First let's take a look at the radio tracking collars. Radio tracking collars consist of two different parts. The first part of the pet tracking device goes on the dog's collar and is constantly sending out radio signals. The second part of the radio system is the directional antenna or receiver which is constantly listening for the signal coming from the radio collar. The owner can tell if the dog is closer if the sounds from the antenna get louder or if the dog is getting farther away because the sounds from the antenna are getting softer.

I know what you're thinking...You've seen this on an episode of the Discovery Channel. Yes, you're exactly right. This radio pet tracking device is exactly the same technology that researchers have been using for years to track all kinds of animals. It's the same thing just now are able to purchase this technology for your very own pet.

There are some major problems with the radio tracking collars which make GPS dog collars a very attractable alternative. There is no question that the cost of such systems is very high. These devices are very new to the arena of pet owners and so this has kept the price very high for the time being.

So I'm guessing that you are now worried that you will not be able to afford a pet tracking collar. Well cheer up because GPS dog collars are very effective and cost much less than radio tracking collars. These GPS dog collars are very small in size actually can be used on virtually any pet. New features have made GPS collars even more useful. With higher end models you can call the GPS dog collar from your cell phone and then be instantly told where your dog is. It is also possible to do real time tracking of your dog via the internet. The main drawback to this technology is that you must be in an area with good cellular reception. Another possible drawback is that batteries must be changed every couple of months.