Dogtra Pathfinder

I’ve had the Pathfinder for around a year, and I have no regrets whatsoever. I hunt in northern WI, and having GPS tracking ability in thick cover like that is invaluable. The equipment is excellent overall. The biggest drawback for me is that there are no hard buttons to use for the collar functions. When it’s cold and I have to wear gloves, I’ll actually run my dog with my old e-collar along with the Pathfinder so I have buttons I can push if needed. This may be impossible to change, but is certainly a downside if you’re considering various collars. I agree that Apple Watch integration would be phenomenal! Most often you just need a direction, distance, and tone/nick options. A quick glance and you’re on your way. Being able to do that instead of unlocking your phone would be a game changer.

This app and the hardware are very helpful with my dogs. The app itself could use work, the screen blanks out and goes black occasionally. Some features such as the pairing command could be easier to access. Also the latest update moved the map button on the ecollar screen, that’s one of my pet peeves, just when you have the controls under your thumbs, someone changes the app. There is still an indeterminate delay when pairing collars, it can last from a few seconds to fifteen or more minutes for the collars to come “online” this is interesting and I’d bet if you had 20 collars it could get time consuming and frustrating. A collar tone when geo fence is breached would be a most outstanding option. Overall I would recommend the app and the hardware, they are solid, however I feel refinements could be made and this system would be fantastic.

Although the hardware functions well, the app is hardly up to par. First, there is no place I’ve found to report bugs or get help with issues experienced while using the app. Second, the app doesn’t even attempt to give a standard mapping interface or controls found in other higher quality mapping/GPS apps. There is no way to pause or stop recording a track. If I want to save a track I have to close the app BEFORE I shut off the collar or receiver or the track is lost. Next, the only way to view a saved track is by going to the date the track was recorded and hitting play. There should be a way to view the entire track and stats without jumping through hoops. Also, if there is a play button there should absolutely be a pause and stop button— the interface makes no sense otherwise. Fourth, importing custom maps works 1 in 10 times. The app will connect to Google drive ... if it feels like it? It’s a totally random thing. Finally, the new “mobile geo-fence” feature is a complete waste since it will only issue an alert if you’re staring at the screen— if your phone is locked you get no alert. This should act the same as, say, getting a text message. Even with the phone locked I get an audible signal when I receive a new message.While the hardware does its job, the app is simply a bust. In no way is it reliable including point, bark and treed “notifications” (again, only if you’re staring at your phone). I give 2 stars ONLY because I know how far out my dog is and in which direction. If that’s all you need you may find this app useful.