Dogtra Pathfinder Review: The Truth About The E-Collar

The Dogtra Pathfinder GPS e-collar is a very reliable device you can use to map or monitor, then track, and train your dogs remotely, although this is a system that is mainly leaning more to dog owners who are hunters and trainers and want a device they can use for tracking and training their sporting or hunting dogs.

When I first heard about this device, I was wondering if it would perform great as well as its other dog GPS trackers competitors’ very similar counterparts for less than their prices. It looked very promising so I had to try out this one. Check out my Dogtra Pathfinder Review below to see if this one would also be a great pair for you and your dog.

Pros And Cons Of Dogtra Pathfinder

How Does Dogtra Pathfinder Work?

The Dogtra Pathfinder works as a specialized training and tracking device for your dog.

It connects easily and quickly with any smartphone and the bluetooth connectivity is up to a maximum of 33 feet to the Pathfinder GPS Connector Receiver, then this receiver connects to the Pathfinder GPS Tracker Training e-Collar via the MURS Band up to a maximum range of 9 miles.

You will have to always carry the Pathfinder GPS connector or receiver with you all the time for all the Pathfinder system units to work but this receiver is very small and will never give you any dead weight and will not bother you at all, it is very lightweight you wouldn’t even know you are carrying it. The sole function of this receiver is just to connect your smartphone to the collar.

Pathfinder works flawlessly even without cellular data therefore it is the perfect device for you to have if you are planning on training in the middle of the woods for the next hunting season. It also pairs very quickly with your phone outside although I have tried but I cannot do this whenever I’m indoors.

The device is fully waterproof for up to 33 feet so you will have no problem at all if your dog suddenly decides to go for a swim although my pup has never dove that deep anyways but it always gets fully submerged whenever my pup swims. I have never had any worries because this device has already proven its durability by my own pup during these instances.

When Do You Need The Dogtra Pathfinder?

You need The Dogtra Pathfinder if you are a dog owner who is always in it for an adventure outdoors like in the woods when going out for a camping trip or for dog owners who are always out there for good days during hunting seasons. Clayton Stark well explained when you need it:

Who Is Dogtra Pathfinder For?

The Dogtra Pathfinder is a training and tracking device specially designed for dog owners or dog lovers who are more focused or inclined to be training their dogs for the hunting season but this is also not a bad device to have for regular dog owners out there who just want to keep their dog safe and monitored at the same time while training them outdoors.

Tech Specifications Of Dogtra Pathfinder

Design

The Dogtra Pathfinder comes with the GPS Tracker Training e-Collar and the Pathfinder GPS Connector Receiver. The e-collar and the receiver are both colored in bright orange that gives convenience as the bright color is easier to see and find. The receiver weighs 250 grams with uncut collar strap with dimensions 7.5 x 4.8 x 3.5 cm (LxWxH). The e-collar on the other hand is 75 cm long.  The e-collar fits dogs with around 10 to 26 inches neck sizes. This is best for dogs weighing 35 lbs and above.

Battery Life

The Dogtra Pathfinder uses Lithium Polymer batteries that fast-charge in 3.5 hours and last up to 8 hours.

Durability

The Dogtra Pathfinder dog collar receiver and transmitter are both very durable and completely waterproof so no need to worry for when your pup suddenly wants to play in the pond or go for a swim.

Apps

The Pathfinder App is compatible with Android 4.2 and up and iOS 8.1 and up and pairs with any device with BLE and Bluetooth 4. It features a compass screen, an e-collar screen, and the maps screen which uses Google Maps that can display either in terrain or satellite view. The upside of the Pathfinder is that they do not require you to pay for and download additional software just to use the maps on this device. You can download the offline maps just in case you are in a dead spot although it is still best to use it with service. The Dogtra Pathfinder also allows you to record a history file of your training or hunting sessions.

General Features Of Dogtra Pathfinder

Geo-fence Options

The Pathfinder also features a GPS fence option that functions just like any other similar dog GPS tracking devices. This then lets you define boundaries where your dogs can and cannot go, of course, for their safety and your ease of mind. This then alerts you whenever your dogs go beyond the perimeter you set up for them to stay.

Maps

The Dogtra Pathfinder uses Google Maps that lets you view in terrain or satellite mode. This also features an offline maps option in case you know you will be hunting or training in areas with limited or no access to cellular data which is easily downloadable to your smartphone.

Tracking Only Mode

The Pathfinder is also suitable for field trials or competitions where tones and stimulations are prohibited. You can just easily disable the e-collar tab in the settings and select the Tracking Only Mode.

Nick/Constant Stimulation + Audible Tone

The e-collar training functions of the Pathfinder are accessible only via its app. It features a static/shock stimulation training option with 100 levels of stimulation that is controllable using a slider via the Pathfinder App. There are two options for the stimulation which are either constant or temporary (nick). You also have the option to adjust the power output of the stimulation from low to high or vice versa depending on the behavior of the dogs you are training.

Is It Worth It To Pay For The Dogtra Pathfinder?

For a one-time payment of around $400, I can say that the Dogtra Pathfinder unit is worth it because at this very low-cost price (compared to Garmin collars) and only a one-time payment, you can use all the features of this device worry-free as it seamlessly functions the way it is intended without the need to download any additional software.

Conclusion

The huge downside of the Pathfinder for me is that it relies heavily on the app therefore you will always need your phone with you to be able to utilize the system. This was a huge bummer for me and can be for you too because if you want to nick or correct your dog on the go, you will have to take out your phone and use the app instead of just having remote and quick buttons for you to use conveniently without having to bother with your phone and worry about your phone battery draining due to constant usage for the stimulation and tones. What I love about the Dogtra Pathfinder is it is very durable and also very reliable for tracking my dog out in the woods or a field or a canyon and most especially in areas where there is no cellular data. Check the current price here.

RELATED: Best Dog Smart Collars in 2021