Ever Wonder What The Canine Heritage Is Of Your Dog?

May 28th, 2010

Dog DNA PictureFor hunters who are not familiar with dogs, the breeding of dogs has a history that goes way back well past the 1700s and the different breeds of dogs has been intricately tied to hunting.

One thing many hunters are curious about is what the actual lineage of their own dog is.  The good news for them is they no longer have to guess at what their dog’s canine heritage is and can instead find out by using a simple test.

One company, Dog-DNA offers a solid product that makes this possible.  Customers like how is it is to use and more importantly to learn about genetic heritage of their dog.  Knowledge of exactly what type of breed you have and the breed mixtures is great information to know for health and behavioral issues.  This knowledge can help you decide exactly what to do with your dog to correct these issues.  In addition, this is also great information to share with family and friends as you brag about the knowledge of your hunting dog.

This product is a nice addition that most hunters should consider if they want to learn more about their own dog.

For more information on this program, click on the following link: Dog-DNA.

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Check Your Dog Food: Make Sure Your Dog Is Eating Right

May 21st, 2010

Health Food For Your Pet RecipesFor those interested in the health of your dog, one area that you should not forget to check is what type of food they are eating.

By adjusting your hunting dog’s diet, you can have a great influence over his or her health.  Good food for your dogs means a happier dog that will be more eager to help you hunt and go about it his or her tasks with a smile.  The initial cost to adjust to a healthier diet is small especially when you consider the high, later cost of taking your dog to a veterinarian when a poor diet is used.

In fact, you may not realize it, but you can actually make your own healthy dog food.  This process provides you direct oversight in what your pet is actually eating because you control the ingredients.  What better way to ensure they are getting just the right diet they need!  What normally holds people back in taking action in this process is a lack of knowledge about what to make for their dog.  This is no longer an issue; however, because we have found a great product that provides a number of easy to use and implement dog food recipes that takes the hard work right out.  Instead, all that you have to do is follow the steps and enjoy the benefits of having a healthier dog.

The program we are bragging about is the Healthy Food For Dogs: Homemade Recipes Program.  This one comes complete with 245 Healthy Recipes and has been promoted on tv.  Learn from a professional dog fancier on how to make these great homemade recipes that will blow away anything the commercial dog food companies can make.  Even better is the material is available for instant download so you can start putting these recipes to use almost immediately.

For more information on this program, click on the following link: Healthy Food For Dogs: Homemade Recipes Program.

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Care About Your Dog? Are You Sure?

May 14th, 2010

Arthogen Med-VetMost hunters love their hunting dogs.  Many times they will treat their dog as a part of the family and go out of their way to make sure it is safe.

However, one area where we often fall short in is taken steps to help prolong the health of our dogs.  This really isn’t our fault because the concept of preventative medicine is still a developing concept with human beings, let alone pets.  Still, the research shows that preventative medicine works.  For your dog, this means that your dog can live a longer and better life allowing more years of hunting help from them.  Since the cost to provide this preventative medicine is minimal, there is really no reason not to add it into their diet.

One company that we have been particularly impressed with in this area of dog medicine is Med-Vet.  This is a wholesaler that makes a number of different products that can really improve or maintain the great health of your pet.  They offer a number of products for all kinds of possible ailments but one thing that we were impressed to see is their large line of AKC Renewtrients.  For those not familiar with the AKC, they are the American Kennel Club and have a long documented history of helping dogs in America.  Their chewable tablets are very good for pets and you will be able to find options for all types of issues.

Another supplement that we think you should be aware of is Arthogen For Dogs.  One of the biggest issues dogs have as they get older is a weakening of their joints.  This particular supplement uses Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate to help your pet combat the effects of arthritis and knee pain.  The effectiveness of taking Glucosamine has been well documented in people to improve their health.  In this case, what is good for people is also good for your dog.  Imagine how great it will be to see him pain free and jumping around like he used to years before!

However, these are just too instances of quality products you can find.  We suggest you also take a look around beginning with this general page for finding other products than can help with any issues you are having with your pet.  Their inventory is very extensive.

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The Value of GPS Accessories

May 7th, 2010

Garmin Topo US 100KIf you have already purchased a Garmin Astro 220, you are going to be very happy with your purchase.

This GPS Tracker is receiving rave reviews and is already a favorite with hunters.  However, one area that is lesser discussed is all the great accessories that go along with the Garmin Astro 220.  We talked about some of them in a previous blog post, but it is worth going over some of them again because of the help they can give you in your own tracking.  Here, we will take a look at some of the benefits you can take advantage of:

1.  Greater performance range.  Every hunter likes the idea of having a large range for their GPS device.  In fact, if there currently is one knock on the Garmin Astro 220, it is that its range is quite small with roughly a 3 to 4 miles range in the field.  The good news for hunters is this range can be extended by using range extending antennas.  There are two types that customers should strongly consider.  One is for in the field which is the Garmin Astro Portable Long Range Antenna and the other is used on your vehicle called the Garmin Magnetic Mount Antenna.

2.  Access to topographical maps in your hunting area.  Knowing your hunting area is of vital importance in helping you decide how best to after your dogs or even to find places to camp for the night.  One of the best pieces of map software you can get to help aid your Garmin Astro is to purchase and download the Garmin Topo US 100K.  This one will give you access to all the topographical maps in the US allowing you a wide range of maps for hunting and camping.  A great value buy considering all you get for the purchase price.

3.  Ability to be used in the car as a road GPS device.  The Garmin Astro can also be used in your car as a regular GPS device.  This can be of great benefit to many as it helps get them to and from the hunting site.  To fully take advantage of this feature, we suggest getting some type of mount for the GPS device so that it will not have to be held during the trip.  Here, are two popular ones: Garmin Dash Mount and Garmin Automotive Windshield Mounting Bracket.  The low cost of these items is paid back quickly just on a couple of trips alone.  Even better is that this allows you to use your Garmin Astro whenever you are driving, not just on hunting trips.

4.  Packing for protection.  You can also find a number of accessories that can help make it easier for you to protect your Garmin Astro from the elements.  Two of the more popular ones are the Garmin Nylon Case with Zipper and the Garmin Neoprene Case.  Another accessory to consider is the Garmin Astro Retractable Lanyard.  This device helps allow you to attach the Garmin to your belt allowing you less risk of dropping your device.  This also provides you with easier access to the device than if you are storing it in your pocket or in a backpack.

All the above accessories can be helpful to many hunters.  Depending on your own needs, some will be more appropriate than others; however, all can serve a valuable purpose.

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Posted in GPS Dog Tracking System | 3 Comments »

How To Get More Out Of Your Radio Dog Tracking System

May 6th, 2010

Field Marshall 4000 PictureWhether you chose a Contact Pro, Tracker Radio or Marshall Radio tracking system, these tips should help you get more out of your system.

However, if by chance you have not purchased a radio system yet, here is your chance.  Click on the following links to see all the Radio Tracking Systems we sell.
1.    Track in a controlled environment first.  This helps you learn how to use your radio tracker properly.  Great areas to test out your tracker are a park or a large open field.  All that is needed is for you to hide a collar and then go find it with your handheld transmitter.

2.    Choose proper locations to make your readings in the field.  Avoid depressions and ravines.  Instead, opt for ridgelines and other high points.  Radio tracking systems use line of sight so always opt for higher points with uncontested views when possible for best readings.  Radio signs have difficulty going through rock or other solid objects which is one reason why high points are preferred locations for taking readings.

3.    Utility lines can disrupt the radio signal.  In other words, they will always give you the impression the dog is by the power lines.  To combat this, use a 180 degree arc with your back to the power lines.

4.    Control the speed of your sweep.  When you are trying to get your readings, it is important to give a controlled sweep.  This helps ensure you get the best readings so avoid going too fast.

5.    Combat back signal correctly.  Back signal can be an issue for radio tracking systems.  This can be combated by reducing the gain and by taking your readings from several different locations.

Using these tips should help you maximize your tracking.  For more information on our top choice for radio tracking systems, click on the following link: Field Marshall 4000.

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How To Get More Out Of Your GPS Dog Tracking System

May 5th, 2010

Garmin Astro 220 Combo PictureIf you have decided to get a GPS Dog Tracking System, this article is for you.

If you have not yet purchased a GPS tracking system, here is your chance.  (Click on the following link to learn more about the Garmin Astro 220. It is our top choice of GPS dog tracking systems).

Today, we will take a look at some things you can do to get more out of your Garmin Astro 220.  Here, is a rundown of the good stuff:

1.  Make readings from the highest points possible.  Select open areas and preferably ones on a ridge line or on raised ground.  These will give more accurate readings than if under trees and in a depression in the terrain.  You want to find the highest elevation points in your area as you are trying to get unobstructed, line of sight views to your dogs if possible.

2.  Add on topographic mapping software.  Garmin has all types of maps you can purchase and download to your device.  Two particular software programs you will want to consider.  The first is the Garmin Topo 100K.  These maps will provide you with topographical information on the areas where you are hunting in the US.  This can give you great information about the terrain by letting you know the elevation levels, location of rivers and streams, and much more,  A must have for the serious hunters out there.

Another mapping software that is worth taking a look at is the Garmin City Navigator SD Card.  This software provides maps of all the cities and roadways.  This can help allow your GPS device to help get you to the hunting site and back home again.  Depending on whether you currently have GPS available in your vehicle, this can be a great way for getting more value out of your Garmin Astro.

3.  Ensure your collars are fully charged.  A fully charged collar will give you the most accurate readings so be sure your collars are fully charged before hunting.  As a rule of thumb, you can expect that afully charged DC 30 will operate for about 17 hours.

4.  Get a portable long range antennae or other range extenders.  These range extenders are great additions to your current GPS setup.  A Portable Long Range Antennae will help allow you to reach far beyond the 3 to 4 miles range of the in the field service allowing you to really use your device for your fastest dogs as the extenders can get the range to reach roughly 7 miles depending on elevation, weather, and terrain.

5.  Use your waypoints.  One of the nice features of the Garmin Astro is that you can set waypoints for all kinds of things up to 1000 different ones.  We suggest at a minimum you should set waypoints for where you find each covey, your truck, your lodge and even things like tree stands and food plots.

6.  See not only where your dog is, but where he has been.  The Garmin Astro has the ability to show you not only the location of your dog at that moment but also the trail he has followed.  Knowledge of where your dog has been going can help determine how well your obedience training has paid off with your dog.  Some dogs will “head for the hills” when they think they are outside of your reach.  Learning whether the dogs are sticking to a certain range can help you determine how well your obedience training is working an also increase the odds your dogs will stay within the range of the device during your hunts.

For more information on the Garmin Astro, click on the following link: Garmin Astro 220.

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Radio v. GPS Dog Tracking Systems

May 4th, 2010

Garmin Astro 220 Combo PictureStill unsure what system to get?  Maybe we can help.

Let’s compare Radio and GPS Dog Tracking Systems.  Here, we will take a look at some of the common criteria that most people consider when going through the different systems:

Cost

Radio Tracking Systems can vary considerably in price depending on the features and number of collars.  We carry three of the most popular brands and their prices range from $399.99 up to $1,099.99.  In contrast, the Garmin Astro has a relatively set price range ($599.99) that tends to be in the middle of the range of various Radio Tracking Systems.  In other words, you can find cheaper radio tracking systems, but most tend to be more expensive, especially if you are wanting multiple band usage.

Performance

In my opinion, the Garmin Astro is normally going to provide better performance than radio tracking because it can give exact locations of your pets.  Obviously, there are certain areas where radio tracking systems can shine such as if you are tracking for a larger area than the 3 to 4 mile range of a gps system or hunting in a very remote area where a gps system does not have service.  With this said though, the Garmin Astro has performed exceptionally well.

Range

For range, radio tracking systems have a much larger range.  It is customary to see an advertised range of about 12 miles.  (This estimate is going to be closer to about 7 miles in the field).  In contrast, the Garmin Astro has an advertised range of roughly 7 miles and gets 3 to 4 miles in the field.  However, both of these ranges can be extended by using extra accessories if these ranges don’t fit your needs.  Adding a yagi antenna for example can add to the range of the gps tracking system and radio trackers have their own equivalent range extenders as well.

Unique Features

The Garmin Astro 220 has a number of neat features that are unique to gps technology.  Its ability to pinpoint and remember coordinates is helpful in a number of ways.  One example of this is its ability to count your coveys and also indicate the exact location of where they are found.  Not to mention that since it is a gps device it can also be used to help provide you with directions to get to the hunting site and how to get back home.  The Garmin Astro will also let you know if your dog is sitting, running, on point, or treed an animal.  This can be a great aid for hunters as they try to determine what their dogs are doing.

As for the radio tracking systems, some of these tracking systems may have unique features that let you know what the dog is doing.  An example of this is a motion sensor that can tell if you the dog is on point or running.  Another example is whether the collar uses a tree switch.  This feature will let the hunter know if the prey has been treed and finally some systems have bark indicators on the collars that will let the hunter know if the dog is barking.

In our opinion, we feel the Garmin Astro 220 has a significant advantage over radio tracking systems because its unique features are available on all their systems whereas the unique features for the radio tracking systems vary depending on what the customer requests.

Overall

We feel that the Garmin Astro 220 has a lot more going for it.  There will be times when a radio tracking systems will be a preferred option by some hunters; however, the future of dog tracking systems seems to be with GPS technology.  Don’t be surprised to see a number of new GPS tracking systems show up in the near future.

For more information on our top choices for GPS and radio tracking systems, click on the following links: Garmin Astro 220 and Field Marshall 4000.

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Posted in GPS Dog Tracking System, Radio Dog Tracking System, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »