Why Some Dogs Wander Off and How GPS Trackers Can Help You Track Them

One of life’s greatest joys is the beautiful friendship between you and your dog. Our loving little (or large) furballs are the perfect companions—literal happiness on four legs. But one of life’s scariest moments comes around the second you realize your dog is lost and nowhere to be found. And it’s not as uncommon as you might think.

At that moment when you’ve realized your dog is lost, a pet GPS tracker can be a literal lifesaver. While GPS trackers are amazing for finding your pet, we’d all rather never lose them in the first place. So we’re going to take a closer look at what actually causes dogs to wander off in the first place, and then we’ll get into how GPS trackers avoid this.

Top 5 Reasons Dogs Wander Off

So what actually makes your furry friend wander off?

1. Instinct and Curiosity

Unfortunately, it is simply in the nature of dogs to explore and wander about. These naturally curious creatures have an incredible sense of smell, hearing, and sight. With such acute senses, there are plenty of interesting stimuli out there to pique their interest. This can cause even the most well-trained dogs to wander. 

2. Seeking Mates

If your dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered, they might be wandering around on a quest for romance (too relatable!). At certain times of the year, your dog’s natural instincts may overwhelm their training and cause them to go looking for a mate. 

The exact time of year that your dog goes into heat will vary based on things like their size, breed, and age, but most dogs tend to go into heat for the first time at around 6 months old. Heat cycles generally last for between 2-3 weeks. 

3. Fear or Anxiety

We’ve all heard stories of big storms or fireworks causing dogs to run for the hills. Dogs truly are sensitive creatures at heart, and loud or unexpected noises can trigger their flight response. If your dog is sufficiently spooked, not even the coziest backyard will feel safe enough.

4. Boredom or Lack of Exercise

If your pooch isn’t getting enough mental stimulation or physical activity, it’s perfectly common for them to go out and chase it themselves. Nothing stimulates a dog quite like spontaneous adventure. Regular exercise and playtime will help to keep their wanderlust in check!

5. Disorientation or Confusion

As dogs age, or if they experience certain health conditions, they can sometimes become disoriented or confused. Just like humans, dogs can face issues with memory or cognition, causing them to wander off without really understanding where they’re going. This is common in older dogs and can cause them to lose their sense of direction even in familiar areas.

 

The Risks of Dogs Wandering Off

Although it can seem like a great idea at the time (to our dog), the realities of a wandering dog can be quite severe. When your four-legged explorer leaves the safety of the home or your supervision, the outside world—in all of its non-dog-friendly glory—can be a dangerous place. 

These risks can include; getting lost, traffic accidents, wildlife encounters, harsh weather exposure, or even theft or capture. Besides the risk to your dog, there are the emotional, financial, and time costs to you. 

Statistics on Lost Pets

The statistics around lost pets are pretty eye-opening too. According to the American Humane Association, over 10 million pets are lost or stolen every year in the United States alone. For pets without identification or tracking technology, the return rate for these lost pets is only around 15%.

We’ve made our point now, so let’s talk about what can be done to combat these statistics.

Benefits of Using GPS Trackers for Dogs

So what’s the solution? Well as you’ve probably realized by now, it comes in the form of a small GPS tracking device attached to your dog’s collar. Here’s what makes them great:

1. Real-time tracking

With real-time tracking, you can instantly know exactly where your pet is by locating them on a map. Time is of the essence when it comes to lost dogs.

2. Geo-fencing for safety

The geo-fencing feature of GPS pet trackers allows you to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts when your dog leaves these safe zones. This proactive approach helps prevent dogs from wandering too far in the first place.

3. Peace of mind

It’s hard to quantify the value of knowing your pet’s location at all times. But if your dog is a serial wanderer, you can’t put a price on knowing you don’t have to worry.

So, How Do These Little Gadgets Actually Keep Tabs on Your Pup?

It’s all about combining satellites and smart tech. A GPS tracker is a small device that attaches to your dog’s collar and uses signals from satellites orbiting above to figure out where they are. 

Once the tracker picks up those satellite signals, it sends location updates straight to an app on your phone. This means you can open the app anytime and see exactly where your dog is on a map. Some trackers even let you set up ‘safe zones’ (aka geofencing!). The moment your dog strays beyond those boundaries, you’ll get a notification. 

The best part? They’re not bulky, they’re waterproof, and they are built tough enough to handle whatever your dog can throw at it.

Limitations of Traditional Methods

Now, we’ve heard the naysayers who think that flyers, social media posts, and knocking on doors is enough. But we’re in the 21st century; those methods just aren’t going to cut it. 

Traditional pet tracking methods rely heavily on other people both noticing and taking action. They lead to you chasing ghosts and whispers of maybe seeing a dog that sort of looked like yours based on a description by someone you’ve never met. Hardly ideal!

Choosing the Right GPS Tracker for Your Dog

Not all GPS trackers are created equal. So here are some key things to look out for:

• Battery Life
  A long-lasting battery is essential. (*cough the AirBolt cough*) 
• Size and Comfort
  Choose a lightweight tracker that fits comfortably on your dog’s collar, especially if you have a smaller breed.
• Range and Coverage
  Opt for a tracker with reliable network coverage. This is a significant step up from Bluetooth trackers like AirTags, which require a mobile phone to be nearby. 
• Durability and Waterproofing
  Dogs get into all kinds of situations, so pick a tracker that’s waterproof and durable enough to handle their shenanigans.
• Geo-fencing
  Make sure the tracker includes geo-fencing. That way, you know you don’t have to worry—unless the tracker tells you you need to worry.
  
  

Some Final Thoughts

We don’t need to tell you how bad it is to lose a pet. But we do want to stress that it is preventable. 

Let us put it to you this way. Keeping your eyes open and your hands on the wheel is the best way to avoid a car accident, but you still wear a seatbelt… just in case. 

Understanding why your dog wanders off is the first step to preventing it. But pet GPS trackers are the safety net to find them when they do.