How does GPS and Connectivity work with Halo Collar?

The Halo Collar uses both GPS technology and device connectivity to keep your dog safe and allow you to monitor them through the Halo App. These two systems work together, but they also function independently, ensuring your dog remains protected even when connectivity is limited.

GPS and Connectivity – Separate but Complementary

GPS and connectivity serve different purposes in the Halo System.

1. GPS determines your dog’s location and enables the collar to understand where your dog is relative to the Halo Fence.

2. Connectivity allows the collar to communicate with the Halo App on your phone or tablet.

Because GPS operates independently, your dog’s location can still be determined even if the collar is not connected to Wi-Fi, LTE, or Bluetooth.

How GPS Works

The Halo Collar continuously attempts to locate your dog using GPS satellite data.

1. The collar uses ephemeris data to calculate precise GPS coordinates.

2. GPS performance is not affected by connectivity—the collar will continue determining your dog’s location whether or not it is connected to LTE, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

GPS Fence Feedback Without Connectivity

Your Halo Collar can still provide boundary feedback even if it is not connected to your phone.

For feedback to occur, two conditions must be met:

1. Movement Toward the Fence: The collar detects your dog moving toward or through the virtual fence boundary.

2. High GPS Mode: The collar must be in High GPS mode to ensure accurate location tracking.

When these conditions are met, the collar will provide feedback to help prevent your dog from leaving the safe area, even without connectivity. This is especially useful in rural areas or locations with unstable internet or cellular service.

Understanding GPS Signal Levels

You can view your collar’s GPS signal level in the Pet Card within the Halo App when the collar is being worn.

Low GPS Signal

1. All fence feedback is disarmed.

2. Location updates occur less frequently.

This level is expected when the collar is indoors, as the system is not designed to track indoor locations.

Medium GPS Signal

1. Only the Return Whistle is active.

2. Prevention feedback is temporarily disabled.

High GPS Signal

1. All prevention and encouragement feedback are active.

2. The collar actively tracks your dog’s location and keeps them within the Safe Zone.

This is the level the collar should be in while your dog is outdoors, except in covered areas such as porches or garages, where GPS levels may drop to Medium or Low.

As long as the Pet Card shows “Updating Live,” you can view the current GPS signal level in the Halo App.

For more information, see: What Does Low, Medium, and High GPS mean? 

What Connectivity Does

Connectivity links the Halo Collar to the Halo App on your smartphone or tablet. This connection enables several app-based features.

Practical Applications of Connectivity

1. Live Tracking: Monitor your dog’s location in real time through the app.

2. Fence Creation: Create virtual fences to define safe zones.

3. Notifications: Receive alerts about your dog’s location or activity.

4. Manual Feedback: Send feedback or commands to the collar directly from the app.

Summary

The Halo Collar uses both GPS and connectivity to keep your dog safe. GPS determines your dog’s location and allows the collar to enforce boundaries, while connectivity enables app features such as live tracking, fence creation, and notifications. Because GPS works independently of connectivity, the Halo Collar can still help keep your dog within safe boundaries even in areas with limited signal.