SpotOn GPS Dog Fence: The Best GPS Tracker for 2024 According to Gear Junkie

October 23, 2024

REVIEW: Gear Junkie Calls SpotOn GPS Fence a "Game Changer" for Dog Owners

Gear Junkie, a trusted leader in outdoor gear reviews, recently named SpotOn GPS Fence among "The Best Dog GPS Trackers of 2024." This recognition highlights SpotOn's innovative technology and its ability to provide both freedom and safety for dogs in unfenced areas.

A Solution for Dog Owners Who Value Freedom

Carolyne Whelan, an outdoor journalist and seasoned gear tester at Gear Junkie, put SpotOn to the test with her energetic Chinook, Broose. Living in a mountainous region near Missoula, Montana, Whelan can relate to the challenges dog owners face when they want their dogs to enjoy off-leash freedom safely. SpotOn proved to be an effective solution, preventing Broose from venturing into unsafe areas while allowing her to explore within established boundaries. Whelan shares:

“The SpotOn GPS Fence has been a game changer and has drastically changed her quality of life.”
- Carolyne Whelan, Gear Junkie

Courtesy photo: Carolyne Whelan

Safety and Dog Training

One of the standout features that impressed Whelan was SpotOn's commitment to responsible training. The app's structured approach guides users through a step-by-step process, ensuring that both dog and owner understand the system before progressing to higher levels of correction. She shares:

“Our favorite feature is that the app doesn’t allow the human user to advance in tools until they have practiced with the lower levels first; this means no one can recklessly use the SpotOn GPS Fence as a shock collar...”

This emphasis on ethical training sets SpotOn apart from other virtual fence systems and reinforces its dedication to dog welfare.

Beyond its core function of containment, SpotOn also fosters a stronger bond between dogs and their owners. Whelan describes the training process as a "bonding experience" that has improved her relationship with Broose and reduced overall stress. This positive association is further evident in Broose's enthusiastic response to the collar, which she now recognizes as a cue for fun outdoor adventures.

"When we take out the collar, she gets excited because she understands it means we are about to have a fun time lounging in the grass together."

Easy Setup and Flexible Use

Beyond the training tools, Gear Junkie lauds SpotOn’s flexibility in design and setup. It’s clear that SpotOn is built with the modern dog owner in mind, offering customizable features that cater to a wide range of needs. One standout aspect is the ability to save multiple fence locations. Users can set up different virtual fences at home, a friend’s house, or a favorite picnic spot and switch between them as needed. As Whelan notes, SpotOn makes it easy to use without the hassle of having to reconfigure the system constantly.

Advanced GPS Technology and Tracking Abilities

One of the primary reasons SpotOn shines as the best GPS dog fence on the market is its advanced tracking capabilities. With a high-sensitivity dual-feed GPS antenna that taps into multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou), the SpotOn system delivers accurate location tracking even in challenging environments. This is particularly useful for dog owners living in rural or rugged terrains. As Whelan reviewer puts it,

"Still, even in our forested, mountainous region, the SpotOn fence has been a big help in keeping our dog safe, secure, and tracked."

SpotOn’s GPS technology ensures your dog is always accounted for, even in hard-to-reach or remote areas.

Additionally, while SpotOn functions without a subscription, Gear Junkie makes it clear that opting for the subscription plan is worth the investment for those who want full tracking capabilities. "A subscription plan isn’t mandatory for using the collar, but it does significantly enhance its abilities," Whelan explains. With the plan, dog owners receive notifications when their dog approaches or breaches the virtual fence, and they can actively track their pup in real-time via the mobile app.

Considerations: Battery Life and Cell Coverage

Although SpotOn excels in most areas, Gear Junkie does point out some limitations, particularly regarding battery life and cell-based tracking. While the SpotOn collar offers a robust 25-hour battery life, some users may feel this is limiting and seek to maximize the SpotOn collar’s battery life.

Additionally, the SpotOn GPS Fence’s reliance on cellular signals for tracking means that users might experience interruptions in areas with poor coverage. However, tracking is entirely optional, and those in regions lacking strong coverage can simply use the system without a plan (while saving on subscription costs!).

The SpotOn Advantage

Overall, Gear Junkie makes it clear that SpotOn stands out as the top choice for serious dog owners who prioritize both freedom and safety for their pets. The innovative training, easy setup, and high-precision tracking all make the SpotOn GPS Fence a worthy investment. For dogs like Broose, who crave off-leash freedom but need a bit of structure, SpotOn provides the perfect balance of security and adventure.