GPS Dog Fence Collar for Peace of Mind: Keep Fido Safe on Your Next Adventure

What makes a camping trip better? When your pup comes along with you on your adventures.

But it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Most campsites require your dog to be leashed at all times, but when you’re out on the beaten path, you’ll need to make sure you have your eyes on your pets…. at all times.

But we all know thats impossible.

You’re busy setting up camp or cooking meal, you can lose sight of your dog in seconds.

That’s where GPS dog fence collars come in handy.

The SpotOn GPS Dog Fence Collar can help alleviate some of the worry. This company gave me a collar to test on my dog Yeti, and here are my unbiased write up.

So what exactly is it?

These smart devices create a virtual boundary for your pet, alerting you if they wander too far.

You can enjoy your outdoor adventures without constantly worrying about your four-legged companion’s whereabouts.

With a GPS dog fence collar, you can set up safe zones for your pet at campsites, beaches, or even in your backyard at home.

It’s like having an invisible leash that gives your dog freedom to roam while keeping them safe.

Now you can relax and make lasting memories with your pet on your travels.

How GPS Fences Compare to Traditional Fences

GPS fences offer more flexibility than physical barriers.

You can change the boundaries whenever you want, without any construction work.

Traditional fences are fixed and can be expensive to install or modify. And well, you really don’t have this option when camping.

GPS systems are portable and work in any location with satellite coverage.

Physical fences can be damaged or jumped over.

GPS fences use sound and vibration alerts to keep your pet within bounds. Some also have shock options for stubborn dogs.

GPS fences don’t block your view or take up space in your yard. They’re invisible and don’t affect your property’s appearance.

One drawback of GPS fences is that they rely on battery power and satellite signals. Traditional fences don’t have these limitations.

Understanding Correction Levels

The SpotOn GPS Fence offers several alert methods to keep pet owners informed about their furry friends’ movements and ensure their safety. Here are the different alert methods available:

  1. Smartphone Notifications: The SpotOn app sends real-time notifications directly to your smartphone when your pet approaches or crosses the established boundary. This allows you to respond quickly if your pet wanders too far.
  2. Audible Alerts: The collar features audible alerts that activate when your pet nears the boundary. This sound serves as a warning to your pet, helping them recognize when they are approaching the limits of their designated area.
  3. Vibration Alerts: In addition to audible signals, the collar can provide vibration alerts. This tactile feedback helps reinforce the boundary training, giving your pet a gentle reminder to stay within the safe zone.
  4. Training Prompts: The system includes training features that can be used to condition your pet to the boundaries. These prompts can help teach your pet to associate the alerts with the need to stay within the designated area.

The SpotOn GPS Fence includes an optional static shock feature designed to reinforce boundary training for pets. This feature is intended to provide a corrective stimulus when a pet approaches or crosses the established virtual fence line.

  1. Reinforcement of Boundaries: The static shock is used as a training tool to help pets understand their limits. When a pet nears the boundary, they receive a warning through audible and vibration alerts. If they continue to approach the boundary, the static shock serves as a final reminder to turn back.
  2. Adjustable Levels: The system typically offers multiple levels of static stimulation, allowing pet owners to customize the intensity based on their pet’s size, temperament, and sensitivity. This adaptability ensures that the correction is effective without being overly harsh.
  3. Training Process: The static shock should be used as part of a comprehensive training approach. It is recommended that pet owners first train their pets using the audible and vibration alerts before introducing the static shock. This gradual approach helps pets associate the boundary with the corrective stimulus.
  4. Temporary and Non-Harmful: The static shock is designed to be a temporary sensation that is not harmful to pets. The goal is to create an aversive experience that encourages them to stay within the safe zone, rather than to inflict pain.
  5. Owner Control: Pet owners have control over when to activate the static shock feature, allowing them to tailor the training experience to their pet’s needs. This control can help ensure that the training process is both effective and humane.

Overall, the static shock feature in the SpotOn GPS Fence serves as a tool for boundary training, aiming to enhance the safety and well-being of pets while providing pet owners with peace of mind. It is important for pet owners to use this feature responsibly and in conjunction with positive reinforcement training methods.

Setting Up Your GPS Dog Fence Collar

Getting your GPS dog fence collar ready is quick and easy. You’ll be able to create safe boundaries for your pup in no time.

First thing you’ll need to do is to charging the collar fully.

While it’s charging, download the SpotOn app on your phone. Create an account and follow the setup wizard.

Once charged, put the collar on your dog. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.

Next, pair the collar with your phone via Bluetooth. The app will guide you through this process step-by-step. It’s super simple!

Don’t forget to test the collar before relying on it. Walk around your property with your dog to make sure it’s working properly.

Customizing Virtual Fences for Your Space

Now comes the fun part – setting up your virtual fences!

Open the app and use the map to draw your boundaries. You can create multiple zones if needed.

Start with a small area and gradually expand it. This helps your dog learn the new boundaries more easily.

Set up alerts in the app. You can choose to get notified when your dog approaches the boundary or crosses it.

Remember to adjust your fences for different situations. You might want a smaller area when you’re camping compared to when you’re at home.

The app lets you create custom shapes. This is great for oddly-shaped yards or avoiding specific areas.

Don’t forget to use the training guide that comes with your collar. It has tips to help your dog understand the new boundaries.

Training Your Dog to Understand Boundaries

Teaching your dog to respect boundaries is key when using a GPS dog fence collar. This process involves using a clear training guide and positive reinforcement techniques.

Using the Training Guide Effectively

Start by reading the training guide that comes with your GPS collar.

It will explain how to set up the invisible fence and introduce your dog to it.

Begin with short sessions, about 10-15 minutes each.

Put the collar on your dog and walk them around the boundary area.

When your dog gets close to the edge, the collar will beep.

Gently pull them back and praise them. Repeat this process several times a day.

If your dog tries to cross the line, they may receive a mild static correction. Don’t worry – it’s safe and won’t hurt them.

Incorporating Positive Reinforcement

Praise and treats are your best friends during this training.

When your dog stops at the boundary or turns back, give them lots of love and a yummy snack. This helps them associate staying within the boundaries with good things.

Play games inside the safe zone to make it fun.

Toss a ball or frisbee, keeping it away from the edges. You can also hide treats for your dog to find.

This shows them that staying in the yard is exciting and rewarding.

Be patient and consistent. Some dogs learn quickly, while others may take a few weeks.

Keep training sessions upbeat and end on a positive note. Your furry friend will soon understand their new boundaries, giving you peace of mind during outdoor time.

Here are some pros of using the SpotOn GPS Fence Collar:

  • Customizable Boundaries: Allows you to create a virtual fence tailored to your property and your pet’s needs.
  • GPS Technology: Utilizes advanced GPS technology for accurate tracking and boundary setting.
  • No Physical Installation: Unlike traditional fences, there’s no need for digging or physical installation, making it a hassle-free option.
  • Portability: Easily portable, making it ideal for travel or moving to new locations.
  • Real-Time Alerts: Sends notifications to your smartphone if your pet approaches or leaves the designated area.
  • Durable and Weather-Resistant: Designed to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring reliability.
  • User-Friendly App: The accompanying app provides easy setup and management of your pet’s boundaries.
  • Multiple Pet Support: Can be used for multiple pets with individual settings for each.
  • Training Features: Offers training prompts to help reinforce boundaries with your pet.
  • Rechargeable Battery: Equipped with a long-lasting rechargeable battery for convenience.

Here are some cons of using the SpotOn GPS Fence Collar:

  • Initial Cost: The upfront investment can be higher compared to traditional fencing options.
  • Battery Dependency: Requires regular charging of the collar, which could lead to issues if the battery runs low unexpectedly.
  • GPS Limitations: Performance may be affected in areas with poor GPS signal, such as densely wooded or urban environments.
  • Learning Curve: Some pets may require time to adjust to the virtual boundaries, and training may be necessary.
  • Potential for False Alerts: Users may experience occasional false notifications if the GPS signal fluctuates.
  • Not Suitable for All Pets: May not be ideal for very small or particularly stubborn pets that might not respond well to the system.
  • Limited Range: The effective range may be limited in certain terrains or environments, impacting functionality.

My Thoughts

After 2-3 weeks of using the SpotOn GPS Dog Collar, you really need to train your dog on his/her recall whenever if hears the audible alert, feels the vibration alert, or the static shock.

What key feature that I’ve found using the collar is if your pup is out of your sight and passes the geo fence boundaries, your phone will alert you to call your pup back to the “safe” zone. It’s like having another set of eyes on your furry when you’re busy doing something at camp.

Do you absolutely need this collar? Of course not.

Does it give you peace of mind knowing where your pup is at all times and when he/she is getting too far for comfort? Absolutely.

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