Pet tracker guide
Dogtra PATHFINDER2 MINI GPS Tracking and E-Collar System
Owners of smaller hunting dogs who want phone-based tracking and training without a subscription
The PATHFINDER2 MINI (manual models PT20U and PM20U) pairs a 5.3 ounce GPS e-collar with a GPS connector that links to the Dogtra app on your phone. Dogtra states no subscription, offline maps, a 2-second update rate and up to 4 miles line-of-sight range. Its product page gives two different minimum dog weights, 15 and 25 pounds, with an 11 inch minimum neck.
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Published specifications
- Maker: models PT20U and PM20U; connector, phone and app required
- Maker: up to 4 mi line of sight; 2-second GPS update rate
- Maker: receiver 5.3 oz, 3.3 x 1.35 x 1.63 in; 3/4 x 28 in strap
- Maker: minimum neck 11 in; minimum weight given as 25 lb and 15 lb
- 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 21 dogs, with phone or smartwatch control
- Extended warranty terms are printed in the manual
Caveats
- Dogtra gives two minimum dog weights, 15 and 25 pounds
- Needs a smartphone, ideally within 33 feet of the connector
- Phone requirements differ between Dogtra's page and its manual
A GPS receiver, a connector and your phone
The PATHFINDER2 MINI is a GPS tracking and training system with two pieces of hardware. The Owner's Manual lists the PATHFINDER2 MINI as models PT20U and PM20U, and Dogtra's package list names a MINI GPS e-collar for the dog and a GPS connector, with a belt clip and lanyard. Tracking, maps and commands run in the Dogtra PATHFINDER2 app on your smartphone.
The listing says the GPS Connector and a smartphone are both required to operate. The manual adds that the connector must be near your phone for proper operation, preferably less than 33 feet away, and that the previous Dogtra PATHFINDER app is not compatible. The listing also says the system is not compatible with the original PATHFINDER series.
Dogtra's product page lists the box: the MINI GPS e-collar, the GPS connector, a 3/4 by 28 inch Biothane strap, a USB charger, a splitter cable, a test light, contact points, a contact point extension tool, a belt clip, a lanyard, a carrying case and the owner's manual.
No subscription, and offline maps
Dogtra's product page says the system works with a free app and no monthly subscription, and the listing says no subscriptions or monthly fees are required. The manual identifies the product as a MURS device and says it is not permitted on aircraft.
Dogtra's page lists offline maps that need no signal, and the listing lists general, satellite and terrain map views. The manual's main-features page lists a 2-second GPS update rate, and Dogtra's page and the manual both give up to 21 dogs.
Dogtra's page describes three fences: an E-Fence that automatically corrects the dog when it crosses a set boundary, a Geo-Fence that only notifies you, and a Mobile Fence that moves with your phone and only notifies. It notes that E-Fence cannot be used together with the other two.
Range: 4 miles, line of sight
The manual gives the PATHFINDER2 MINI a line-of-sight range of up to 4 miles, and the listing and product page agree on 4 miles. Dogtra's page adds that range may vary.
The manual's troubleshooting section says the indicated range is for line-of-sight flat terrain, and that heavy brush, trees, hills, buildings, moisture, vehicles, chain-link runs and metal structures all reduce it. It also says objects touching the antenna can reduce range substantially.
The manual's features page describes the MINI receiver as 22 percent smaller than the full-size PATHFINDER2 receiver, and the listing repeats that figure.
Which dogs it fits: two different minimums
Dogtra's product page states the minimum two ways. Its description says the MINI is designed for smaller dogs of 25 pounds and up, and the listing's variant is labelled 25 lbs and up. The same page's fit panel says minimum weight 15 to 100 pounds and up, with a minimum neck size of 11 inches or more.
We cannot tell from Dogtra's page which minimum weight it intends. Measure your dog's neck against the 11 inch figure, and ask Dogtra to confirm suitability if your dog weighs between 15 and 25 pounds.
Dogtra's specifications give the receiver as 5.3 ounces and 3.3 by 1.35 by 1.63 inches, on a 3/4 by 28 inch strap. The manual recommends that receivers be worn for a maximum of 4 to 6 hours at any one time, and it carries fit and safety instructions to read before use.
Phone and watch requirements differ by source
Dogtra's product page gives the app's phone requirements as iOS 14 or Android 7.0 and above with Bluetooth 5.0, in one place, and as iOS 12.1 or Android 6.0 and above in another. The manual says iOS 12.1 and above on iPhone 8 or later, Android 6.0 and above, and Bluetooth 5.0 and above.
The two operating-system minimums on Dogtra's page do not match each other, and the manual agrees with the lower pair. Ask Dogtra which minimum applies if your phone runs an older version than iOS 14 or Android 7.0.
Smartwatch control is available on Apple Watch Series 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Series and above, according to Dogtra's page and the listing. The watch app gives access to the receiver, compass, e-collar commands and maps.
Charging, battery and warranty
The manual lists 3.5-hour rapid-charge batteries and IPX9K waterproof certification, and says to charge only with the Dogtra charger and not below 32 or above 113 degrees Fahrenheit. For storage it says to charge the unit for 3.5 hours first and to charge fully once a month. It warns that damaged casing may affect the waterproof guarantee.
The manual gives two instructions on batteries. Its safety section says not to attempt to replace the battery yourself, while its troubleshooting section says batteries in units over two years old may need replacing, that you can obtain a replacement from Dogtra, and that Dogtra strongly recommends sending the unit in.
The manual's extended warranty gives one year from purchase plus an additional year, for the original retail purchaser who bought from a Dogtra Authorized Dealer and can show proof of purchase. It 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 MINI
- Dogtra PATHFINDER2 series Owner's Manual (PATHFINDER2 and PATHFINDER2 MINI)
Primary sources checked .
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Side-by-side pages, this model next to: Dogtra PATHFINDER2 GPS Tracking and E-Collar System, Petcube GPS Tracker for Dogs (13-LC6F-PCX9).