A virtual fence can keep your hunting dog in bounds. Here’s how

A dog will follow its nose and eyes, a hunting drive that can sometimes lead it astray. Anyone who has ever lost a dog knows that all too well. Luckily, advancements in GPS technology have redefined where Fido can explore, giving dog owners peace of mind. Using a specialized GPS collar and a user-defined virtual boundary (of any configuration), dogs can now sniff and search to their heart’s content while staying within a safe perimeter.

COLLAR CONTAINMENT

E-collars are already a proven technology in the field, so applying similar technology—with modern advancements—to electronic fencing makes sense. With e-fences, a specialized collar automatically warns dogs with a tone or stimulation as they approach the invisible boundary. That way, they quickly learn where they are allowed to roam. There are two types of containment systems: wired (using a buried perimeter wire) and wireless.

GPS ADVANTAGE

Unlike wired systems, wireless e-fences can be set up almost anywhere, across virtually any terrain. Boundaries are established using an app or by walking the perimeter; satellites then create the geo-fence and connect to the collar using GPS technology. Thanks to a large antenna and built-in signal boost, advanced systems such as the SpotOn Nova (www.spotonfence.com) can deliver highly accurate boundaries with no gaps or holes, even in dense tree cover. While access to a cellular network enables the full range of features, the off-grid mode allows users to set boundaries in remote areas via Bluetooth.

TRAIN AND TRACK

SpotOn has developed a DIY training program to help dogs learn geo-fence boundaries. Through a combination of tones, custom voice commands, and static corrections, dogs learn that these signals mean “stop here.” The system is remarkably effective. Note that advanced features such as real-time dog location, recall, collar light activation, and automatic breach alerts require an active tracking plan.