Garmin Alpha 100

When used with the TT15 or T5 dog tracking collars this is a great tool for those off-leash moments when hunting or just enjoying recreation with your dog. The Alpha 100 receiver can also function as a stand alone GPS with mapping.

The Alpha 100 with the TT15 tracking collar allows you to track up to 20 dogs within a 9-mile range. It displays the track of each dog in a different color and lets you know when the dog has stopped and when the dog is barking. It has a training mode that can deliver a variable vibration or shock to the collar BUT I caution against using the shock unless you really understand dog training. Most dogs will never need such a correction.

2024 Update: I lost my hand unit in 2022 during a leek picking outing. It stayed lost for two years exposed to two winters and constantly changing weather conditions as it lay hidden on he ground. I found it this year and it has been chewed by some animal and the screen was cracked. I replaced the screen and antenna and the unit was as good as new!

I have used my Alpha 100 in hilly and well forested  terrains and have never lost contact with my dog. It also functions perfectly as a standalone GPS with good maps, waypoints, and tracks for any sort of outdoor activity without a canine companion. 

Both receiver and collar are waterproof and rugged. A recharger that can charge both collar and receiver come with the package. Battery life is good enough for a full day of activity when used with the collar and longer when the receiver is used alone. You can recharge off of 12 volt systems with the adapter that comes with it. Mine also included a nylon carrying case. 

Background

I have always owned Irish Setters and they are high energy dogs originally bred for covering large areas of field and forest to locate game birds. They can become highly focused on the hunt and are as likely to go after deer and other animals as well as birds. I bought the Alpha 100 system with the TT15 collar to get control over a 1-year old setter that I rescued. During his first year of life he had little training. I like to bike, ski, and hike in remote areas where letting a dog run off leash is quite acceptable. However, being a responsible and caring pet owner I don't want my dog getting lost or harassing wildlife. My one-year-old has a passion for chasing deer, something he is not allowed to do and with the Alpha 100 and the TT15 I can always find him and even send a warning vibrate to the collar as soon as he disobeys. A dog can travel a mile in a couple of minutes so the 9-mile range of this unit gives me a lot of peace of mind that I will always be able to find him should he manage to run off.