Get the most of you Dog Tracking Device

A reliable dog tracker is one of the most important tools for any hunter. But strong performance isn’t only about technical specifications – it’s about how the device is used in real hunting conditions.
Signal strength is influenced by several factors, including how the device is placed on the dog, the surrounding environment, and the technology behind it. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to get the most out of your Tracker and Ultracom equipment.

Understanding Signal Strength in the Field

Radio signals perform best when there is a clear “line of sight” between the device and the network. At the same time, it’s important to remember that the dog’s body naturally absorbs part of the signal. This means that the further the antenna is positioned from the body, the stronger and more stable the connection will be.

Terrain and weather conditions also play a key role:

Terrain: Deep ravines and steep ridges can block signals to base stations.

Vegetation and weather: Dense and wet forests weaken radio signals. Moisture absorbs radio energy, meaning performance is often more limited in rainy conditions than in dry, cold weather..

Understanding these factors helps you interpret what you see in the app and trust how your device behaves in the field.

Placement Matters

Correct placement is one of the most effective ways to improve signal strength. By positioning the device higher and further away from the underside of the neck, you give it a clearer view of both the horizon (where base stations are located) and the sky (where positioning satellites orbit).

Hunting Vest – Stability and Visibility

A hunting vest keeps the device securely positioned on the dog’s back, helping maintain a consistent signal.

Tracker Artemis: Performs best when the antenna is kept in a vertical position.

Tracker Luna: Mount with the arch facing up for optimal performance.

Harness

Lifts the device away from the neck, reducing signal attenuation caused by the dog's body. This is especially effective for smaller dogs in dense terrain.

Collar

If using a collar, remember the "two-finger rule." Tighten the collar so that two fingers fit between the collar and the neck—this prevents the device from rotating under the chin.

Tracker Bark: Works best when placed on top of the collar. Avoid positioning it underneath the neck, as this can weaken the signal.

Built for Different Conditions – Device-Specific Insights

Each device is designed with specific strengths, and understanding these helps you get the most out of your equipment.

Tracker Artemis : The most versatile device on the market (4G IoT, GSM, NB-IoT). Artemis features an intelligent search function: if the connection is lost for more than 2 minutes, the device begins a thorough network search process. This can take 4–15 minutes. Give the device time—it is working in the background to restore the connection even in the most challenging conditions.

Tracker Luna : Modern and power-efficient. When using a harness or vest, ensure the Luna is installed with the arch facing upwards. This prevents the device from lying flat against the dog’s back, which would hinder performance.

Tracker Bark : Extremely lightweight but sensitive to placement. Avoid placing the Bark on the underside of the neck. The signal is strongest to the sides (towards the orange seal). The best position is horizontal on the top of the collar or on the back piece of a harness.

Ultracom R10i : Series Designed to sit naturally on the neck but works efficiently in a vest or harness at the highest point of the back, ensuring a steady signal in thick cover.

Avoiding Common Interference - Small details can have a noticeable impact on performance.

Metal near the device: Do not attach metal stickers or nameplates to the device or collar. Metal in close proximity to the antenna disrupts its function and can significantly weaken the signal.
Multiple devices: If the dog wears two trackers simultaneously, place them as far apart as possible (e.g., one on the collar and one in a vest pocket) to prevent them from interfering with each other's signals.

Hunting Day Checklist

1. Height is Key: The higher the device is from the ground, the better it "sees" the network.

2. Anticipate Dead Zones: Expect brief interruptions in the app if the dog stays in a deep ravine for an extended period.

3. Keep it Clean: Thick mud on the antenna dampens the signal—wipe the device clean after the hunt.