Dog trackers have become increasingly more popular with the massive adoption of smart devices, as they allow owners to keep track of their pets from afar, at all times. But with so many different types of pet dog tracker models available nowadays, all of which have different features, and come at a different price, it can be tough to differentiate the good from the bad. That being said, as with most other things, there are some important factors you need to consider before you invest in a dog tracker.
The first thing you need to consider when shopping for a pet dog tracker, is whether it will require a subscription. Some trackers require 2G/3G to operate, and thus require access to a mobile network. However, there are also trackers that don’t require a subscription, as they have their own network to track your dog. Obviously, these units are oftentimes more expensive, but they’re a worthy investment.
The next thing to consider is whether you want the tracker to incorporate the so-called Geo-Fencing feature, which basically allows you to set a perimeter for your dog, preventing him from leaving it. For example, you can set the Geo-Fence to align with your physical fence, or you can set it to a corner of your yard where you want your dog to be. This feature is handy if your dog has the tendency to escape or dig itself out of your yard.
Further, consider whether your dog likes to run around in the rain, play in mud or jump in lakes. If that’s the case, you’ll want a tracker that’s completely water-resistant. Additionally, consider whether you want the dog tracker to include features such as an activity tracker and text-to-speech. The text-to-speech feature lets you save a couple of voice messages on the tracker, so if your dog goes missing, the person who finds him can hear a readout on the voice messages you’ve left, so that returning your dog back to you is much easier.
And lastly, consider whether you want the tracker to come with a vibration or ringer feature for extra training. If you train your dog to come back to you when the ringer or vibration is activated, you’ll have an easy time keeping your dog in check. Although this can require quite a bit of patience and time, it’s a fun and extremely practical skill to teach your dog.