Tractive GPS Tracker Review: Why I Use It for Every Dog I Walk.

Tractive GPS Trackers Are Currently 41% Off!

Affiliate disclosure: I’m a member of the Chewy Creator Program and may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article at no additional cost to you. The opinions shared here are based on my personal experience using Tractive GPS trackers.

As I begin recommending products through the Chewy Creator Program, I want to make one thing clear: I only plan to talk about products that I personally use and genuinely trust.

I never want to recommend something simply because I could earn a commission from it. Any product I feature should be something that has a real place in my work with dogs, and using Tractive GPS trackers for dog walking definitely do.

I use Tractive trackers while walking my own dogs, dogs belonging to Lucky’s Dog Walks clients, and shelter dogs. After incorporating them into my routine, I honestly would not feel comfortable walking a dog under my care without one.

Why I Started Using Tractive GPS Trackers for Dog Walking

Even when someone takes every reasonable precaution, a dog can slip out of a collar or harness in a matter of seconds.

A sudden noise, an improperly adjusted piece of equipment, or one unexpected movement can create a frightening situation. No piece of technology can prevent every emergency, but I believe in having multiple layers of protection whenever a dog is under my care.

Using a Tractive GPS tracker for dog walking gives me an additional way to locate a dog should something unexpected ever happen. It does not replace a properly fitted collar, secure harness, dependable leash, identification tag, or attentive handling. Instead, it works alongside those precautions as an extra safety measure.

That additional peace of mind is the main reason Tractive has become a standard part of my dog-walking equipment.

How I Use Tractive During Walks

Before beginning a walk, I attach a charged Tractive tracker securely to the dog’s collar or harness.

The tracker connects to the Tractive app, where I can view the dog’s location, record the route of the walk, and see activity information. Tractive also offers live GPS tracking, location history, activity monitoring, and virtual fences that can send an alert when a dog leaves a designated area.

For regular walks, I enjoy being able to look back at the route and distance afterward. The GPS feature is something I hope I never need during an actual emergency, but I would much rather have that capability available than wish I had it after a dog went missing.

I use a Tractive GPS tracker for dog walking consistently, not only with dogs that are known escape artists. Any dog can become frightened, distracted, or unpredictable in a new situation, so I prefer to use the same safety practices with every dog under my care.

The Features I Find Most Valuable

Live GPS tracking

This is the primary reason I use Tractive. If a dog ever became separated from me, I could activate live tracking through the app and begin following their updated

location.

Walk and location history

The app records where the tracker has traveled. I enjoy reviewing the routes and distances from walks, along with sharing them with clients. It gives me another record of the dog’s activity, not only for myself, but for the client as well.

This feature is especially appropriate when using a Tractive GPS tracker for dog walking, since it allows you to see where and how far the dog traveled.

Virtual fences and escape alerts

Tractive allows users to create digital safe areas. If the tracker leaves one of those areas, the app can send an alert. This can be particularly useful for dogs that spend time in fenced yards or have a history of escaping.

Activity and wellness information

In addition to location tracking, compatible Tractive models monitor activity and sleep. Current models also include wellness features such as resting heart and respiratory rate monitoring. These features should not be treated as a veterinary diagnosis, but they may help owners notice changes worth discussing with their veterinarian.

Waterproof construction

The current DOG 6 model is rated as waterproof, which is helpful for rainy walks, wet grass, puddles, and dogs that enjoy getting messy.

Important Things to Know Before Buying

Although I strongly recommend Tractive based on my own experience, there are a few things buyers should understand.

First, the tracker requires an active Tractive subscription. The subscription supports the cellular connection used to transmit the tracker’s location to the app. The device will not provide its connected GPS features without a plan.

The tracker also needs to be charged regularly. Battery life will depend on the model, settings, cellular coverage, GPS use, and how frequently live tracking is activated.

Like any GPS and cellular device, its performance may also vary depending on the surrounding environment and network coverage. I would never rely on it as the only method of keeping a dog safe.

Most importantly, using a Tractive GPS tracker for dog walking does not replace:

• A secure, properly fitted collar or harness

• A strong leash in good condition

• Up-to-date identification tags and microchip information

• Careful supervision and responsible handling

  
  

I view Tractive as an added layer of protection, not permission to take fewer precautions.

Is a Tractive Tracker Worth It?

For me, it absolutely has been.

As someone responsible for other people’s pets, I want to take every reasonable step I can to keep dogs safe. The tracker provides reassurance during everyday walks and gives me a valuable tool in the event of an emergency.

It may be especially helpful for:

• Dogs that have escaped before

• Dogs that become frightened by noises or unfamiliar environments

• Newly adopted or recently transported dogs

• Dogs that hike, camp, travel, or spend time on large properties

• Pet-care professionals who want an additional safety measure

• Owners who want to monitor walks and daily activity

  
  

Even dogs that have never escaped can benefit from the extra protection. Emergencies are unexpected by definition, and I would rather be prepared before one occurs.

Current Tractive Deal on Chewy

At the time of writing, Chewy lists the Tractive Smart Dog GPS Tracker for $47, compared with a $79 list price, approximately 41% off. Pricing and availability can change, so check the product page for the current offer.

You can view the tracker through my Chewy Creator link here:

https://www.creator.anchor.store/a/c8E4Nmg7IS

Purchasing through my link helps support Lucky’s Dog Walks and the work I’m doing with dogs in our community, without increasing the price you pay.

My Final Thoughts

There are plenty of pet products I could promote, but I only want to recommend products that I have personally used and found valuable.

Tractive is one of those products.

I use these trackers with my own dogs, client dogs, and shelter dogs. Using a Tractive GPS tracker for dog walking has become such an important part of my safety routine that I would not walk a dog under my care without one.

A GPS tracker cannot prevent every accident, and it should never replace responsible handling or secure walking equipment. However, as an additional layer of protection, the peace of mind it provides has been well worth it for me.