October 13, 2008
Dog GPS - Tracking the Hunter
Hunting dogs have a job to do. They flush game, they find game, and they retrieve it. As a hunter, you know that the areas you are working are rarely manicured like park grass with the ability to see for several yards in all directions. Rather when hunting, there are tree, tall grasses, and bushes – visual obstacles that make it challenging to find your dog. Now, the folks who bring you car navigation systems, that help you find out where you are and get you where you want to go, also have a GPS for your dog.
Tell me more about Dog GPS
One of the best known and regarded makers of GPS devices is Garmin. Headquartered in
The Caymans with its primary offices in Kansas, the company is the leading manufacturer of GPS devices for personal, marine, and aviation navigation. Garmin offers its dog GPS products on-line and through major retailers including WalMart, Sams, and The Great Outdoors.
The Garmin dog GPS is for larger dogs since the unit is strapped to your pet via a neoprene harness. The Garmin Astro 220 comes with VHF antenna and DC 20 wireless transmitter with VHF antenna, a neoprene harness, a collar attachment plate, a carrying case, a lithium-ion battery pack for the DC 20 transmitter, a vehicle power adapter and AC adapter for the DC 20 transmitter, a trip and waypoint manager CD, a USB cable, a wrist strap, a belt clip, an owner's manual and a quick reference guide.
The unit is easy to use and is generally weather proof. Many new owners also purchase the Garmin Mapsource that makes the operation more accurate and readable. The unit transmits your dog's position to your handheld device every five seconds, showing current location as well as direction on the handheld’s map. Be prepared for the price, however. The Garmin dog GPS retails for over $600.00
There are a couple options to the Garmin GPS dog tracking system including Love My Pet available from PetGadgets. This product is less expensive than the Garmin dog GPS retailing at around $200 and features a glow-in-the-dark collar. You receive tracking information via a computer connection or over the phone. And then there is RoamEO system that includes a portable, handheld receiver that displays information received and a GPS-enabled collar. The handheld device uses a color LCD to show the location, direction and velocity of your dog. The RoamEO sells for less than $160.00.
Who might want to use dog GPS?
Although hunters are obvious potential users of dog GPS, the unit will also be useful to bird watchers and hikers who take along their pets off lead on outdoor adventures. If your youngsters did not mind the collar, it might work for them, too.
Posted by Barbara.
Filed under General by Editor



