Tractive DOG 6 Smart Dog Tracker

A dog disappearing behind a hedge for ten seconds is perfectly normal. A dog disappearing through an open gate with the confidence of someone late for a train is less charming. The Tractive DOG 6 is aimed at that particular species of household anxiety: the one involving muddy paws, a patchy mobile signal and a lead that was apparently optional from the start.

This black tracker is built for dogs weighing more than 4 kg and clips onto the collar. At 71 × 29 × 17 mm and 39 g, it is a fairly compact addition to the canine wardrobe, rather than a full-blown surveillance satellite dangling beside the tag. Its built-in SIM uses mobile networks to send location information to the Tractive app, where live GPS tracking, virtual fences and escape alerts live.

The more interesting bit is that it is not solely for a missing-dog panic. DOG 6 also records activity and sleep, plus resting heart rate and resting respiratory rate, with health alerts for reported changes. We think that makes it a sensible complementary pick for owners who would rather have a broader picture of a dog’s routine than another app that exists only for catastrophe. Tractive is clear, however, that this is not a medical device and it cannot diagnose a condition.

There is some pleasingly ordinary practical thought here, too. The tracker is IP68-rated and described as 100% waterproof, while battery life reaches up to 14 days with Power Saving Zones enabled, or up to 6 days without them. The catch arrives wearing a tiny tie and carrying a recurring invoice: a separate Tractive subscription is required. That is the price of the built-in SIM and mobile-network location data, but it means this is reassurance with paperwork attached.