Keep on Trackin'!

OK, it's confusing! So let's track those trackers. How do they work and what do I need?

Some trackers use just Bluetooth, others GPS, or both. Others use the Apple air tag network, which runs on low-energy blue tooth from nearby Apple devices, plus the ‘Find My’ app. These don’t tend to be sold for dog tracking, but get used anyway by people that find they do work for them, in their location.

Some are cheap to buy, especially Bluetooth-only trackers, but have a subscription fee, others are free to use once you’ve bought them. You will find plenty of reviews online, but we’re here to clarify what each type offers.

Key Considerations

• Signal:

Any tracker is only as good as the signal available. Blue tooth relies on phone coverage, is short range at best. GPS uses satellites, obviously, but also phone networks to get the information to your app, so in areas of poor reception it won’t be perfect. Air tags use low- energy Bluetooth and the apple phone network. Signal can be great, but may not work at all, especially while on the move.Battery Life: A missing dog could be out and about for some time, so battery life is crucial. Check the reviews. An older device will need replacing at some point. Live tracking sucks up the power quickly, so use it sparingly.

• Durability and Design:

It’s trickiest to find the right one for very small dogs. Most are waterproof, but check this. You need a solid connection with the collar/harness

• Subscription Costs:

Don’t dismiss the subscription models. What is your dog’s safety worth? Having said that, many swear by models that are free to use. Tractive is around £40 but costs £144 a year. Pitpat, a very similar and highly regarded tracker, works in the same way, but costs £140-170 to buy but has no subscription. Your choice. For what it’s worth, I change my Tractive devices every couple of years because battery life diminishes with time on any device, so that works best for us. Some have a free trial period and free returns.

• Additional Features:

Some trackers offer extra features like activity monitoring, health data, and custom safety zones, which can be useful for some owners.

• Bluetooth, GPS - which technology?

On the whole, Bluetooth is good for short-range, within-building use, while GPS trackers offer superior real-time, long-distance tracking, making them better for the real outdoors. Our view is, you really do need GPS, or a device that uses both. GPS does uses more battery life than Bluetooth. Tractive, which I use, is one of those that uses both, to save power. Others may prefer other devices, but I can only tell you of my own experience.

• What about Air Tags?

Air tags, in my view, can be a great back-up. They really aren’t right for live tracking, and may not give a signal at all, as they rely on bouncing off nearby apple devices. I can see my sister’s dog from 100 miles away, but not always one of my dogs in my garden! The reason I have air tags, in special air tag collars, on my dogs, remembering that the trauma of losing Milo is still very real. is in case they were missing after their tracker battery runs out. Air tag batteries last a couple of years. Friends swear by their air tags, however, or love others such as Pebblebee or Chipolo that use the same system and the ‘Find MY’ app.

So, hoping that helps, check out some reviews, ask people locally and decide. But please, get a tracker.