Pros
- There is no need to bury wires like invisible fences, so the collar is portable and suitable for most terrain types.
- The collar has different feedback options to keep your dog safe while also working as a great training option.
- The collar is easy to adjust, so it is suitable for most dog breeds regardless of their ages.
- It can track upwards of 20 dogs on the same system at the same time.
- The collar has precision tracking using GLONASS/ GPS tech with a 2.5-second lag only.
Cons
- The Garmin Alpha 100 needs a subscription to unlock the different levels of the device.
- The device’s price tag is relatively high due to the GPS capabilities and other amenities provided.
The Garmin Alpha 100 is one of the most high-end technological devices available to dog owners. It enables you to track and train your dogs in the field to a maximum range of 9 miles depending on the tool you use. During that time, your location updates are pinged at a 2.5-second rate, so there is minimal lag. You can also customize these buttons to tailor the system close to your individual needs to deliver the right training system for the animals. Thankfully the GLONASS integrated device with updated GPS abilities can track and train 20 dogs at the same time, making it one of the best GPS dog fences today.
Features of Garmin Alpha 100/TT 15 GPS
Easy Installation
Unlike buried wires which are the case with invisible fences, the Garmin Alpha 100 saves you from the inconvenience of having to deal with these issues. It does not require anything else other than scrolling your handheld device to set maps. This convenience is what draws the majority of people towards the usage of the GPS fence.
Remote Frequency Change
One of the valuable attributes of dog safety is the ability to remotely change the frequency of the location updates sent to your handheld device. The Garmin Alpha 100 transmits its controls over the MURS band, whereas the Astro package only allows for the collar location. As long as the Alpha is tracking and communicating with the TT10, it is possible to adjust the collar settings. Check out our in-depth review of the TT15 collar here.
Training and Tracking
The Garmin Alpha 100 is very easy to use and has versatility in stimulation adjustment, which is great for those sensitive dogs. The tool also has 100 maps from all the states, including trails, roads, and elevation changes. You will not only be able to gauge the distance and location of your dog but also the distance of your vehicle in relation to the location by marking it on the map, courtesy of the waypoint markers.
Stimulation Options
The Garmin Alpha 100 comes available with 18 different stimulation alternatives, and there are two different approaches. One of these allows you to gradually go from the first level to the last in a progressive manner, while the other means you can move between six stimulation options while shuffling from low to medium and high. It is also possible to change the tone and vibration commands if the goal is only to keep track of the dog.
Battery Life and Rescue Mode
The Garmin Alpha 100 utilizes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack which comes with the package during the purchase. Despite having GPS capabilities that quickly drain the battery, it can last a maximum of 20 hours. Though the handheld also has a Rescue Mode which, when enabled, extends the battery by 25%. The drawback is this mode will slow down the location ping rate from 2.5 seconds to two minutes. It can also give you more leeway to find your pup as battery life will be extended upwards of 12 hours.
Mapping
Like the other options in the Garmin line-up, the Garmin Alpha 100 has the preinstalled TOPO US 100K map. It also includes the barometric altimeter and a three-axis electronic compass that makes tracking and position much better. The tool has a geofence, which makes it possible to customize the virtual boundaries on the map for when the dog strays out of the provided zone. It then sends an alert so you can recall them to the safe zones.
Additional Software
BaseCamp and Birdseye Satellite imagery programs are available with the Garmin Alpha 100 device. BaseCamp means creating specific routes and waypoints where your dog can pass through. It is also possible to create Geofence to make boundaries, so you are alerted when the dog has reached a boundary or is about to cross it.
Is Garmin Alpha 100/TT 15 GPS Right for You?
The Garmin Alpha is a fully functional GPS unit complete with all of the high-end attributes one can expect. Even as a GPS wireless fence, it is one of the upscale models, hence the high price tag, but its amenities are worth the rate. The range piece is more important for hound hunters as these dogs tend to cover a long-range [1]. Certain hunting breeds, like the Coonhound, have been known to cover several miles in under an hour. The nine miles of range is essential for those who prefer a long radius of play. For bird hunters, though, the range of the device should not be the first consideration, as your bird dog will be well within the unit’s potential.
If you appreciate outdoor activities with your dogs, such as hiking and training, then the Garmin Alpha 100 is the device for you. One of the things to love about it is the reception capability because even if you are in deep woodland, it will be possible to locate the animal even at longer distances. The battery capability of 20 hours is also a significant advantage because most tools usually have a lifespan of 12 hours before they need to be recharged. The Rescue mode is an advantage, as well, because it saves the battery life, but it does cause a lag to the feedback provided by the GPS monitoring from a few seconds to two minutes. That may not be ideal, but it is better than nothing.