Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking Bundle

I’m sure the gps function is great but buyer be ware – this doesn’t include a shock collar for training. We returned it because our dog needs a shock collar in the field.

The price sucks yes. But let’s talk about the specs. The battery life is as specified. The only reason for four stars is I had to buy rechargeable batteries. Buy the Eneeloop NiMH batteries ( or whatever they are as specified I forget) and battery will last as long as specified. The device comes with birds eye view and covers quite literally the whole world. I live in West Virginia and can now track my dog to be behind a specific tree in the woods. The durability seems good. Doesn’t get affected by water and the collar is super tough. Again the only problem is the price. I thought it would be super hard to use. But you just download basecamp, plug in your device, click birdseye view up top and then select where you want the detailed map.
I chose this over the Alpha because my dog listens well. I do not like the idea of shocking her for running off. However, I do wish this had the Li in battery pack.

We have a Short Haired German Pointer. I don’t think he’s likely to run off but with pointers you never know. In any case, I tested this tracking system a mile away and it never lost the signal. Out with the dog, the collar looks a little bulky but the dog never noticed it. It tracked him flawlessly when he was out of sight. Pay attention to the sizing. It’s hard to find but there is help on Garmin’s webpage. Our GSHP had a perfect fit with the regular size. I’m much more comfortable turning “Buck” loose with this collar.

We recently purchased the Garmin Astro 430/T 5 due to our unhappiness with other systems and a dog competition friend recommended this product. Our ranch home is at the top of a mountain surrounded by thousands of BLM and private acres; all with beautiful steep valleys. We ride horses on ours and neighbors property, horse camp in the mountains and always take our dogs where allowed.. The dogs get out of sight frequently and we worry. Recently our new puppy and old man took off and we did not see or hear from them (on the poorly functioning electronic device we were trying out) for 10 plus hours and it was snowing hard; our thoughts wandered. Bears, cougars, barbed wire, ice covered ponds, coyotes…you add your fears. Where were they? Where they safe? It was nearly 11:00pm…we hoped they were hunkered down to make it through the night……. In the dead of night they returned with smiles on their faces. Last straw!
Our new Garmin 430/T 5 …OH MY!! Wonderful! There are just too many features to discuss (the old pup of course took it into a pond within the first hour!) except….yep…they took off again! My wife discovered them gone and said: “Can you see them on the new Garmin?” Sure enough, they were down in a deep valley a mile and nearly one half away.There were several hills blocking a direct signal! We got on an ATV and the rest is smiling history! What this device combination or just the receiver alone can do when you are hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding is amazing and fun; I haven’t scratched the surface on its capabilities…but it just paid for itself today. Can’t wait to take the horses out for those 10-15 mile rides and know where everyone is all the time. Happy trails to you all.