Garmin tracking system

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

does anyone own and use the Garmin Astro tracking system? Both my dogs ran away from me on the mountain the other day in pursuit of some animal. Rocky came back quickly when I called, but Lilo was MIA for almost 15 minutes. Needless to say, I was freaked out. She eventually returned to the trail looking sheepish, but not entirely unpleased with herself. She can cover a lot of distance in 15 minutes and although she is chipped and wears a collar, I am seriously thinking about investing in a GPS tracking system. My husband says the Garmin is the best - but it's also really expensive, so before we buy this, I thought I'd ask around if it is as good as the manufacturer claims.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I don't know the answer to your question. I have the same question about it's quality also. But I do think, if it works, it is well worth the investment. I thought that the newest micro chipping would allow you to also track your dog.

Even if the dog is micro chipped some shelters are so awful ( so aren't but some are horrible ) that they don't bother to check.

In my hometown the shelter has been accused and found guilty many times of keeping the pedigree dogs found in the back and hiding them for themselves! The owner shows up to claim a dog and they say, " We have never had your dog". Only to turn around later and place them with friends or sell them on the side.

If you could prove your dog was somewhere with someone dishonest it would be a great benefit. And of course, if you got separated as in your situation it would cause many days without all the heartache both you and your dog would endure.

I'll keep my eyes on this post and see if/what others think.

[F, Calla & Luca]

But this device must be removable so the thief, cause that's what they are, would just remove it, no?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I am thinking that the one I looked at on the internet was like the embedded microchip. Not removable.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Okay I am looking--this was from 3 years ago.
From what I know of current GPS technology, that doesn't seem likely. The chips implanted in animals right now are basically passive, and powered by the reader.

A GPS receiver needs to have a fair amount of power, and a remote controlled device would need to be powered up continually to activate the GPS circuit. It would also need some sort of transmitter and either a network of receivers (such as a cell system) or a satellite to receive and report the location. It would need to be a rechargeable system. Also, the GPS receiver wouldn't work if the animal was under or inside a building as the GPS signals don't penetrate structures well. The antenna would be rather larger than most implanted chips too.

Maybe something will come in the future, but I just don't see it as feasible right now. If someone has developed a system such as this I'd like to see how it works.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

http://www.shopzilla.com/gps-microchip-for-dogs/search

Here is a website with all the latest and the greatest--includes pricing and reviews.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wow, pricy. Also, you need a monthly service fee.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

And your dog would look REALLY STUPID with a big antenna sticking out of its neck!

[F, Calla & Luca]

sounds like the electronic collars are the way to go. I got mine thru Craig's list at less. Two were about the price of one. also, they do have them for 2 dogs with 1 transmitter.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Have you tried Consumer Reports?

Garmin, the last time I checked, was the highest rated GPS travel device. I have never checked its rating for dog tracking.

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

The Garmin system does get good consumer recommendations. I guess it's most widely used for hunting dogs. My dogs are almost always offleash and we live on a mountain with lots of interesting wildlife to chase so I think I'll just have to bit the bullet and buy it, since I obviously cannot trust my dog to come when I call her. I would HATE it if she gets picked up by the county shelter, my worst nightmare. I really want to find her before anyone else does and fast!!! There's also the issue of her getting stuck in the brush or falling into a hole. I normally don't worry about stuff like that, but the fact that she's run away twice now in a short period of time freaks me out.

I will let you know how it works once I get it ;)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have electronic collars which I have only used for Luca and on vibrate only. If he "forgets" to come when called I use a few times and he begins to remember. The collar I have works for quite a distance, supposedly, something like 300-400 yards. The advantage is the dog returns to you and you don't have to search. The disadvantage if the dog's hurt or unable to come it does no good in locating your pet. A combo system would be great.

[Ann]

Hey, that is a great idea! I never heard of it! But, I do have a Garmin GPS for my car, my son also has a Garmin and I tell you, it is the best GPS I've ever had! i also had a problem with it and when i called, they right away told me to mail it to them and they fixed it for free in a matter of a week. I was very happy with their service. I have tried to use a Tom Tom and they are HORRIBLE compared to the Garmin brand.

If they have something for dogs, I bet it is good.