The Latest "Lost Dog" Technology: GPS Collar Tracking

There's an interesting article in this month's October issue of Dog Fancy about how dog owners are turning to sophisticated GPS systems to avoid/recover lost dogs. These collar+transmitter systems feature online tracking of your pet's whereabouts on your smartphone, email and text alerts if your dog wanders too far away, and a rescue button that anyone who picks up a lost dog can press to have the owner come get the dog.

We think the use of GPS technology to recover a lost dog is indeed a noble and practical use of the technology. Search and rescue (SAR) dogs and hunting dogs, among others, have worn them for years.

We caution our dear clients, however, not to be tempted to rely on this type of device to keep one's dog 'safe,', for that is a job that the collar alone simply cannot do! You might be able to see on your computer that your dog has wandered down the street....but you won't be able to see if your dog has ended up in traffic! It would be a mistake (perhaps even unlawful in many suburban Seattle areas) to get one of these things and think that your pet could be safely loose outside, without any supervision.

Simply put, devoted attention, proper training, and solid management of your pet are still the best ways to ensure his/her safety and well being. A tracking collar may, in some situations (e.g., foster care, hunting trips) be a good safety net to have on hand. For the average dog owner, though, the better tool is to spend more quality time working with your dog, practicing and generalizing good obedience.

Nothing beats a rock solid 'Come!', 'Good dog!' and a jackpot of tidbits or play with you every now and then (not to mention, a good fence) to give your dog a solid reason to stay home.

(To see the October Dog Fancy and view some GPS tracking devices, go to http://www.dogchannel.com/extras and click on 'Get Lost and Found.')