We know how scary it can be when your dog goes missing—whether they managed to slip out the front door or got startled on a walk and bolted. Thankfully, the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker has several powerful features that can help you find your furry friend fast, so they’re back by your side in no time. Here’s how you can use Tractive’s features to track down a lost or hiding dog.

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1. Live GPS Tracking: Keep your dog’s location at your fingertips

Live GPS Tracking is the heart of Tractive’s system. When your dog is missing, simply open the Tractive GPS app and switch to Live Tracking mode to see their location updated in real-time, every few seconds.

The precise GPS data allows you to head straight to where your dog is—whether they’re wandering in the neighborhood or have found a favorite hiding spot in the woods.

2. Location History: Retrace their steps

What if you weren’t there the moment your dog went missing? No problem: Tractive’s Location History feature lets you see everywhere your dog’s been. That means you can:

  • discover their last known coordinates
  • find out where your dog tends to hangout or escape to or
  • uncover if they’ve been in an unusual area.
tractive history app screen

It’s perfect for planning where to search if your pup has gone off the radar for a bit.

3. Virtual Fence & Escape Alerts: Know right away when they’ve left the safe zone

If you’ve set up a Virtual Fence around your home, yard, or any safe space, you’ll receive an instant alert when your dog escapes a designated Safe Zone. This allows you to act quickly and start tracking them before they get too far.

Similarly, you can set up a No-Go Zone and get alerted if your dog enters an off-limits area.

These alerts are a game-changer for peace of mind, especially if your dog is prone to taking unplanned adventures.

Tractive GPS virtual fence

4. Radar Mode: Pinpoint their exact location

Radar Mode comes in handy when you’re in close range of your dog but can’t see them, like if they’re hiding behind a bush or under a porch. Radar Mode helps you pinpoint your dog’s location using a proximity indicator—a lifesaver for finding a nervous or maybe even sick dog that wants to stay hidden.

This feature works best when:

  • You’re within Bluetooth range (30-40 ft) of your dog’s tracker
  • You’re indoors where GPS signal might be weak

Better yet, Radar Mode doesn’t need any network or internet connection to work. So you can find your hiding dog no matter which spot they’ve managed to squeeze themselves into.

5. Family Sharing: Get the whole family involved

Finding a lost dog is a team effort. With Tractive’s Family Sharing feature, everyone in your household can access the GPS tracker’s location on their devices.

This way, multiple people can search simultaneously, increasing the chances of a quick reunion. Teamwork really does make the dream work!

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6. Light: Spot your pup after dark

A dog wearing a Tractive GPS tracker with an LED light

If your dog gets lost at night, Tractive’s built-in light can help you spot them in low-visibility conditions. Simply activate the light from the app, and you’ll have a better chance of seeing them from afar or helping others recognize them while they’re on the move.

7. Sound: Call them back with an audible signal

Sometimes, all it takes to bring a hiding pup out of the shadows is a familiar sound. Tractive’s sound feature allows you to play a sound from the tracker, which can help you locate them or encourage them to come out if they’re hiding nearby. It’s especially useful for dogs that respond well to sound cues.

Some users have even shared that they’ve successfully trained their dog to come back to them when sound is activated – how cool is that?

P.S. Our sound feature is specially designed to not spook your dog by its volume.

8. Augmented Reality (AR): Make tracking interactive

tractive AR mode visualization

If you’re more of a visual tracker, you’ll love Tractive’s Augmented Reality (AR) feature. This feature allows you to view your dog’s location through your smartphone camera, guiding you directly to them using an AR overlay.

You’ll see a pin with your dog’s name – plus the approximate distance you’ll need to cover to reach them safely.

It’s like playing a game of treasure hunt, but the treasure is your beloved furry friend.

Tractive helps you find your dog, fast

Whether your dog jumped the fence, got lost during an adventure, or is simply hiding close by, Tractive has the features you need to bring them home safely. From real-time GPS tracking and Location History to light, sound, and AR—everything you need to locate your dog is at your fingertips. So make sure they’re equipped with Tractive GPS and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll always be able to find your best friend.

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