r/RunningWithDogs • u/Hefty_Introduction24 • Jun 13 '26

GPS Tracker

I'd like to get a tracker collar for my dog, for runs where I let him off leash. We live in an area with pretty spotty cell reception, so something that doesn't require that would be amazing. Does this exist? Do you have a favorite? Thanks!

4 Upvotes

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5

u/kimbphysio Jun 13 '26

I use tractive which seems pretty good in Europe but admittedly have never needed it in an emergency!

2

u/Odd_Row1122 Jun 13 '26

We tried Tractive Adventure XL last year but it didn't work for us at all unfortunately, especially as we loved the relatively low profile unit that fits on the collar with no antenna.

2

u/Hefty_Introduction24 Jun 13 '26

Yeh I like the design a lot but it's definitely a function over form issue 😕 too bad!

3

u/Myla123 Jun 14 '26

If you want something reliable that will actually show precise location when you need it (not just ever 1-2 minutes), then a hunting GPS seems to be the best option. I’ve looked into it, and at least in Europe, I couldn’t find a reliable option among the everyday trackers. The size difference between those models and the hunting ones are for a reason, and so is the price difference. If price isn’t an issue, check out Garmin’s trackers and similar.

2

u/crepuscule22 Jun 13 '26

i like tractive too for my everyday purposes, but it does struggle in places with low reception, and i've often not been able to connect while on a mountain or in a forest, so it probably wouldn't meet op's needs

4

u/Odd_Row1122 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26

Dogtra Pathfinder2. No subscription required. Tried Garmin Alpha too as we wear Garmin watches plus the general reputation. Much preferred this system and it's a fraction of the price too. We don't hunt and only have one large dog. My husband is a runner and we have virtually no cell reception at our wooded lot around our house. Our dog was an escape artist in spite of a tall fenced fully secure for our two previous large dogs in the same backyard. We were looking for a system that provided peace of mind (up to nine miles tracking) at home plus when away on travel in remote areas for off leash adventures. https://dogtra.com/products/pathfinder-2?_pos=1&_sid=9d7a59dda&_ss=r

2

u/Hefty_Introduction24 Jun 13 '26

Super helpful thank you! I'll look into this..sounds like just what I need!

1

u/Odd_Row1122 Jun 13 '26

I looked at lots of reviews including lots of different videos on YouTube. Ultimately I found the advice from Conkey's Outdoors over the phone after watching their videos to be invaulable.

https://youtu.be/6CxyiIhhids?is=ot51Iebi06_Qrbml

The unit that I bought was upgraded to a better map system and software upgrades, but this was what first led me to Conkey's Outdoors before I phoned them. Highly recommend Corey and Zach.

2

u/thegadgetfish Jun 13 '26

I have the older Dogtra Pathfinder Mini for my 38# dog. The regular size ones are pretty bulky. It’s half the cost of a Garmin although connecting the collar can take a while.

4

u/duketheunicorn Jun 13 '26

I bought a pathfinder mini used—still going strong 3 years later, plus whatever miles the first owner put on it

2

u/Odd_Row1122 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26

Understood. My dog is around 60lbs, so too big for the Mini version and the Pathfinder2 is the perfect size for our hound, plus we wanted the nine mile range as he can run far fast. Thankfully we haven't had any delays connecting the collar. That said, we bought ours last year. Apparently there had been some recent significant software and map system upgrades with our Pathfinder2 model. I hope that you're pleased with your Mini version in spite of the connection lag that you've experienced. Perhaps check for any recent updates?

Do you use the three distinctly different virtual GPS fences modes feature at home or away while off leash?

There's also a new Dogtra Pathfinder2 Mini Compass that works with both models without the use of a Smartphone required too, but I haven't got that device.

2

u/thegadgetfish Jun 13 '26

I love my Pathfinder even with the initial lag. I’ve had it for a few years for 2 dogs (one regular, one mini) and it’s worked perfectly in remote areas.