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Features and Benefits of Link AKC Smart Dog Collar
GPS Tracking and Location Services
I am impressed with the GPS tracking and location services of the Link. It uses advanced GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a cellular network to track and monitor the location of my dog fast and accurately.
The app notifies me if my dog goes out of the designated range. This feature is especially useful when I take my dog for a walk or when he is out of sight. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I can always locate my dog in case he gets lost.
This also helps if I happen to want to know where my dog walker went and how soon to anticipate their return. Honestly, the tracking unit alone on the AKC Smart Dog Collar makes it worth your money.
Activity Tracking
The Link AKC Smart Dog Collar is also an excellent activity tracker. It thoroughly tracks my dog's activity and records his daily movements, including walks, playtime, and rest time. This feature is great for keeping track of my dog's exercise routine and making sure he gets enough exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Temperature Alerts
One of the unique features of the Link Smart Dog Collar is its temperature alert. It notifies me if the ambient temperature around my dog is too hot or too cold. This feature is especially useful during hot summers or cold winters when the temperature can be dangerous for my dog. It allows me to take the necessary precautions to keep my dog safe and healthy.
Safe Zones and Alerts
Software also allows me to set up safe zones for my dog. I can set up virtual boundaries on the app, and if my dog wanders out of the designated area, I will receive an alert. This feature is great for keeping my dog safe and preventing him from wandering off into dangerous areas.
LED Light and Sound Features
Another useful feature of the Link AKC Smart Dog Collar is its LED light and sound features. The collar has a built-in LED light that I can activate from the app, making it easy to locate my dog in the dark. The collar also has a built-in sound feature that I can use to train my dog or get his attention.
Design and Style
The Link AKC Smart Dog Collar is a stylish and fashionable leather collar that comes in different sizes and colors to suit my dog's breed and style. The collar is made of high-quality leather and is comfortable for my dog to wear with the reflective fabric stretch sleeve.
Cons
One downside is its price. It is a bit pricey compared to other options, but I believe it is worth the investment for the features and benefits it provides.
Another downside is that the collar is a bit bulky and may not be suitable for smaller dogs. See if your dog is slower or weighed down to determine if you should discontinue the use of this collar.
While it seems odd, a battery that lasts three days also doesn’t seem like a long time, especially when the collar itself doesn’t have a screen. Ideally, we’d like to be able to improve battery life to the point where we can charge the link Akc collar once per week.
With that said, you’ve still a good value for a product designed to keep your dog’s safety in mind, and knowledge of your dog’s activity sent straight to your phone.
Setup and Usage
When I first received the collar, I was excited to see how it worked. The setup process was straightforward, and I was able to get started quickly. Here are the steps I took to connect the collar to the base station and use the smartphone app:
Connecting to the Base Station
The first step in setting up the Link AKC Smart Dog Collar is to connect it to the base station. The base station connects to your home Wi-Fi network and uses AT&T's cellular network to communicate with the collar. To connect the collar to the base station, I followed these steps:
- Plug in the base station and wait for it to start up.
- Press and hold the button on the collar until the LED light starts flashing.
- Place the collar near the base station, and wait for the LED light to turn solid.
- Once the LED light is solid, the collar is connected to the base station.
Using the Smartphone App
After connecting the collar to the base station, I downloaded the Link AKC smartphone app. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and is free to download. The app allows you to monitor your dog's location and activity, set up safe zones, and track their adventures. Here are the steps I took to use the smartphone app:
- Download the Link AKC app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create an account and log in.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to pair the app with the collar.
- Once the app is paired with the collar, you can start using it to monitor your dog's activity and location.
Creating Safe Zones
The Link AKC Smart Dog Collar allows you to create safe zones for your dog. Safe zones are pre-programmed zones that you can set up to keep your dog safe. If your dog leaves the safe zone, you will receive an alert on your smartphone. Here are the steps I took to create safe zones:
- Open the Link AKC app and select "Safe Zones" from the menu.
- Select "Add Safe Zone" and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the safe zone.
- Once the safe zone is set up, you will receive an alert if your dog leaves the safe zone.
Monitoring Activity and Location
The Link AKC Smart Dog Collar allows you to monitor your dog's activity and location. The collar uses GPS tracking to track your dog's location, and the smartphone app allows you to view your dog's location on a map. The collar also has an activity monitor that tracks your dog's activity level. Here are the steps I took to monitor my dog's activity and location:
- Open the Link AKC app and select "Activity" or "Location" from the menu.
- The app will display your dog's activity level or location on a map.
- You can use the app to view your dog's activity and location history.
Service Plan and Cost for the Link AKC Collar
The Link AKC Smart Dog Collar comes with a service plan that includes GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and a temperature sensor. The service plan is required for the collar to function and costs about $10 per month or just under $110 annually. It is important to note that the first year of service is included in the initial purchase price of the collar.
While the service plan may seem like an additional expense, it is necessary to ensure the collar is functioning properly and providing accurate information. The GPS tracking feature allows you to keep tabs on your dog's location, while the activity monitoring feature helps you understand your dog's exercise habits. The temperature sensor is also a useful feature, especially during extreme weather conditions.
When compared to other smart collars on the market, the Link AKC's service plan is competitively priced. The initial purchase price of the collar is higher than some other options, but the quality and features of the collar make it worth the investment.
How does the collar compare to other collars?
The AKC Smart Collar is actually priced right in the middle. We admittedly rather enjoy the thought of the temperature alerts as we live in a climate that can swing significantly and sometimes we think about ourselves before our pets.
Where Can I Buy the Link AKC Smart Collar?
If you're interested in purchasing the Link AKC Smart Dog Collar, there are a few options available to you. The collar is available for purchase on Amazon, Best Buy, and the Link website at linkakc com.
Who should buy the Link AKC Smart Collar?
Sometimes you’ll buy an accessory for your pet that is for your own piece of mind, and in other situations, you might by a smart collar with a tracking unit and GPS tracker because you find the information genuinely useful.
If your dog likes to escape as my pets have in the past, a collar like the AKC is very useful. Let’s say your dog wanders out of your backyard while you are working from home and you can’t leave just yet to go track the little escape artist down. With a smart collar on and some zones set, you’ll know when to go find them or send someone else to do it.
Finding your dog with the smart collar is much easier than going around knocking on doors or shouting your pet's name out of the window. If your dogs are anything like mine, they might meander away and hide with no intent to be found!
