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Dogs wearing Tagg Pet Tracker GPS collars: the device weighs 1.1 ounces and is 3.2 x 1 x 1.5 inches . It clips on to the collar.

If you have a runaway dog, consider the new GPS collars which work with smart phones

My six-year-old Scottish Terrier Bridget is a bolter. She’s escaped from our fenced-in backyard, out the front door when we were moving, and on the occasional off-leash walk. The habit has actually gotten worse as she’s gotten older and acquired more confidence about her ability to survive in the big city without her annoying peeps.

Yes, she has a tag with our contacts and a microchip, but neither of those are any help until she has been captured by a human who phones to tell us Bridget has been found. Sometimes, we spend hours worried she’ll be dognapped or hit by a car. That’s why I want to get her a GPS  collar  that will let me locate her right away on my iPhone.

Garmin GTU vs. Tagg Pet Tracker

In the U.S., there are two brands of GPS dog collars that work with smart phones: the Garmin GTU 10 ($200) (shown at left) and the Tagg Pet Tracker ($100) (shown above), both of which are available on Amazon.

Garmin uses the AT&T network and the $200 price tag includes a year of service after which there’s a $50 annual renewal fee. Tagg uses the Verizon network and the price includes one month of service after which you have to pay $7.95 monthly. Those different terms explain the price discrepancy.

With both Garmin and Tagg, you can track your dog (or cat) on your computer or via an app on your smart phone to pinpoint their location. You configure boundaries or what Tagg calls a “geofence” and then if your pet breaches them, you get an email or text letting you know. Or if aptly-named Rover runs off while you’re out on a walk, you just whip out your phone and let the app and GPS system tell you where he’s gone. The range is unlimited — as long as there’s data coverage.

Consumer Reports magazine weighs in

Consumer Reports rates Tagg better than Garmin for its battery life. The Tagg Pet Tracker comes with a base station and when the pet is close by, the battery loses hardly any charge. It only runs down on walks, which means that it can hold a charge for four to 30 days depending on how far from home you roam. The Garmin device is charged by plugging in into a computer and, as a result, its battery life tends to be limited to a few days.

Tagg clips to the collar while the Garmin tracker is held in a nylon case which is attached by velcro. According to Consumer Reports, both stayed securely in place.

RoamEO Pet Monitor: $200 with no separate service required

This system works through “a patented combination of satellite and radio signals,” which means you don’t have to give one extra cent to your telcom provider. The GPS unit is contained in an adjustable rubber collar which communicates with a handheld receiver that monitors your pet’s movements and updates continually.

Your unfaithful Fido had better not leave you too far behind, however, because RoamEO maxes out at  half a mile. According to Consumer Reports, the battery charge lasted about 24 hours.

But will my dog like a GPS collar?

All the collars are a tad on the bulky side and, though they’re billed as being okay for small dogs and even cats, it probably depends on what your dog will tolerate. Some users have suggested that any animal under 12 pounds is not a good candidate for these collars.

Hmm, wonder how much this kitty weighs?

Coverage in Canada

The Tagg Pet Tracker is not available in Canada but the Garmin GTU 10 works on the Rogers network with one year’s service included in the price. After that, you purchase additional coverage from Garmin. Here is a map, which shows coverage for Canada.

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Beth added a suggestion to the list of Scottie dog books for children:

Ann, the book by Charlotte Voake reminded me of another book, “Tertius and Pliny”: . Tertius is a stuffed Scottish Terrier, and Pliny is an airline pilot. It’s a very charming book, but out of print. I think I found it at Barnes and Noble, on the remainder rack for 2.99… It’s worth seeking out (although it seems to be hard to find), if you’re interested in children’s books with Scotties.

There are currently a few used copies available on Amazon.

Kathy wrote with more information on dog life jackets:

I have found that one of the most important details in a dog life jacket is that it fit the dog property and is large enough to support the dog, especially a Scottie since they are quite heavy. Both Ozzie and Angus wear the Kyjen Outward Hound Jackets. The best thing about these jackets besides the quality, is the velcro band — not straps — that support their midsections. Angus’s first jacket had two straps that, when we lifted him out of the water by the handle, they really dug into his tummy. The Kyjen is very user friendly!

Waveney sent a link to a story on the last surviving 9/11 rescue dogs complete with many fabulous photos.

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Which blade for which dog? From giant Airedale to dainty teacup Yorkie, here are the blades you need for your terrier

If you’ve been searching terrier grooming forums and reviews for blade and equipment tips, there’s a good chance you’re even more confused than before you began.

Finding the right equipment to groom your terrier at home is not as clear-cut (pun intended) as it should be, but really, is that so surprising? You know your pooch is special, so why wouldn’t his coat be too?

This partly explains how come different groomers often suggest different blades for the same breed. Simply put, there is no perfect, one-size-fits-all solution, which is why the Scottie News has come to the rescue to put together the best possible guide for grooming your terrier. First off, a couple of tips:

Tip number one: Blade Size

The higher the blade number, the closer the cut.

Tip number two: Oster or Andis?

Truthfully, it’s six of one,half a dozen of the other. Some people choose Oster while others opt for Andis. To the knowledge of the Scottish Terrier and Dog News, no scientific poll has ever been conducted, but based on our readers stated preferences and all the other info out there, we’re calling it a  50/50 split, which is why we’re featuring both of the big two dog clipper brands.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s begin in alphabetical terrier order. [read more…]

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