GPS Tracking Collars: Your Questions Answered

Name: Dogmaster Australia
Address: Unit 5-35 Township Drive, Burleigh Heads, QLD, 4220, AU
Telephone: 1800 300 364
Price range: $$$

25th Sep 2026

GPS Tracking Collars: Your Questions Answered

GPS collars get a lot of questions. Hunters wanting to know where their dogs are in thick scrub. Farmers tracking working dogs across big properties. People who want to know their dog hasn’t bolted. The questions are usually the same. Here’s what comes up most.

What range will I get from my tracker?

It depends on where you are. Flat open paddocks give you much more range than hilly bush or steep gullies. The signal just can’t push through obstacles the same way. The numbers on the box are under ideal conditions. In practice, work to about three-quarters of that.

If you need more range, long range antennas on both the handheld and the collar make a real difference. We stock these for all the systems we carry.

I’m losing connection and my range has reduced. What should I do?

Nine times out of ten when we hear about connection drops or reduced range, the software hasn’t been updated. Usually it’s both the handheld and the collars that need it. People update one and forget the other. Updates aren’t just bug fixes; they can genuinely improve how the unit performs in the field.

Before you assume something’s broken, run the updates first.

How do I do Garmin software updates?

Download the Garmin Express app from the Garmin Australia website to your laptop or desktop computer. Follow the prompts to connect your handheld and your collars. They connect through the charging clip, not a direct cable. Garmin Express will detect what updates are available and walk you through installing them. Worth doing every few months even if everything seems fine.

Can I use my phone or tablet to do software updates?

No. Garmin Express is computer-only. If that’s a problem, give us a call and we can help sort it out.

What is the difference between a Garmin Alpha 300 and a Garmin Alpha 300i?

The “i” stands for InReach, Garmin’s satellite messaging system. It lets you send and receive texts from the handheld itself using the Iridium satellite network, so no phone signal required. There’s also an SOS button that contacts a 24/7 emergency response service.

InReach needs a separate Garmin subscription. If you’re regularly in country with no phone coverage and want to stay in contact or have an emergency backup, it’s worth considering. If you just want the tracking, the standard 300 does exactly the same job.

Two tips for better performance

Update both the handheld and the collars, not just one. Garmin Express on a computer, every few months. Most performance issues we hear about come down to this.

For more range: Long range antennas on both the handheld and the collar, fitted at the same time. Makes a real difference.

Outdoor use only: GPS collar safety note

All GPS tracking collars require a clear view of the sky to maintain satellite connection. If the dog goes indoors or under heavy cover for extended periods, the collar may lose signal. In GPS Fence mode, signal loss can trigger unintended corrections. The collar should be removed when the dog is indoors for any extended period. Do not leave any electronic collar on your dog for more than 8–12 hours per day. Please review our terms and conditions before purchase.