Pet tracker guide
Dogtra PATHFINDER2 GPS Tracking and E-Collar System
Owners of dogs of 35 pounds and up, with a 12.5 inch or larger neck, who want phone-based tracking and training with no subscription
The PATHFINDER2 (manual models PT20U and PR20U) pairs a 6.6 ounce GPS e-collar with a GPS connector that links to Dogtra's free app on your phone. Dogtra states offline maps, a 2-second update rate, up to 21 dogs and up to 9 miles line-of-sight range, with no monthly fee. It fits dogs from 35 pounds with a 12.5 inch neck, and the manual lists IPX9K.
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Published specifications
- Maker: models PT20U and PR20U; smartphone and app required
- Maker: up to 9 mi line of sight; 2-second GPS update; up to 21 dogs
- Maker: receiver 6.6 oz, 3.4 x 1.5 x 1.7 in; 1 x 30 in Biothane strap
- Maker: minimum 35 lb and 12.5 in neck
- Maker: IPX9K; 3.5-hour charge; charge only at 32F to 113F
- Maker: 1 year plus 1 year extended warranty via authorized dealers
Fit and limits
Strengths
- No subscription and offline maps, per Dogtra
- Up to 9 miles line of sight and up to 21 dogs on one system
- Three fence modes, two of which only notify
Caveats
- Needs a smartphone, ideally within 33 feet of the connector
- Not compatible with the original PATHFINDER system or app
- Phone requirements differ between Dogtra's page and its manual
Receiver, connector and a phone app
The PATHFINDER2 is a GPS tracking and training system. The Owner's Manual lists the PATHFINDER2 as models PT20U and PR20U, and Dogtra's package list names a GPS e-collar for the dog and a GPS connector, with a belt clip and lanyard. Tracking, maps and training commands run in the free Dogtra PATHFINDER2 app on your phone, and Dogtra's page lists an E-Collar Function button on the connector.
The manual says the connector must be near your phone for proper operation, preferably within 33 feet, and that the previous Dogtra PATHFINDER app is not compatible. The listing adds that the PATHFINDER2 does not work with the original PATHFINDER series.
Dogtra's package list names the GPS e-collar, the GPS connector, a 1 by 30 inch Biothane strap, a USB charger, a splitter cable, a belt clip, a test light, contact points, a contact point extension tool, a lanyard, a carrying case and the owner's manual.
No subscription, offline maps and three fences
Dogtra's page and the listing both say the app is free, needs no monthly subscription and offers offline maps, and the listing adds that the system works with no cell service. The manual identifies the product as a MURS device.
The manual lists a 2-second GPS update rate, and Dogtra's page, the listing and the manual all give up to 21 dogs.
The listing and Dogtra's page describe three fence modes. E-Fence sets a fixed boundary that corrects automatically and notifies you; Geo-Fence sets a fixed boundary that only notifies; Mobile Fence sets a radius that moves with your phone and only notifies.
Range: 9 miles in line of sight
The manual gives the PATHFINDER2 a line-of-sight range of up to 9 miles, and Dogtra's page and the listing say 9 miles, with Dogtra adding that range may vary.
The manual's troubleshooting section says the range figure is for line-of-sight flat terrain, and that heavy brush, trees, hills, buildings and moisture, as well as vehicles, chain-link runs, metal structures and radio towers, reduce it. It also warns that objects touching the antenna can reduce range substantially.
For the greatest range, the manual says to hold the connector away from your body without touching the antenna, and to keep the unit charged.
Fit: 35 pounds and a 12.5 inch neck
Dogtra's fit panel gives a minimum weight of 35 to 100 pounds and up and a minimum neck size of 12.5 inches, and the listing says it fits dogs 35 pounds and up with a 12.5 inch or larger neck. The receiver weighs 6.6 ounces and measures 3.4 by 1.5 by 1.7 inches, on a 1 by 30 inch strap.
Dogtra's page carries a fit disclaimer saying fit may vary. Measure your dog's neck against the 12.5 inch minimum and check its weight against the 35 pound figure before ordering.
The manual recommends wearing the receiver for a maximum of 4 to 6 hours at any one time and carries its own fit and safety instructions, which should be read before first use.
Phone and watch requirements
Dogtra's page gives the app's phone requirements in two places. One says iOS 14 or Android 7.0 and above with Bluetooth 5.0, which the listing repeats. The other, elsewhere on the same page, says iOS 12.1 or Android 6.0 and above, and the manual says iOS 12.1 on iPhone 8 or later and Android 6.0.
If your phone runs a version between the two operating-system minimums on Dogtra's page, ask Dogtra which one applies before buying. The listing repeats only the higher pair, iOS 14 and Android 7.0.
Smartwatch control is limited to Apple Watch Series 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Series and above, according to Dogtra's page and the listing.
Water rating, charging, battery and warranty
The manual lists IPX9K waterproof certification and 3.5-hour rapid-charge batteries. It says to charge only with the Dogtra charger and not below 32 or above 113 degrees Fahrenheit, to keep the rubber charging cap in place, and warns that damaged casing may affect the waterproof guarantee.
Battery replacement is described two ways in the manual. Its safety section says not to replace the battery yourself, while its troubleshooting section says units over two years old may need new batteries, that replacements can be obtained from Dogtra, and that Dogtra strongly recommends sending the unit in.
The manual's warranty gives one year from purchase plus an extra year for the original retail purchaser who bought from a Dogtra Authorized Dealer and keeps proof of purchase, and excludes products bought from non-authorized dealers or outside the US or Canada. The listing's warranty field says 1 Year Manufacturer.
Check the current listing
Confirm the model, included parts and availability before ordering.
Primary sources
- Dogtra product page for the PATHFINDER2
- Dogtra PATHFINDER2 series Owner's Manual (PATHFINDER2 and PATHFINDER2 MINI)
Primary sources checked .
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