Dog GPS tracker

[AutisticID]

I’m looking at getting a GPS tracker for my dog, mainly because my autistic DD panics on walks when the dog is off lead even though she has excellent recall. It’s just for reassurance. Tracactive has been recommended on a dog group but you need to buy the tracker and then a monthly subscription. Can anyone tell me if they are any good/potential downfalls, or any other tracker they would recommend? Thanks.

Interesting - I did t know this was an option.

Did you get any further with your research OP?

I haven’t! I’ve had mixed reviews - apparently the Tracactive needs good phone signal/GPS for live tracking, which means it’s not great in remote areas but I guess none of them will be as they all rely on technology! I’d prefer one that didn’t have a monthly subscription but haven’t found one yet. My research continues!

I bought one! Tracactive. Haven't yet tried using it. The problem I can already see is that it's quite heavy to wear for my tiny puppy, so can't see it being comfortable, but maybe as he grows it won't matter. Will let you know how it works once I've tried it out.

Thanks both! I was more thinking about using it if it got stolen, but I guess the thief would just remove it?!

@MaryJosephJesusAndTheWeeDonkey I think it's useless if the dog is stolen, as any thief would just take it off. I was thinking more if it ran off and we couldn't find it.

I wish the microchip had a gps tracker!

I was thinking of buying an Apple Watch and adapting it into a collar. Seems it would be smaller, more reliable, and no ongoing subscription fees.

Apple has just brought these out - water resistant so seems good for everything except truly vile weather and swimming

www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2021/04/apple-introduces-airtag/

[quote LadyWhistledownsQuill]Apple has just brought these out - water resistant so seems good for everything except truly vile weather and swimming

www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2021/04/apple-introduces-airtag/[/quote]
Wow those are clever aren't they. Trying to understand - it doesn't seem like they are using GPS but their 'find my network' so it's reliant on other iPhones being around I think

The apple tag I've seen used on stethoscopes but not on dogs. That might be a great idea. They look light. Are they secure though so the battery is difficult to get at (thinking about burns if the dog was to chew it)
I'll be interested to hear about which tracker you use. I've only seen the larger ones on some gun dogs.
@XelaM that would be so handy.

We got on from Vodafone. Think it costs £3 per month.
The do a specific pet one but we just got the ordinary one as it's lightweight and fully waterproof.
We've had it about 3 months now and had no issues with it. You download the app in your phone.

Ooh that sounds interesting. Does your phone have to be on Vodafone network too?

I tried one a few years ago but can't remember the name and ended up returning it during the money back guarantee period.

How good any are is going to depend on the area you walk in, the sampling rate and potential ground your dog may cover if it relies on phone signal.

I walk in countryside and wooded areas which can have flaky phone signal and my dog covers a lot of ground in a short space of time that it just wasn't accurate enough for my needs.

@AutisticID

Ooh that sounds interesting. Does your phone have to be on Vodafone network too?

No we are with EE, the sim goes in the tracker.

Don't know if you mean Tractive? If so, I've had 3 for several years and have never had a problem with coverage or signal and I'm in (very!) rural Portugal. Also excellent customer service.

Dog tracker nano is very good. You can either buy it outright or pay on a12 monthly basis I think. Their customer service is also excellent. I think they also have a anti theft cover you can buy so that it can’t be removed easily by thieves (I don’t have that part) and the tracker is water and mud proof.

My dog has worn a Tractive since she saw her first deer at 4 month of age and took off!
No problems with reception anywhere we have been..and we spend a lot of time in woods, out in fields middle of no where stuff. My DS2 has autism too and he panics if she has disappeared into the bushes even if she's just mooching!

Personally I think, as my dog is a precious member of the family, a subscription to the gps is not a great cost to shoulder. If she was ever scared and bolted..we would have our best chance at finding her.

It's also really interesting to look at the data.. my girl goes out with a dog walker twice a week and I can see where they went and how active she is!

I have mine clipped to her harness.

Which one did you go for Op?

and do you recommend?