Blog: How to Have Peace of Mind Tracking Your Livestock Dog

Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are an integral part of farms and ranches. These loyal and hardworking dogs are not just companions, but they are also protectful guardians of a farmer’s livelihood. Given the crucial role they play, ensuring their safety is a top priority. One way to safeguard them on a large farm or ranch is by using technology, such as a GPS collar device for dogs, to track their whereabouts and ensure their well-being. Let’s explore the importance of livestock dog safety and how implementing a tracking device for LGD can provide peace of mind.

Why tracking is important

LGDs are typically left to roam large areas of farmland while guarding sheep, cattle, goats, or other livestock. Their instincts often lead them to wander as they patrol their territory, which can sometimes take them miles away from home. Due to the nature of their job and their widespread movement, LGDs face increased risks:

1. Wandering off or getting lost: LGDs can sometimes wander too far from the livestock they’re meant to protect. This is especially concerning in rural areas where roads, rivers, or dangerous terrain might pose additional threats. 
2. Predators and wildlife: While LGDs are bred to protect against predators like wolves or coyotes, these encounters still pose a danger. By using a tracking device for LGD, you can monitor their movements and be alerted to any potential danger.
3. Accidental injuries or illnesses: Even the most seasoned livestock dog can encounter unexpected hazards in nature. Tracking their location allows you to intervene quickly if they’re not where they should be.

Tracking your LGD can alleviate much of the anxiety surrounding these situations. With the right technology, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing where your dog is at all times, whether they’re patrolling the perimeter or resting in the shade.

Technological solutions for tracking

Today, there are several technological solutions available that make livestock guardian dog tracking simple and effective. These tools provide real-time tracking and other features that help ensure the safety of your dog while giving you peace of mind.

GPS devices and collars

One of the most effective solutions for tracking LGDs is a PetLinkGPS. These devices use GPS technology to monitor your dog’s location in real-time. Some of the key benefits of using a dog GPS include:

• Real-time location: With a GPS collar, you can track your LGD’s exact location at any moment from your phone. Whether they’re guarding the herd or wandering a little further than expected, you’ll always know where they are.
• Geofencing: Many GPS devices and collars allow you to set up geofences or “safe zones” around the property. If your dog leaves the designated area, you’ll receive an immediate notification on your smartphone. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring boundaries and ensuring that your dog stays close to the livestock.
• Activity monitoring: Some GPS collars also provide activity monitoring, allowing you to track how much your dog is moving. This can give you insights into their health and energy levels, helping you ensure they’re in peak condition for their duties.

Mobile apps:

Many GPS collars come with companion mobile apps that allow you to view your dog’s location in real-time directly from your smartphone. With these apps, even though your LGD may be working on the farm, you’re just a few clicks away from feeling closer to them and having peace of mind knowing exactly what they’re up to. These apps offer features like:

• Real-time tracking: The app syncs with the collar to provide live tracking of your LGD’s movements. You’ll be able to see exactly where they are and what they’re doing, all from the convenience of your phone.
• Alerts and notifications: Set up push notifications to alert you when your dog leaves a safe zone or crosses a geofence. This way, you can act quickly if they go outside the area.
• History and heat maps: PetlinkGPS also provides location history, allowing you to see where your dog has spent the most time. This can help you better understand your LGD’s patrol patterns and favorite spots on the property.

PetLinkGPS pairs a small GPS device attached to your dog’s collar with a user-friendly and intuitive smartphone app to provide all these essential features to keep livestock guarding dogs safe and secure. Leveraging GPS technology is a user-friendly way to keep tabs on your LGD and ensure they’re safe at all times.

Microchips

While GPS collars provide real-time tracking, microchips serve as a backup plan to keep dogs safe. Microchips are tiny chips implanted under your dog’s skin by your vet that contain a unique ID number. If your dog is found, a vet or animal shelter can scan the chip to retrieve your contact information and reunite you with your dog.

Microchips don’t offer real-time tracking like GPS collars, but they’re an essential part of livestock dog safety as a secondary line of defense. When you keep your contact information up to date in the microchip registry database means that having your LGD microchipped ensures that even if their GPS collar is lost, there’s still a way to identify and locate them. In fact, studies have shown that microchipped pets are three times more likely to be reunited with their owners1!

Choosing the right tracking device

Not all tracking devices are created equal, and it’s important to choose one that meets the specific needs of your livestock guardian dog. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best tracking device for LGD:

1. Range: LGDs often roam large areas while protecting livestock, so it’s crucial to choose a GPS device or collar with a wide range. 
2. Battery life: Your dog may be outside for hours or even days at a time, so it’s important to choose a GPS device with a long battery life. Look for a device that can last several days on a single charge to avoid interruptions in tracking. This will reduce the need for frequent recharging, so you can ensure the GPS device remains attached to your pet’s collar so they’ll always be safe and sound.
3. Durability: LGDs work in tough environments, so their tracking devices need to be durable. Choose a device that’s waterproof and rugged enough to withstand rough terrain, extreme weather, and other outdoor conditions.
4. Geofencing and alerts: As mentioned earlier, geofencing is a valuable feature that allows you to set boundaries for your dog. Make sure the tracking device you choose has customizable geofencing options and real-time alerts when your dog crosses those boundaries.

Best Practices for Tracking

Once you’ve chosen the right tracking device, it’s important to implement best practices to ensure that your LGD stays safe:

• Regular maintenance: Regularly check the device to ensure it’s working properly. This includes charging the battery, checking for any signs of wear, and ensuring that the GPS signal is strong.
• Train your LGD: It’s a good idea to train your LGD to return to a specific area if they hear a certain sound or see a particular signal, such as a whistle or light. This training can be especially helpful if your dog wanders too far.
• Set up safe zones: Use the geofencing feature to set virtual fences or boundaries around your property. If your dog leaves the zone, you’ll receive an immediate alert and can take action to bring them back safely.

Livestock guardian dogs are invaluable assets to farms and ranches, but their safety is just as important as the animals they protect. By using a GPS collar for dogs or other tracking devices for LGD, you can ensure their safety while giving yourself peace of mind. With real-time tracking, geofencing, and activity monitoring, you’ll always know where your dog is and be able to respond quickly if something goes wrong. Investing in a livestock guardian dog tracking system is not just about technology, but rather, it’s about being committed to their well-being in return for the work they do.

Resources: 

1. https://www.humananimalsupportservices.org/uncategorized/new-analysis-pets-with-microchips-are-three-times-more-likely-to-get-home/