Dog Tech: Pod3 Announced!

Pod has finally announced an updated version of the Pod Tracker! It's about damned time!  Pod 3 is being funded via Kickstarter (<- this is an affiliate link), and the new features are many and varied. In fact, there are way more options than I ever expected, because Pod has departed from pet tracking and entered the world of modular GPS trackers.

Photo by Erin Koski

Phenomenal Technological Power, Itty Bitty Package

I got to play with a Pod 2 at SuperZoo 2016, and I was very impressed. Compared to Whistle, this thing is super tiny. It comes with two batteries so you can always have a charged one ready to go, instead of taking the tracker off your pet for a few hours. My only qualm with the Pod 2 was that it uses 2G cellular technology that is rapidly becoming obsolete. The new Pod 3?

• 3G cellular tracking
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• GPS

Not Just For Pets?

Pod 3 isn't intended to just be a pet tracker, and that...kinda doesn't sit well with me. Most of the information and new features advertised have nothing at all to do with pets. Like, it's great that Pod3 can be used for your boat or motorcycle or golf clubs, but I'm concerned that these new applications will mean less focus on the original purpose of the device. Who needs a suite of new dog features when there are yachts to track, right? I love pet wearables and smart devices for dogs, but this is looking more and more like an all-purpose GPS tracker that can be used for pets.

Customization

The biggest addition to the Pod Tracker is the new interchangeable modules. You can customize your tracker to suit your needs, and change the features instantly.

• Sound Module: Produces a loud beep so you can locate your pet/stuff/whatever
• Ultrasonic Module: Produces a high-frequency sound triggered remotely, so basically a remote collar module for dog training.
• Light Module: Produces a bright light that can shine steadily or flash, to help with night visibility, or to help you find your boat.
• Power Dock Module: Plug your Pod into a USB power jack for continuous power. This is for boats and motorcycles and stuff, or at least my dogs didn't come equipped with power jacks.
• XL Battery Module: Adds more battery life.

New Direction

I guess my concern is that Pod might stop being a pet tracker. At least, Pod 3 seems to be less of a pet tracker and more of a stuff tracker. This seems like such an awesome company, so I'm a bit sad that they are going in this direction because it seems there will be less resources devoted to developing the pet tracking aspects. When a niche product becomes an everything product, it makes sense that there will be less attention paid to the original niche. I could be wrong, but the Kickstarter page for the Pod 3 makes me feel less confident in this product.

Product Review: Kurgo Journey Harness

Kurgo's Journey harness is a heavy-duty adventuring harness modeled after mountaineering gear. It features a handle on top, a front leash attachment ring, and Kurgo's signature steel nesting buckles. This harness adjusts in both the neck and chest areas, and has a daisychain for attaching a light or other accessory. It is currently available in two colors and four sizes to fit dogs with chests 12-44" around.

Super Rugged, Super Tough

This is a harness that means business. Maybe a little too much business. It's really surprisingly heavy when you first pick it up. Ours is a small, and it's a little bit too small, meanwhile the medium feels like it belongs on a pony.

Sizing issues seem to be pretty common with this harness. For some it works great. However, there are a lot of complaints that the neck loop is too big while the chest loop is too small.

Metal Everywhere

I'm no stranger to Kurgo's steel nesting buckles, but these are a little more difficult to use than the ones on our Go-Tech Adventure harnesses. I think there is metal inside the back plate too, it's what helps keep it in place but also adds tremendously to the weight.

Photo by Erin Koski

Pros

• Can be used as a non-restrictive no-pull front-clip harness
• Handle on back for helping dog over obstacles
• No plastic buckles
• Stays in place, does not rotate around dog's body

Cons

• Sizing issues, large difference between small and medium, many dogs fall between sizes
• Front chest plate wide enough to irritate inside of front legs on some dogs
• Very heavy

Bottom Line

I like the design of this harness, but I don't think it scales well between sizes. I'd prefer something a bit lighter so my dog isn't carrying unnecessary weight for hours.

Treat Tuesday: Dingo Better Belly Rawhide

Dingo's Better Belly rawhides are apparently what I buy when I'm in a hurry and don't take the time to read the package. I had no idea that these were from Dingo Brand until I looked them up online. I have never purchased a Dingo rawhide product before, because the vast majority of their products are made in China. The rest are made in Vietnam or Cambodia. Knowing what I know about rawhide production, I am pretty wildly uncomfortable about feeding beefhide products produced in countries that don't also produce a bunch of beefhide.

These are made in Vietnam, probably from USA-sourced hide that must be preserved and treated because shipping makes them yucky. Like Digest-eeze rawhides, these are treated with something that makes them break down and digest much faster than regular rawhide.

Good For

• Dogs that try to swallow things whole
• Families that aren't worried about dog treats sourced from Asia
• Lasting a bit longer than a bully stick

Not Good For

• Lasting as long as a high-quality rawhide
• Owners concerned about the quality of pet treats produced in Asia
• Dogs with sensitive stomachs.

How Much We Like Them

I am mildly embarrassed to have purchased these. I thought they were a rawhide alternative like SmartBones. Oops.