Tractive XL Review: Ultimate Dog Tracker for Large Breeds

If you are looking for a dog tracking device, look no further than Tractive. Tractive devices have offered us so much comfort and security over the years as owners of a whippet with sketchy recall. The devices are so reliable, hard wearing and easy to set-up and use. So we were really pleased to be asked to try out the new XL device and asked our gorgeous Labrador Grandnephew to try it out for us!

The Dog 6 XL

The XL device comes in 3 colours. It is specifically for dogs over 20kg and weighs just 70g so fits nicely on a collar or harness. It is sleek and really easy to use. It has a super long battery life- up to 42 days! Like the standard device, it is waterproof, bite- proof and has all of the great features we have come to know and love from Tractive.

About the reviewer:

Rory is a 4 year old Labrador with endless energy. A bundle of fun and cuddles. He loves his walks, runs, training and snoozing of course. He also loves a good swim. He weighs 30kg.

The verdict:

Rory didn’t notice the tracker on his harness at all- but his owners did! Having an insight into his activity was such fun, and also found comfort in his inactivity. They used the app to find out what he was up to when left home alone, and were pleased to see that he was sleeping the entire time. The local walk warnings were welcomed too. A great device and perfect for larger, active dogs. The device, and easy to use app, helps you monitor exercise, rest, and diet.

More reasons to love Tractive:

• The device is really reasonable at just £59 (you need a subscription to use the device).
• The subscription costs from just over £4 per month (if paid in advance).
• Extended battery life- the device is easy to charge. and the battery lasts for up to 45 days (XL), or 14 days (standard size) before needing to be recharged. This feature has made a big difference- the battery really lasts.
• It is 100% waterproof and shock resistant device that fits to different sized collars or harnesses so would fit on our existing harnesses. 
• The virtual fence can be set to alert you if your dog wanders out of your designated safe area. You receive alerts to your phone when your dog is out of their safe zones, and returns.
• Bite-proof fiberglass casing.
• Bark monitoring to keep track of if your dog has been barking more/ less than usual.
• Additional and stronger light and sound to help locate- particularly at night.
• Worldwide coverage and family share option (with premium subscription).
• Health alerts to help you keep track of any changes to your dogs behaviour.
• Sleep and activity monitoring functions.
• Notifications via the app from other nearby owners, whereby they can log any potential hazards in the local area and you can be alerted to them. This is a really helpful feature and one which I have used several times.
• The device is good looking- choose from black, mint or brown!

Why choose Tractive over other devices?

We love Tractive because of the all of the reasons listed above but also because it is so user friendly and easy to set up. I have owned Tractive devices for many years, I have never had one break or not work. This is despite traveling at top whippet speed! We have put Tractive to the test by using the device in an emergency situation when our whippet went AWOL and the peace of mind it gave us was priceless. Tractive is compact and comfy- they don’t even notice it on their harness or collar. Highly recommended by all of us.