Garmin's New Alpha Dog Tracking System Can Make You a Better Hunter

If you're a hunter who loves to take your dog along for the adventure, you know how important it is to keep track of your four-legged companion. You don't want to lose sight of your dog in the woods, or worse, have them wander into danger or get injured. That's why you need a reliable and robust dog tracking system that can help you monitor your dog's location, speed, distance, and direction at all times.

Garmin, a leader in GPS technology, has just launched a new series of dog tracking systems that can do all that and more. The new Alpha dog tracking system series consists of a handheld device and a GPS dog collar that work together to provide you with real-time information about your dog's whereabouts and behavior. Whether you're hunting with one dog or up to 20, the Alpha system can help you stay connected and in control.

What Makes the Alpha Dog Tracking System Different?

The Alpha dog tracking system is not just a GPS tracker. It's also a training tool that lets you communicate with your dog remotely and correct unwanted behaviors. You can use the handheld device to send tones, vibrations, or stimulation signals to the GPS dog collar, depending on your preference and your dog's temperament. You can also set up virtual boundaries and get alerts if your dog crosses them.

The Alpha system also has some unique features that make it stand out from other dog tracking systems on the market. For example, it has a TopoActive Europe map preloaded on the handheld device, which shows you detailed terrain information and points of interest. You can also download additional maps from Garmin's website or use the free BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription that comes with the system.

Another feature that sets the Alpha system apart is its compatibility with Garmin's inReach satellite communication devices. If you pair your Alpha handheld device with an inReach device, you can send and receive text messages, share your location, and trigger an SOS alert in case of an emergency. This can be a lifesaver if you're hunting in remote areas where cell phone coverage is unreliable or nonexistent.

How Does the Alpha Dog Tracking System Work?

The Alpha dog tracking system is easy to set up and use. All you need to do is attach the GPS dog collar to your dog's neck, turn on the handheld device, and pair them via Bluetooth. The collar uses both GPS and GLONASS satellites to pinpoint your dog's location, even in challenging environments. It also has a built-in accelerometer that measures your dog's speed and direction.

The handheld device has a 3-inch color touchscreen that shows you a map of your surroundings and your dog's position. You can zoom in and out, pan, and rotate the map to get different perspectives. You can also switch to the compass view, which shows you the direction and distance of your dog. The device has a battery life of up to 20 hours and can be recharged via USB.

The Alpha system can track up to 20 dogs at once as long as they are wearing compatible collars. You can assign different colors, icons, and names to each dog on the handheld device for easy identification. You can also see each dog's status, such as running, sitting, treed, or on point. You can adjust the update rate of the collars from every 2.5 seconds to every 2 minutes, depending on how often you want to receive location updates.

The Alpha system also lets you share your dog's location with other hunters who have compatible devices. You can send or receive dog data wirelessly using ANT+ technology. This way, you can coordinate with your hunting buddies and keep track of each other's dogs.