GPS dog collars are designed to keep track of your pet no matter where they are, but some dog owners worry that they’re not always reliable.
Can GPS dog collars jam and lose track of your pup?
While it’s possible that any technology will fail, it’s not likely that your dog’s collar will jam in the event that they’re lost.
We discuss this topic more below!
Can GPS Dog Collars Jam?
While it’s possible for a GPS dog collar to be jammed or have its signal disrupted, it’s not very likely.
The vast majority of users never experience any problems with their collars, and even if interference does occur, it’s usually only temporary.
In addition, most GPS dog collars come with some type of failsafe that kicks in if the signal is lost.
With that said, there are a variety of ways jamming happens:
Near cell phone towers
The signals from cell phone towers can interfere with the GPS signal, making it difficult to track your dog’s location.
In heavily wooded areas
Tree cover can block the GPS signal, making it difficult to track your dog if they wander off into the woods.
In urban areas
The high density of buildings in urban areas can block the GPS signal and make it difficult to track your dog’s location.
Near power lines
The electromagnetic fields generated by power lines can interfere with the GPS signal and make it difficult to track your dog’s location.
In remote areas
The lack of cell phone coverage in remote areas can make it difficult to track your dog’s location.
Read More: Verizon GPS Dog Collar. See the BEST GPS dog collars that work on Verizon!
Tips to Prevent Jamming
It can be frustrating having your dog GPS tracker lose signal, especially when you’re trying to track your dog’s location.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent your GPS dog collar from being jammed.
Keep your GPS dog collar away from other electronics
If possible, avoid using it near microwaves, baby monitors, and other electronic devices that emit high frequencies.
Use a quality antenna
A good antenna will help to boost the signal and reduce the chance of interference.
Use a reputable GPS service
Not all GPS services are created equal. Choose one that has a good reputation for accuracy and reliability.
Update your firmware regularly
Like any electronic, your GPS dog collar needs to be updated regularly to function properly.
Keep an eye on the battery life
A weak battery can cause your GPS dog collar to lose signal or even shut off completely.
Be sure to keep an extra set of batteries on hand so you can change them as needed.
How Do GPS Dog Collars Work?
GPS dog collars use satellite technology which allows real-time tracking of your pet’s position.
The collar is made up of a GPS receiver that’s in constant communication with a constellation of satellites that are in geostationary orbit.
Your dog’s precise location can be determined using the GPS receiver by triangulating the positions of the satellites.
Then, the data is either sent immediately to your smartphone or to a receiver that you can bring along with you.
REMEMBER: GPS signals might be obstructed by large structures and even by extensive vegetation, meaning they are not 100% accurate.
Watch the following video for a visual explanation of how GPS works:
Read our related article on the Best Dog Tracker Without Subscription. Not interested in the monthly fee? Here are the top trackers without subscriptions!
Benefits of Using GPS Dog Collars
GPS collars offer a wide range of benefits, and there are several different products on the market to choose from.
Here are some of the most compelling reasons to consider using a GPS collar for your dog.
Never lose your dog again
GPS collars allow you to track your dog’s location in real time so you can always know where they are.
This is especially helpful if your dog is prone to running off or getting lost.
Virtual Fences With Alerts
GPS collars can be used to create a virtual dog fence so you can receive alerts if your dog strays outside of a designated area.
A GPS dog fence is ideal for keeping an eye on your dog while they’re in a backyard that isn’t fenced in.
Stay active with your dog
Many GPS collars come equipped with activity tracking features, so you can see how much exercise your dog is getting (and make sure they’re staying healthy).
This is a great way to bond with your dog and motivate yourself to stay active.
Choose from a variety of features
There are many different types of GPS collars on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Some collars simply offer location tracking, while others also include activity tracking, virtual fencing, and more.
Read More: GPS dog collar AT&T. Learn which dog GPS collars are compatible with the AT&T network!
Final Thoughts
While there are many advantages to using a GPS dog collar, they’re not always guaranteed to work perfectly.
That said, these collars are trusted by thousands of dog owners and have brought the same number of lost dogs home, so they’re definitely worth the buy if your dog is an escape artist.
