Pros and Cons of Dog GPS Trackers
Recently, there has been little movement for GPS trackers for dogs, and one can easily see why. These tiny devices keep track of your four-legged buddy outside and are usually clipped onto a collar.
Whether you have an adventurous young pup who loves to explore or a professional escape artist. GPS trackers can be a big help in some cases.
For pet owners, peace of mind knowing that they can find their dogs with just a click on their phones is priceless.
But like all tech, it has its gloomy side, too. Now that you know what they are, let’s understand how dog GPS trackers work, their advantages, and some demerits to help you decide whether to buy one.
What Are Dog GPS Trackers?
Dog GPS trackers are small devices based on satellite technology that track your dog’s movements.
Together with maps or apps, they give the dog owner instant tracking updates if the dog wanders away in an emergency.
Some trackers come with additional features such as geofencing (set a virtual boundary and get alerts if your dog crosses it), activity tracking (because even your dog deserves a fitness goal), and safety alerts if they are stationary or in an unwanted area for too long.
Pros of Dog GPS Trackers
If you are looking forward to adding a GPS tracker to your dog’s collar. Here are a few pros you should know more about these trackers before putting in one.
- Enhanced Safety
Imagine the fear ensuing when you realize your pooch has run away through an open gate or on a free leash.
GPS trackers allow you to get information on your dog’s exact location so that you can act quickly and avoid spending hours combing the streets for it.
- Peace of Mind
Not just find the lost canines; if you know where your dog is at the time with a pet sitter or with family, it gets a lot off your mind. A quick peek from the app does it all to keep you informed about them.
- Activity Monitoring
Although some GPS trackers track activities, one gets an idea of how much exercise your dog gets daily.
This is helpful for very active breeds or dogs undergoing weight-loss programs, keeping track of their health.
- Geofencing Features
Geofencing creates an invisible boundary beyond which your dog is not allowed. When it strays into your defined space, whether at home, a park, or heading to the beach. You get a notification so that you can act before he gets too far.
- Compact and Easy to Use
Most GPS trackers are small, compact, and clip easily on a dog’s collar without bothering them.
Normally, they are more of a convenience factor, often pairing effortlessly with user-friendly apps on your phone.
Cons of Dog GPS Trackers
Along with these pros, there are a few cons of adding dog GPS trackers on your dog’s collar. So, it is always better to know the pros and cons of dog GPS trackers.
- Cost
Let’s be honest-dog GPS trackers are not cheap. Not only do you have the price of the device, which is high in most cases, but you also have the fact that they often come with clauses requiring a subscription for real-time tracking.
While the peace of mind might be worth every cent for some, it is a factor to consider for those on a tight budget.
- Battery Life
This convenience comes at the price of keeping the device charged. Depending on the model, you may recharge it every few days.
For the forgetful people, this could be a dealbreaker. A dead tracker is rather useless in an adverse case when your dog pulls a Houdini on you.
- Signal Limitations
GPS trackers rely on strong satellite or cellular signals to work their magic. This means they can be less reliable in remote areas, thick forests, or places with spotty coverage.
If you have been camping or are in the bush, you may discover it is having trouble keeping up.
- Not a Substitute for Training
Like any other tool available to dog owners, a GPS tracker is not a substitute for effective training; it doesn’t substitute basic recall training or proper supervision.
If your dog runs off or ignores commands, the tracker will enable you to track him down. But it will not solve the root problem.
Should You Get a Dog GPS Tracker?
A GPS tracker is a great device to add to your Pet Care Kit, but it’s not for everyone.
- For Wandering: If your dog is someone who knows how to squeeze through fences or out the front door, a GPS tracker would be very helpful.
- For Dogs in Rural Settings: A dog in a rural area or with an extensive open property has more freedom to roam. A Tracker would benefit owners who want to keep tabs on their dogs.
- Busy Owner: Parents juggling work, errands, and family will benefit from knowing their dog is somewhere safe, even if they can’t always be with it.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tracker
You should consider certain things and features when choosing the right dog GPS tracker.
- Battery Life: Go for a long battery-life device to reduce frequent charging.
- Toughness: If your dog loves rough-and-tumble play or is fond of swimming, get a tough, waterproof tracker.
- Subscription Fees: Review the recurring tracking service charges and factor that into your decision.
- User Reviews: Hearing from other dog owners can provide valuable insights into which models work well and which fall short.
Are Dog GPS Trackers the solution?
Dog GPS trackers are a smart tech that can improve pet owners’ peace of mind and safety.
Most especially, a dog that leads an adventurous life or has an active lifestyle most of the time and owners who want to keep a closer eye on the dog regarding its location and activity.
Although there may be some cons to a dog GPS, several pros outweigh these for those who prioritize their pets’ safety.
After all, having a GPS tracker is another way to show how much your dog means to you: keeping them safe while making your heart feel a little less troubled.
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