply attached to the collar. The model is very small-sized and lightweight, so it will suit even the smallest dog. Like the previous model, TBPT Pet Tracker MSP-340 notifies the owner if the pet’s area is violated.

Garmin DC 50

The Garmin DC 50 is a more expensive device. Garmin Ltd, which produces GPS collars, is the global market leader in satellite navigation. Therefore, this model is considered durable and reliable. The Garmin DC 50 gadget is protected from dust and moisture and has a capacious battery.

Garmin Astro 430 with T 5 US collar

The characteristics of this model are suitable for larger dogs (device weight 260 grams). The collar is successfully used for hunting dogs because it is water- and dust-proof. The system can communicate with twenty objects. The model has many advantages for use during hunting - a large range, the ability to use a built-in antenna, connection of up to 20 collars, and the use of an additional external power supply.

Alpha 100 with TT15 collar

One of the most expensive models. You can track up to 20 animals at the same time. The device accurately tracks every running dog within a 14-kilometer radius. Modern Hunt Metrics data helps you monitor your dog's behavior to select appropriate training techniques. You can view your time, distance, and overall scores on this device. Alpha 100 also counts the number of times the “on point” or “treed” position was recorded. The Alpha 100 is easy to use, rugged and reliable.

Bluetooth pet pendant

Even pets that do not walk outside can get lost - they know how to hide in such a way that it is more difficult to find them than a second sock after washing. If your cat decides to go into seclusion and cry about his sins, you can lose him even in a one-room apartment. When you have already checked all the closets, run around all the surrounding yards and get ready to call the police, the animal will calmly leave the room, shaking off the dust from its mustache. And where, where did he manage to hide?

If you, as a cat owner, have encountered this behavior more than once, a collar with a Bluetooth pendant can seriously help you out.

Dog lovers will also find the Bluetooth pendant useful: it can be used instead of a leash. If your dog is not aggressive and you calmly let him run and play, the harness will not allow the animal to run further than 10 meters from you.

For lovers of cats and high technology:

• Peace, work, meow: how do they do business with cats?
• Your smartphone is watching you: disabling Android tracking features
• Lost cat or dog? Search in Yandex (we're not kidding)

Photo: unsplash.com, gps-dogs.ru, manufacturing companies

Recommendations and tips

First of all, when buying a collar with a GPS navigator, you need to decide why you are buying the gadget. For small dogs and cats, the Futureway GPS collar will be ideal. This is the smallest model with a GPS tracker currently on the market. For larger dogs, it is worth purchasing a more durable, reliable and water-resistant electric collar.

If you are planning a long trip or traveling, then it makes sense to think about a replacement battery for your GPS device. It makes sense to buy expensive tracking systems with many functions if you frequently travel outdoors for recreation or hunting. In any case, the choice when purchasing should be meaningful and give confidence to the owner of his beloved pet that with the purchase of such a collar, his four-legged friend will be safe.

Top 8. Hunter GPS 25000 PRO

Rating (2021): 4.41

New model for 2022 Previously, Hunter trackers were not particularly popular, but the new model has already collected the first positive reviews. For a budget price, the GPS collar is quite functional and easy to use.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 18,000 rub.

• Country: China
• Waterproof: IP67
• Autonomous operation: up to 20 hours.
• Range: up to 25 km

The new model, released in 2022, has already become quite popular due to its good quality and performance at an affordable price. The operating range in open areas is stated to be up to 25 km; in rough terrain, the navigator picks up a signal from a distance of up to 5 km. It does not require SIM cards or cellular communications, which is convenient for hunting far from populated areas. The receiver is synchronized with a smartphone, and information about the dog’s movement is displayed and saved in the free application. An interesting feature is that the transmitter on the collar is turned on by a magnet. To do this, simply attach the control panel to the location indicated on the device. The model is new, but hunters are already leaving reviews about it. Some even call it a budget equivalent of Garmin. They are quite satisfied with the functionality, signal reception range, and ease of use. Buyers are dissatisfied with the appearance, which does not evoke a feeling of reliability.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Reception range up to 5 km in the forest
• No SIM card, internet or cell phone required
• Combination of budget price with good characteristics
• Free smartphone app

• Looks unreliable

Pod Trackers

The service operates in more than 175 countries, including Russia (although it is unlikely to become popular here, given its price). The device, in principle, is similar to all those described earlier: miniature, waterproof, lightweight. Easily attaches to the collar and works without recharging for about a week. The second generation device is capable of finding animals not only in nature, but also indoors, as it works on the basis of WiFi. Device cost: $199, service cost: $49 annually, starting from the second year of operation.

Additional criteria

1. Required size. The main thing is to check the size and girth of your pet’s neck and choose a collar that will not put pressure on your pet’s neck.
2. Material. The quality and elasticity of the material are very important (the collar should not put pressure on the neck or stretch).
3. Fastenings. They must be reliable, since a dog, especially when hunting, always runs the risk of hitting some obstacle.
4. Smell. First of all, try not to buy collars that smell like “cheap Chinese rubber.”