Last Updated on March, 2023
GPS collars skyrocketed the safety of dogs when they were introduced. But their value only increased much more when the manufacturers decided to include a static shock feature when crossing boundaries.
So, there’s a MASSIVE demand for GPS shock collars at present.
That’s one of the main reasons you should be very careful since there can be cheap and questionable products that might harm your furry friend. As always, iPetGuides decided to give what you REALLY NEED.
That’s why this list has the absolute best GPS shock collars for dogs.
But hey, why should you trust me?
Table of Contents
- Why Trust Me?
- 10 Best GPS Shock Collars for Dogs
- 1. HALO 2+ (Editor’s Choice)
- 2. SpotOn GPS Dog Fence (#2nd Best Choice)
- 3. SportDOG Brand TEK Series 2.0 (#3rd Best Choice)
- 4. Cube GPS Tracker
- 5. Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker
- 6. Dogtra Pathfinder
- 7. FitBark GPS Dog Tracker
- 8. Garmin Alpha 100/TT 15 Mini Bundle
- 9. PETFON Pet GPS Tracker
- 10. Whistle Ultimate Dog GPS Tracker
- How Do GPS Shock Collars Work?
- Comprehensive Buyers Guide for GPS Shock Collars For Dogs
- Benefits of GPS Shock Collars for Dogs
- Offers peace of mind
- Helps prevent your dog from running away
- Allows for remote training
- Provides safety in emergencies
- Can be used to track your dog’s exercise
- Can be customized to your dog’s needs
- Helps with recall training
- Can help prevent your dog from chasing other animals
- Can improve your dog’s behavior
- Saves time and effort
- In Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Trust Me?
I handpicked about 15 most reputed GPS shock collar markets and analyzed them individually. After all, how else can you rank them unless you test them? So, everything you’re about to read is EXCLUSIVE for iPetGuides, and the most accurate.
So, let’s see which one you’ll love the most.
10 Best GPS Shock Collars for Dogs
1. HALO 2+ (Editor’s Choice)
Halo is currently protecting over 112,000+ dogs across 350+ breeds, and that’s the first green flag you’ll see.
After that, it’s incredible how this GPS shock collar reassures you with each step.
First of all, the collar is monitored by a free mobile app compatible with iOS and Android.
As for the GPS capacity, the Halo 2+ collar’s maximum range is 1,200 square miles.
As you may already know, the collar is connected to a mobile application, and that’s where you can see the dog’s location.
Thanks to the 50+ satellites and high-performance LTE/cellular technology, the location updating speed is every 7 to 15 seconds.
This collar comes in 3 neck sizes,
- Small: 11’’ – 15’’
- Medium: 15’’ – 20’’
- Large: 20’’ – 30.5’’
What about its shock ability?
You can draw up to 20 custom-shaped fences in the app, and if that’s not impressive enough, the maximum distance between fence posts is 6.2 miles.
The collar has a “safe zone” feature that allows pet owners to set up virtual boundaries to keep their dogs within a particular area. If the dog leaves the designated area, the collar sends an alert to the pet owner, providing an added layer of security.
The same theory applies when a dog crosses a boundary.
First, there will be a warning signal when the dog nears the boundary. Then, the shock activates when they cross the line. With shock initiated, your dog will know there’s only one way to stop it: to return to safety.
So, as a GPS shock collar, Halo 2+ does a phenomenal job.
In addition, you get to choose the intensity level of the shock in 15 levels. That way, you can choose the safest level easily.
But then, you’ll ask yourself, “how would the dog know how to stop the shock?”
For that, you need to train your dog because otherwise, they might even run further away amidst the shock. For your luck, Halo 2+ comes with comprehensive training VIDEOS guided by world-renowned dog behaviorist Cesar Milan.
In addition to all of this, the collar also features activity tracking, where you can track the time spent actively vs. resting, the distance covered, and even the number of steps.
That’s one of the strongest reasons why the Halo 2+ collar is so popular, as the creators themselves help you use it in the best way.
The Halo 2+ collar is also IP67 waterproof, so pet owners do not have to worry about damage when their dogs go for a swim. Additionally, the collar’s battery life is long-lasting and can last up to 21 hours on a single charge.
This is just a tip of the ice-berg, Halo 2+ is stuffed with useful features that you’ve never even imagined in a dog collar. Check out our full review to learn more.
Pros
Cons
2. SpotOn GPS Dog Fence (#2nd Best Choice)
SpotOn is another very popular and reputed GPS shock collar, and its features justify its reputation.
For starters, the GPS location updates every 6 seconds with location accuracy up to 10 feet, and this is thanks to their patented True Location technology.
Similar to Halo 2+, SpotOn also has a free mobile app of its own compatible with iOS and Android. This is where you can see the location updating and virtual fences. The SpotOn GPS shock collar does NOT feature activity tracking.
So, you can create up to 20 custom-shaped virtual fences marking the shock-activation boundaries. You can use up to 1,500 fence posts, and there is NO limit to the size. The minimum fence size is ½ acre; the maximum could be thousands of acres.
You can even draw one on water, similar to Halo 2+.
When a dog wears a SpotOn collar, there will be a warning beep when they come close to the boundary. Upon crossing, the shock will activate. You also get to adjust the static shocks with 30 intensity levels. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for your dog.
Creating a fence is very simple; you can walk along the border of the intended map or simply draw it on the app.
SpotOn GPS shock collar comes in 3 neck sizes such as,
- Small: 10’’ – 14’’
- Medium: 12’’ -18’’
- Large: 16’’ – 26’’
The battery life fluctuates between 8-18 hours, but that strictly depends on how you use it.
With an IP67 waterproof rating and fantastic build quality, you never have to worry about the collar’s longevity.
In addition to all of this, SpotOn lets you access their own dog training content. Although the company says the system is professionally developed, Halo 2+’s training guide is simpler and more effective.
But at the end of the day, you get a live dashboard to see all the details and even test the correctional levels.
Overall, you can definitely depend on the SpotOn GPS shock collar.
Pros
Cons
3. SportDOG Brand TEK Series 2.0 (#3rd Best Choice)
SportDog is a unique GPS shock collar that’s ideal for hunting dogs.
But this device is quite ideal for dog owners with multiple dogs.
This collar comes with its own handheld device, meaning there is no mobile app but a handheld screen to monitor information.
For starters, SportDog features a location update frequency of 3-5 seconds.
This is purely due to the rapid signal transmission between the handheld and the collar. TEK series features a trademarked technology named HopTek™ that allows a wide range of up to 10 miles.
Being able to track 21 dogs simultaneously benefits dog owners with multiple dogs.
Remember that SportDOG recommends the TEK series 2.0 to be used for dogs 8 pounds or larger with neck sizes 10.75″ – 23″.
The shock-related or virtual fencing in SportDog TEK series 2.0 is comprehensive. You can draw the map on the handheld location quickly. Although there won’t be any warning tones, you’ll get almost real-time alerts if your dog crosses the border.
When that happens, shock triggers, and that’s when your dog returns to a safe area.
But there’s an interesting feature of SportDog that should be mentioned. TEK series 2.0 works while being disconnected from cellular networks. As it uses HopTek™ technology, you can use it even on the moon if needed.
Since this is a hunting dog GPS shock collar, you’ll see additional hunting features, such as a tilt-integrated compass and even a navigation wheel on the screen.
In addition, you’ll also see details such as the dog’s average speed, total distance and time elapsed, and even your coordinates.
The GPS collar will charge in about 4 hours and will last for about 24 hours. The handheld will take about 8 hours and will last for about 11-12 hours.
You’ll be relieved to hear that the handheld device is waterproof and submersible up to 5 feet. The GPS collar on the flip side is DryTek® waterproof and submersible to 25 feet.
SportDog TEK series 2.0 is not as simple as the Halo 2+ to operate. But it still has impressive and unique features essential for GPS tracking and geofencing.
Pros
Cons
4. Cube GPS Tracker
Cube is another reputed tracker in the market, and we included it on this list because of its impressive performance.
But remember that the Cube tracker is NOT explicitly developed for dogs; you can track anything. So, this doesn’t come with or is not a collar; you need to attach the Cube tracker to the collar.
Because of that, the shock feature is absent in the Cube tracker.
But on the flip side, the Cube tracker is one of the best-performing GPS trackers.
This tracker has a GPS communication range of 100ft, which is why it could be ideal for a dog who doesn’t wander off too far away.
Similar to Halo 2, the Cube tracker is also managed by a free mobile app of its own. So, as long as you have your smartphone, you can easily track your dog.
When you do, you get the luxury of device shareability. This basically lets you add multiple accounts to the same tracker. That way, you can let anyone interested know about your dog’s whereabouts by giving them access.
Just as much as location tracking, Cube also has its own virtual fencing features.
You can conveniently set virtual fences and get alerts to your phone via the app when your dog leaves or enters the area.
Its dimensions are as small as 2.75″ x 1.57″ x 0.64″, fitting typical 5lb dogs and above. The smooth matte rubber-coat design surely makes it very attractive.
This is a rechargeable tracker whose battery can be replaced. The IP67 waterproof rating increases its durability.
In addition to these features, Cube has an SOS button on the tracker that can be activated via the app. You can even send custom messages. In addition, you can access the location history of the tracker for five years.
This can be very useful when you are trying to study your dog’s behavior.
Pros
Cons
5. Tractive Waterproof GPS Dog Tracker
Tractive is a product of an Austrian-based company that has won the hearts of thousands of dog owners worldwide.
Let’s see what’s special about it.
This is a compact tracker you can attach to your dog’s collar with dimensions 2.81″ x 1.1″ x 0.68″, suitable for dogs above 8.8 pounds.
The first functional feature is its superior GPS tracking ability.
The tractive dog tracker’s location updating speed is every 2-3 seconds. That’s pretty much real-time within the context.
The secret is the system’s interconnection with several satellites.
Similar to the Cube tracker, you can share the GPS location with interested parties; all you need to do is ask them to download the free Tractive app and share; it’s simple as that. You can even export this location data.
So, what about the shock or virtual fencing abilities?
The tractive tracker has a virtual fence. This could be a circle (minimum 160ft radius) or a rectangle (330×330 square feet). You get phone alerts via the app in almost real-time.
The range of GPS location tracking of the Tractive dog tracker is… well, limitless; the tracker works worldwide. You can even enable and disable the live tracking mode. This helps you push the tracker to reach its maximum battery life of seven days.
Additionally, you also get to track your dog’s activity in terms of the time spent at a particular location or sleeping, the number of calories burned, and so on.
You can get the tracker in multiple colors, which might appeal to some people more.
Pros
Cons
6. Dogtra Pathfinder
The Dogtra Pathfinder is a versatile e-collar system designed for pet owners and hunters who want to monitor their dog’s location and behavior closely.
The system includes a GPS tracking function that allows you to pinpoint your dog’s location with impressive accuracy, even at distances of up to 9 miles, with 2 second GPS update rate.
This feature makes it an ideal choice for hunters who need to track their dogs in large, open areas.
In addition to GPS tracking, the Dogtra Pathfinder includes an e-collar function that allows you to correct your dog’s behavior during training. Once you define the custom boundary of the geofence, your dog will experience static shock, reminding them to return to safety.
The collar also features a tone-only mode that provides positive reinforcement during training.
The e-collar function can be controlled using a smartphone app or the transmitter, allowing you to track your dog’s location and movements in real time. The app lets you create custom maps and set virtual boundaries, alerting you when your dog leaves a specified area.
The app also includes preloaded offline maps, which can be helpful in areas with poor cell service.
The collar itself is adjustable and can fit dogs with neck sizes between 12 and 26 inches. This makes it an excellent fit for a wide range of dog breeds, from smaller to larger hunting breeds.
The collar is also made with a waterproof rating of IPX7, ensuring it remains functional even when exposed to water or rain.
The Dogtra Pathfinder also features a rechargeable battery that provides up to 24 hours of continuous use, which is quite impressive. The battery is also replaceable, so you can easily swap it out if it becomes damaged or worn out.
Pros
Cons
7. FitBark GPS Dog Tracker
The FitBark GPS Dog Tracker 1st Gen (2019) is an advanced tracking device designed to monitor and track your pet’s location and behavior.
With its GPS technology, you get real-time updates on your dog’s movements, making it an ideal choice for pet owners who want to keep track of their dog’s whereabouts.
With a tracking range of 3.5 miles and a location refresh rate of 60 seconds, Fitbark is one of the best trackers in the market.
One of the most notable features of the FitBark GPS Dog Tracker is its virtual fence capability. This feature allows pet owners to create a designated safe zone for their dogs using the FitBark app. With the virtual fence feature, you can set up custom fence boundaries that match your pet’s habits and preferences.
You will receive alerts on your smartphone whenever your pet enters or exits these areas.
This feature can be particularly useful for pet owners who want to monitor their pets’ movements and ensure they do not wander too far from home or into potentially dangerous areas.
However, this collar doesn’t feature static shock.
The FitBark GPS Dog Tracker can last 10-20 days on a single charge. This means pet owners can track their pets for extended periods without worrying about battery life.
You canoptionally link your Fitbit, Apple watch, or even Google Fit to this tracker. That should give you enough motivation to follow healthy habits with your dog.
Since you get access to activity tracking, the device is quite comprehensive. You can even set ideal goals vs. breed, age & weight peers. It’s as small as 1.85 x 1.18 x 0.59 inches.
It’s tough and rugged build quality is complemented by its IPX7 waterproof nature; the tracker fits 5lb and 240lb dogs by design.
Pros
Cons
8. Garmin Alpha 100/TT 15 Mini Bundle
Garmin is a long-running dog-tracking brand beloved by hunters. But its superior performance features can most certainly help the regular dog owner looking for a GPS shock collar.
As mentioned, Garmin devices are preferred by hunters. This is primarily due to the fast location updating speed of 2.5 seconds.
On top of that, you get an impressive range of 4 miles.
This was solely due to the high-sensitivity GPS/GLONASS receiver.
Within those 4 miles, you can track up to 20 dogs simultaneously. So, you’re in luck if you have multiple dogs.
One of the signature features of Garmin collars is their proprietary handheld devices. These let you monitor the location and other stats easily. The screen is a 65K color TFT touchscreen.
TT Mini is the collar, whereas the Garmin Alpha 100 is the handheld device. So, the TT mini has static shock abilities with tone and vibration..
You also can choose from 18 intensity levels, and that’s how you can efficiently train your dog. This is enabled when your dog crosses the geofencing boundaries. Garmin has custom-shaped geofences, and that makes your life easier.
The Alpha 100 runs for 20 hours at max, and the TT mini runs for about 16-30 hours — that’s pretty decent for a heavy-duty hunting tracker.
With all these features, the Alpha 100 comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating. The TT mini has a 1 ATM waterproof rating. So your investment is totally waterproof.
9.5″ is the recommended neck size for the TT mini.
You also don’t need a mobile network for the Alpha 100 to run. That’s why it works anywhere without interruptions.
Garmin devices have always been legendary in tracking and containing dogs. The Alpha 100 & TT 15 mini is one of the prime examples of that.
Pros
Cons
9. PETFON Pet GPS Tracker
The Petfon GPS Shock Collar is a dog training collar that offers location tracking and an electric shock feature to help train and control dogs.
The tracker’s GPS tracking ability utilizes GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular network technology to provide real-time location tracking of your dog.
You can monitor your dog’s location, movement, and speed in real-time through the free Petfon app on iOS and Android devices.
The collar has a range of up to 3.5 miles in an open outdoor area. But this range may be reduced to 0.65 miles in more congested or urban areas. So, be prepared to experience sudden drops in communication.
The battery level differs between 8-16 hours.
Additionally, the collar has a geofencing feature that allows you to set up safe zones or virtual boundaries for your dog. If your dog leaves the designated area, you will be notified through the app.
While you’re getting alerted through the app, the collar would also trigger static shock. Depending on your dog’s temperament and behavior, you can choose from four intensity levels. Remember that you can trigger this shock remotely by the app.
Sound and vibration function is another valuable feature that can be used as an alternative to the shock feature. The collar also comes with a reflective strap for added visibility and a secure locking mechanism to ensure the collar stays in place.
With a size of 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.6 inches, the Petfon GPS shock collar only weighs 5.28 ounces. With an IPX8 waterproof, you never have to worry about its durability.
Pros
Cons
10. Whistle Ultimate Dog GPS Tracker
Even for the last place on this list, we picked one of the best activity and location trackers in the dog world — the Ultimate Whistle dog GPS tracker.
The device is very easy to use, and it works by attaching a small GPS tracker to your dog’s collar. Once it is paired with the free Whistle app, you can set up virtual safe zones or virtual fences. You already know you’ll receive phone notifications if your dog crosses those boundaries.
Thanks to AT&T’s 4G LTE-M, the location of the Whistle tracker updates every 15 seconds. The range of the Whistle Ultimate dog GPS tracker is impressive, with a reach of up to three miles in optimal conditions.
The device is also waterproof, with an IPX8 rating, which means it can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It also comes in three neck sizes that change from 8″ to 24″.
Its average battery life is 24 hours, and that’s pretty decent.
But in addition to GPS location tracking and virtual fences with mobile alerts, you also get comprehensive activity monitoring capacity. You can check activity based on calories burned, distance covered, and resting time.
You will also receive your furry friend’s daily activity comparison compared to the day before. It’s very easy to understand as the score comes out to 100. You can even set activity goals.
So, in conclusion, the ultimate Whistle GPS tracker is yet another dependable GPS collar.
Here’s the complete Whistle GPS Tracker Review if you want to learn more about this GPS tracker.
Pros
Cons
How Do GPS Shock Collars Work?
The GPS tracker in the collar sends signals to a GPS receiver, which can be located on a handheld device or smartphone app. The GPS receiver then calculates the dog’s location using satellite signals and displays it on a map.
The shocking mechanism in the collar is activated remotely, usually by the owner or trainer, through a wireless signal. When activated, the collar delivers a mild electric shock to the dog, intended to discourage or correct unwanted behavior.
Some GPS shock collars also have additional features, such as sound and vibration alerts, which can be used as alternatives to the shock function or combined.
Comprehensive Buyers Guide for GPS Shock Collars For Dogs
Consider the Collar Size/Fit
As you saw, some collars come with a specific size, and some have a range. So, be sure to know your dog’s neck size since too tight is uncomfortable, and too loose increases injury risks.
Additionally, check the build material, which plays a significant role in comfort.
Check the Maximum Tracking Distance
The maximum tracking distance can typically vary from a couple of square miles to even worldwide. Needless to say, the more the tracking distance, the better the collar.
The maximum tracking distance sometimes changes depending on the distance between the collar and the monitoring device. So, be sure to check the actual maximum tracking distance.
How Does the Alerting System Work?
The collar will trigger a shock when your dog tries to move past a specific boundary. But some collars alert the owner about these attempts. That lets you take quick protective measures.
Additionally, the best shock collars come with vibration and sound alerts too. Although you’re looking for shock collars, these options are always better.
Mobile/Remote Monitoring Features
As mentioned, shock collars demotivate dogs to retaliate from specific boundaries. But what if they don’t? And how can you know when and where this attempt took place?
For that, you need remote or mobile monitoring. The best modern GPS shock collars come with a mobile app. However, devices like Garmin have their own handheld devices, which can be a little tedious.
In addition to that, check for all the built-in features.
As mentioned, shock collars demotivate dogs to retaliate from specific boundaries. But what if they don’t? And how can you know when and where this attempt took place?
For that, you need remote or mobile monitoring. The best modern GPS shock collars come with a mobile app. However, devices like Garmin have their own handheld devices, which can be a little tedious.
In addition to that, check for all the built-in features.
Average Battery Life
You can’t have collars whose battery runs out after a few hours, ideally. Similar to the tracking range, the more the battery life is, the better the device. The battery usage varies in some devices depending on the active services.
Additionally, it’s essential to check for how long it takes to charge a collar if it is fully rechargeable.
Resistance Capacity Against Water and Shock
Dogs run all over the place, and they don’t have the intelligence to avoid water or possible shock on their collar. If the collar weren’t waterproof or decently shock resistant, its lifespan would be much shorter than you’d think.
In checking that, prioritize the devices with an IP waterproof rating, as that’s standardized.
Benefits of GPS Shock Collars for Dogs
There are several case-specific benefits of GPS shock collars, but here are some of the most notable ones.
Offers peace of mind
With a GPS shock collar, you can relax knowing that your dog is safe and secure, whether you’re at home or away.
Helps prevent your dog from running away
GPS shock collars can be used to create boundaries around your property.
If your dog attempts to leave the boundary, you know it will receive a warning beep or vibration or an electric shock if it persists.
Allows for remote training
With a GPS shock collar, you can train your dog from a distance. This can be especially helpful for hunting dogs, as you can use the collar to direct them to a specific location or to stay within a particular area.
Provides safety in emergencies
If your dog is lost or injured and cannot find it back home, a GPS shock collar can help you locate them quickly and easily.
Can be used to track your dog’s exercise
Some GPS shock collars come with a fitness tracker that can monitor your dog’s activity levels and provide you with data on their daily exercise.
Can be customized to your dog’s needs
Many GPS shock collars come with various settings and features that can be customized to suit your dog’s needs.
Helps with recall training
Recall training is one of the most important aspects of dog training.
A GPS shock collar can be used to teach your dog to come back to you on command.
Can help prevent your dog from chasing other animals
For dogs that love to chase other animals, a GPS shock collar can be used to discourage this behavior. If the dog tries to chase another animal, it will receive a warning beep, vibration, or an electric shock if it persists.
Can improve your dog’s behavior
When used correctly, a GPS shock collar can effectively correct unwanted behaviors in your dog, such as jumping up on people or barking excessively.
Saves time and effort
With a GPS shock collar, you can save time and effort by not having to chase after your dog or physically intervene to stop unwanted behavior.
In Conclusion
Tracking your dogs real-time with controlling them with harmless static shock are two widely used methods with domesticated dogs. But the high demand has encouraged so many manufacturers to enter the market. But after assessing some of the best GPS shock collars, Halo 2+ comes to the top.
The secret is nothing but its high-performance capacity. That in turn helps you track and contain your dog better.
I hope this review helped you find the answer. Till next time!
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