Using a Tracking System to Locate Your Pointing Dog

As every hunter knows, pointing dogs cover longer distances and range than other gun dogs. For this reason, many hunters who have pointing dogs use dog tracking collars. While these collars cannot be used during the course of hunting competitions, the transmitters can be put on the dog for hunting competitions so that you can track your dog once the competition is over to make sure he does not get lost.

You have a choice between two different basic types of tracking collars for your dogs. Both work pretty much the same way in that a transmitter collar is placed on your dog and you hold a receiver. As the dog moves, you can track him based upon the signal that reverts back to your receiver. If you have a traditional dog tracking system, you will have to listen for beeps to be able to track your dog. As the beeps get louder, you are closer to your pointing dog. As pointing dogs cover quite a bit of distance, tracking collars are a good idea to make sure that you animal does not get lost.

If you use GPS dog tracking collars, you can not only accurately determine the distance of your dog, but you can see if he is running or on point. GPS dog tracking collars work with a satellite signal while traditional dog tracking collars transmit over a radio frequency. Both will cover miles of ground when you are hunting with your pointer dog.

Pointers cover more distance than spaniels and retrievers and are often used to point out wild game. The best aspect of using GPS dog tracking systems when locating your pointer dog is that they not only can give you accurate distance when you are tracking, but they are silent. Unlike traditional dog tracking collars that rely on beeping to let you know when you are getting close to your dog, the GPS tracking systems do not make a sound. This is great for not scaring away the birds.

Prior to taking your pointer out hunting, make sure that you understand how to use the tracking collar system. You can place the transmitter somewhere and then track it to test the distance that you can get. Some traditional tracking collars cover about 12 miles in distance and range while the GPS dog collars cover about 7 miles. Remember that his is sight distance and range and that if you are in woods, among hills or slopes, the distance and range will be altered.

Some hunters who are concerned about losing their pointer dog use a back up tracking collar with long lasting batteries. The reasoning behind this is that if one system fails to pick up the signal, the other system can step in.

Using dog tracking systems to locate your pointer dog makes the best sense for any hunter who hunts wild game using this breed of gun dog. Both the traditional and GPS dog collars are well worth the investment to insure that you do not lose your dog when you are out hunting.

Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to bird dogs. Visit their site for more information on training bird dogs and hunting dog supplies including a wide variety of dog training collars such as Dogtra 200NCP GOLD, Innotek ADV-300, and Innotek IUT-1000.