Pets

GEODOG GPS-enabled collar lets you find your dog using your smartphone

GEODOG GPS-enabled collar lets you find your dog using your smartphone
GEODOG fits snug without added bulk
GEODOG fits snug without added bulk
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GEODOG system
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GEODOG system
GEODOG collar and charging station
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GEODOG collar and charging station
GEODOG software and collar
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GEODOG software and collar
GEODOG charging station
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GEODOG charging station
GEODOG collar
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GEODOG collar
GEODOG in use
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GEODOG in use
GEODOG fits snug without added bulk
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GEODOG fits snug without added bulk
GEODOG collar
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GEODOG collar
Lightweight GEODOG collar
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Lightweight GEODOG collar
GEODOG logo
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GEODOG logo
GEODOG tracking software in action
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GEODOG tracking software in action
GEODOG tracking software home
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GEODOG tracking software home
Optional protective sleeve
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Optional protective sleeve
GEODOG PC software tracking
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GEODOG PC software tracking
GEODOG PC software home
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GEODOG PC software home
GEODOG GPS location
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GEODOG GPS location
GEODOG software on a dumbphone usong SMS
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GEODOG software on a dumbphone usong SMS
View gallery - 17 images

We've all experienced that moment of panic when we open the back door to let the dog inside only to find that he's not there. Technology has provided a solution to this dilemma with GPS tracking devices designed specifically for our four-legged friends entering the market in recent years, but this offering from GEODOG claims to improve on those that have gone before with a new slimline design that's shockproof, easily-adjustable, user-friendly and unobtrusive.

Having owned one of the more primitive models myself, I can tell you without hesitation that it's not something I felt comfortable leaving on my dogs. The collar itself was fine, but there was a large black box and a small antenna that left me feeling that it could get stuck in brush or thickets and become a possible safety risk for the animal. The GEODOG collar is much slimmer in profile, and doesn't require the bulky control center or the exposed antenna. The collar itself isn't much thicker than a standard dog collar and the weight is an extremely manageable 150-grams (5.3-ounces).

The GEODOG system comes with the collar, and a proprietary software which works with Windows-based PCs (XP/Vista/7) as well as Android or Windows Mobile-equipped smartphones.

When you notice your dog is missing, you ring the number for GEODOG and you'll receive a text message with the GPS coordinates of the missing dog. The message contains a link to the coordinates on a map, which you can open on your smartphone and use to coordinate your search efforts.

GEODOG collar
GEODOG collar

The software itself also has a couple of intuitive modes that make monitoring simple. The "Zones" feature acts as a virtual fence, and sends you an SMS message when your dog leaves the predefined zone. The text message includes the direction and the distance your dog traveled from the home. While tracking him, you'll get updated messages every time he moves from his last position by a certain distance (e.g. 100 meters or 328 feet).

You can also define reference points - such as property boundaries or roadways - and "No-Go-Zones" to alert you when your dog reaches a defined point. For example, if you have a dog that likes to swim, you can set an alert when he reaches a pond or creek close to your home which gives you a pretty good idea of what he's up to. No worries though, the system is completely waterproof.

There are two sizes available - GEODOG L for large dogs with a neck size between 46cm and 52cm, and GEODOG S is for neck sizes between 41cm and 47cm. The company says that the battery will last for a whole week in Stand-by-mode and 24 hours in normal operating mode.

The GEODOG system is available for EUR299 (US$378). The mobile version of the software will set you back an additional EUR99 (US$125) for the multi-dog license or EUR69 (US$87) for the single license.

View gallery - 17 images
19 comments
19 comments
Christoffer Sperling
Talk about keeping an animal in a tight lash.. How would you feel being watched on videocamera all the time? Even though dogs are "just" animals, don´t they still deserve the right of freedom? I mean I would feel like I lived in a prison if I was tracked all the time. Freedom of choice - whether to stay or not to, even dogs should have that choice yea?
Caimbeul
I\'ll try to skip on past the petit bourgeois heartache of keeping an eye on your dog.
Here in the States, one of the usual reasons for your dog companion going missing is theft - or dognapping for ransom.
I\'d consider one of these collars as long as there was a version that didn\'t identify itself as a tracking device. For that would tell the average crook - even here in New Mexico - that coppers could use it to track down the doggy hostage.
Anthony's Ranch The Guy
will it fit my Boy?
donwine
How do I teach my dog to keep his phone charged up?
PizzaEater
You can get a new dog for less than $500. Would you spend $2500 for an alarm for a $1000 car? Also, dogs require a licence in most states. As soon as he is found, animal control will return him. That\'s our tax dollars at work.
Richie Suraci
What my cat we like to track him too??????
Bryan Paschke
@pizzaeater: first, there are many dogs that cost thousands. But, even assuming a dog pound mutt, the initial cost of the dog is the smallest part of your investment. There\'s the time and effort you put into training, the emotional investment, the various shots and alterations (spay/neuter) etc.
As for the person who says let doggie have his freedom, he\'s your child, not your partner.
eDave
PizzaEater, I hope you don\'t own a dog. It\'s a pet, a friend, a family member... they can\'t be replaced by simply buying another one. You have no compassion; you have no understanding of the issue.
Mirmillion
Brilliant. I want one for my former salesmen.
Mark Wilkinson
Christoffer, so long as you tell the dog it is only an ordinary collar, they\'ll never know! My dog is easy to fool.
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