Review on TEK Series GPS Tracking Systems with E-Collar Option by SportDOG Brand - 10 Mile Range - Waterproof & Rechargeable Dog Location Device with Handheld Control by Beth Smith

I've had the device for five days and had enough time to test it. I bought it because I walk my dog very often, which in Oregon means walking in the woods. My dog won't run away, but no matter how many oranges I put on it, it's easy to lose sight of him and I don't want to call him unless it's necessary. I have to admit that after reading the negative reviews I approached my purchase with a bit of fear and disgust, but having had an amazing experience with my SportDOG 425 I took the plunge. My observations: 1) The block is very easy to set up. The hardest part for me was tying the cord to the handle. Downloadable instructions are easy to find and follow. For context, I'm a 67-year-old tech jerk and had no trouble following the setup guide. Took me about 45 minutes because I'm slow, but all you have to do is read the instructions and you'll be fine. 2) I first tested the device on my German Shorthaired Pointer on the beach on the Oregon Coast; As expected, it worked perfectly in this environment. Then we went for a few hours along the trail into a dense forest area. Again flawless. I was terrified that the heavy treetops and ravines would interfere with signal reception, but it didn't; it worked great! 3) PDA is quite easy to use. I played with it for about an hour before using it with a dog for the first time and once I got the hang of it it was pretty easy to navigate. Think of it like learning how to navigate a new phone. You just have to use it a little. Like your phone, it can be a bit difficult to see in bright sunlight. The PDA is relatively large and weighs 10.6 ounces. (yes, I weighed it) I have a hard time wearing it around my neck. If I were to use it with a shotgun, I think a belt clip or holster would be more convenient and useful than a lanyard. I'll try the carabiner next time to see how it works. 4) I didn't need the help of SportDOG's customer service department to set this up, but I contacted them two more times with questions about my 425 and found them approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely willing to help. My only comment is that they don't really have an overnight delivery option at any cost. It is the next business day after the processing day. So if you order a part on Thursday morning, you won't get it until Monday, so be prepared. 5) It's fun to tell little kids who ask for the antenna that your dog is actually a robot that you can control with a remote control. If you need a GPS tracker for your dog, I don't think you can go wrong with this device.