Guest post: Dog Tracker Plus

Tom Clark enjoys writing on a variety of topics surrounding technology that makes pet owners’ lives easier.

Dog Tracker Plus

Losing your dog when you’re out on a walk can be a very stressful experience. In most cases you have no option but to persistently call out and search the surrounding area high and low, asking passer-by’s if they’ve seen your much loved pet. Not knowing where they are can send anyone into a panic, but thanks to Dog Tracker Plus, moments like this will be a thing of the past.

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Using the latest GPS technology, Retrieva have invented a durable, comfortable and rechargeable intelligent collar to track your dog’s whereabouts during those hair-raising moments. The collar sends tracking information to your mobile device through the Dog Tracker Plus App and helps you find your dog in no time by pin pointing their location on a map and showing the distance, direction and speed they are moving at. You can even switch to the camera mode to see where your dog is from your point of view, which helps in situations when they are in close proximity but hidden from sight.

By setting up Geofences and alerts on the app you can happily sit back and relax while your dog roams free during such occasions as a picnic at the park. As soon as your dog ventures out of this boundary you’ve set up, you’ll get an alert to your mobile device and can quickly call your four legged friend back.

Good news is the live tracking is always on, so there is never the worry of your dog unexpectedly escaping without the collar activated. So long as the collar has been charged and you have signal, you’ll always be able to find your pooch.

This high-tech collar doesn’t just help with dogs who love going walkabout, but it also helps monitor your pet’s fitness and health. If Fido is getting a little porky you can easily set goals in the app to keep your dog’s weight under control by measuring the distance, speed and level of exercise they’ve achieved daily, and by ensuring they beat these daily targets on their walks.

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Available exclusively at Pets Corner, the Dog Tracker Plus collar is a waterproof design with anti-cut webbing that will stay put no matter how energetic or adventurous your dog may be. It really is a must have for owners of active dogs who love to go on adventures on their own, as it ensures no matter how far they stray, you’ll always be able to find them.

Disclaimer: Tom Clark wrote this review. I was not paid to publish his review. I have not tried Pet Tracker Plus on the Boxer dogs.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the tracker collar. Please comment below and start a debate. Don't forget to pop over to Surrey Life blogs where this month we're asking 'Where's your willy?'

Review : Canagan grain free dog food

Canagan Scottish Salmon grain free dog food

I was asked to review Canagan, a grain free dog food, and received a 12kg bag of Scottish Salmon flavour, with  herring and trout, from Pets Corner.

Zozi doing the sniff test

BriniZozi, the Boxers, do not have sensitive digestive systems, although we know many dogs who do suffer with allergies. Grain free dog food is made without grain bulk, and contains proteins which active dogs need to stay healthy.

Brin posing with his bag of Canagan dog food

Canagan dog food is produced in Preston, UK using some surprising ingredients.

"FRESHLY PREPARED DEBONED SCOTTISH SALMON Our salmon is sourced from the Scottish highlands. A delicious source of easily digestible protein, Omega-3, vitamin D and selenium.

SWEET POTATO A highly digestible premium source of slow-release energy, rich in anti-oxidants and a great source of soluble fibre.

SEAWEED Provides a natural and valuable source of minerals which contain iodine to support thyroid function and control metabolism.

MARIGOLD, CRANBERRY AND CAMOMILE Marigold stimulates white blood cell production and strengthens the immune system. Cranberry is rich in Vitamin C and helps promote a healthy urinary tract. Camomile is thought to reduce stress."

Whilst the Boxers never turn their noses up at food, they are not greedy either. They prefer to eat only when they are hungry, which is usually once a day in the evening. Even our 6mo puppy is happy to eat after her evening walk. 

I started their trial of Canagan by mixing half and half with their current food, a diet especially for large breed dogs. Boxers are powerful dogs, with superb muscle bulk. They are very active dogs, agile and quick. They need a food to sustain their activity levels. My fully grown adult male Boxer dog eats 500g of dry food each day. The 6mo female puppy is not far off that. She has a well developed digestive system so I trialled the Canagan food on her too.

Regular food at the top, Canagan kibble below

Mixed half and half

Action shot of Brin wolfing down his first helping of Canagan dog food

All gone!

Both dogs were keenly anticipating the food. The biscuits smelled delicious when I dished them up. The dogs went straight to their bowls and ate the lot. First test passed.

The second test was what came up, or out the other end. I'm pleased to say that there were no adverse reactions to the change in food, or to the increase in protein (about 33% in the Salmon flavour). Second test passed.

Two weeks on, the Boxers are continuing to enjoy the Canagan food, and I have not noticed any change in their activity levels. Their coats are healthy and glossy. 

We received the Scottish Salmon flavour, but Free-Run Chicken and Country Game flavours are also available. We will try both flavours, as a supplement to the science plan diet the Boxers are used to. Whilst this is clearly a superior product, it is also around £15 more expensive than the popular science plan food. But if your dog suffers from a sensitive tummy, this may be the food to try.

Disclaimer: This product was provided free of charge by Pets Corner  pet store  for review. I’m not under any obligation to provide a positive review, and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

BriniZozi sleeping off their Canagan meal

Photography by Lesley Beeton