Where’s My Dog?
Every once in a while we stumble across great products for dogs, and this is no exception. The Garmin Astro utilizes GPS technology to track the movements and location of your dogs. A receiver is worn on the dog’s collar or harness (as pictured below) and transmits information to the owner’s handheld screen. Although this tool is mainly designed for hunters who work with their dogs in the fields, it also just looks like plain old fun for us hikers, campers and dog trainers.
As of right now, Unleashed Unlimited does not offer any type of hunting dog services, however I have always been fascinated by hunting dogs and have been eyeing up one of these things for some time now. When I play or hike with my dogs, I get a decent workout; but the dogs must travel at least 4 times further than I do with all of the running back and forth. I am curious as to how far my dogs run in an average day. The Garmin Astro not only tells you that information, but shows the path taken by each dog. Not only does the Garmin Astro help you navigate through the city streets by offering turn by turn directions, but it also allows you to do the following:
- monitor the movement and location of up to 10 dogs at a time
- has a range of up to 5 miles
- save locations such as your truck, the lodge, and prey locations
- alerts owner when the dog is on point
- and much more
While this product looks pretty useful tool or toy (depending on the way it is used) there are some changes being made in the near future. As of now, the collar has an antenna that is approximately 4-5″, however it is only getting bigger. In September of 2008, Garmin is going to introduce the new DC30 receiver. It offers some improved features, such as a 7 mile range, and of course has a much larger antenna. With a estimated $600 retail price tag and aesthetically non-pleasing looks, this product is definitely function before form.
