Dogtra Pathfinder 2 Review: 9-Mile GPS Tracking & Training E-Collar for Hunting Dogs
If collars were vehicles, the Dogtra Pathfinder 2 is the off-road expedition rig with built-in GPS—you’re not just training; you’re tracking across miles, managing boundaries, and commanding control at distances most collars can’t even dream of.
Quick Answer
The Dogtra Pathfinder 2 is a GPS dog tracking + training collar with a 9-mile range, stimulation, vibration, tone, and an electric GEO-fence feature. Built for hunters and field trainers, it merges traditional e-collar training with advanced GPS tracking via your smartphone.
Quick View Specs
| Feature | Dogtra Pathfinder 2 |
|---|---|
| Range | 9 miles |
| Tracking | GPS + GEO fence |
| Stimulation Levels | 100 (nick & continuous) |
| Modes | Stimulation, Vibration, Tone |
| Dog Size | 35 lbs+ |
| Waterproof Rating | Fully waterproof remote & collar |
| Battery Life | 8–10 hrs GPS mode |
| Charging | 3.5 hr quick charge |
| Expandability | Up to 21 dogs |
| Mobile App | iOS/Android (Google Maps integration) |
In-the-Box Breakdown
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Pathfinder 2 GPS collar receiver
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Remote connector (syncs collar to phone)
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Charging cables & splitters
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Belt clip + test light
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Owner’s manual
This isn’t just an e-collar—it’s a training + tracking ecosystem.
Design & Build Quality
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Rugged GPS collar designed for field dogs
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Remote connector small, portable, clips to gear
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Waterproof + impact-resistant build
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Collar strap is thick but adjustable
Dogtra built this for hunting conditions, not city sidewalks.
GPS Tracking & GEO Fence
The Pathfinder 2 sets itself apart with real-time GPS tracking:
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9-mile range tracking via app (maps + compass mode)
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GEO Fence lets you set boundaries—get alerts when your dog leaves an area
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Offline maps for remote areas with no cell service
Hunters love it for keeping dogs safe when they’re running big.
Training Features Explained
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100 levels of static stimulation
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Nick & continuous modes
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Vibration & audible tone options
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Control training right from your phone or handheld
🔗 See also: Tone vs Vibration vs Static—When to Use Which
Range & Control
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9 miles of range in open terrain
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Ideal for hunting dogs that run big (upland, hounds, retrievers)
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More than most trainers will ever need, but lifesaving when you need it
Battery & Charging
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3.5 hr rapid charge
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GPS mode: 8–10 hrs runtime
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Regular training mode: longer life
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Charges collar & remote simultaneously
Waterproofing in Real Life
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Collar: IPX9K waterproof
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Submersible in ponds, mud, rain
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Remote connector also waterproof
This is made for the duck blind, not the backyard.
Ease of Use & Mobile App
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Dogtra Pathfinder app integrates with Google Maps
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Live GPS tracking
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Compass mode
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GEO fence setup in-app
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Training modes accessible via app + remote
Some trainers prefer a handheld like Garmin—but the Pathfinder app gives you a live map of your dogs, which Garmin can’t match at this price.
Comparison Section
| Feature | Dogtra Pathfinder 2 | Dogtra 1900S | SportDOG TEK 2.0 | Garmin Alpha 200i | Educator ET-800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 9 miles | 3/4 mile | 10 miles | 9 miles | 1 mile |
| Tracking | GPS + GEO fence | No | GPS + topo maps | GPS + inReach | No |
| Levels | 100 | 127 | 99 | 18 | 100 |
| Modes | Static, Vibe, Tone | Static, Vibe | Static, Vibe, Tone | Static, Vibe, Tone | Static, Vibe, Tone |
| Expandability | 21 dogs | 1 dog | 21 dogs | 20 dogs | 2 dogs |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ | $$$ |
Real-World Use
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Houndsmen keeping dogs safe across miles
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Upland hunters tracking bird dogs in open terrain
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Hunting clubs with multiple dogs (up to 21 linked)
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Trainers who want e-collar + tracking in one
This collar isn’t just about training—it’s about dog safety at distance.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
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❌ Cons
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Setup Tips
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Download Pathfinder app before heading out
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Preload offline maps for areas without service
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Start with short-range training before relying on GPS
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Use GEO fence alerts to reinforce boundaries
Final Verdict
The Dogtra Pathfinder 2 is more than a training collar—it’s a GPS safety net for your hunting dog. If you run hounds, bird dogs, or any off-leash dogs in big country, this collar is worth every penny.
FAQs
Q: Does it need cell service?
A: No, GPS works without cell data. Only maps need preloading.
Q: How many dogs can it track?
A: Up to 21 collars linked.
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: Yes—collar and connector are fully waterproof.
Final Comment / Last Thoughts
The Pathfinder 2 is the modern hunter’s tool: GPS, training, containment—all in one. If you run dogs in big country, this collar may be the difference between losing your dog and bringing him back safe.