We have done a review on the Whistle Activity Monitor For Dogs. In the article, we mentioned about the benefits for having a Dog Activity Monitor. While writing the previous review, we came across another Dog Activity Monitor that has been gaining traction in the market too. The FitBark Dog Activity Monitor has been appearing on my Facebook newsfeed recently. The company seems to be doing a lot of marketing of it the FitBark Dog Activity Monitor. Let us do a review of the FitBark Dog Activity Monitor.
FitBark Dog Activity Monitor
The FitBark Dog Activity Monitor is the brain child of 3 dog owners who decided that they want an inclusive device that allows them to monitor their dog’s activity. They wanted a device that is easy to use, yet packed with features that all dog owners will love. After much deliberation, they came up with the FitBark Dog Activity Monitor. This Dog Activity Monitor by FitBark is probably the easiest activity monitor for dogs that you will use.
The FitBark is an intuitive activity tracker for dogs. There is a 3-axis accelerometer in the device itself, and it is used to generate and collect data for us. The device weighs 0.28 ounces, and it is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The FitBark is in fact the smallest wireless activity monitor that is available for dogs. You can place FitBark onto your dog’s collar, and you can stay connected with your dog via your iPhone or your Android smartphone.
The FitBark comes in 5 different colors for you to choose from. It is rated at IPX7 for waterproofing. Just a precaution, do ensure that the rubber plug that is covering the charging port is tightly sealed when not in use.
The FitBark connects to your iPhone or your Android smartphone via Bluetooth only. Once its synced, data will be shown on your phone via the FitBark App.
How Does The FitBark Dog Activity Monitor Work
The FitBark Dog Activity Monitor is essentially a gadget that resembles a mini dog bone. It weighs just 8 grams, hence fitting dogs of any breed or size. It measures 41 x 28 x 11 mm. To attach FitBark to the dog collar, you will need to use the 3 rubber rings that comes with the package.
Once you attach FitBark to the dog’s collar, you are ready to use the device. All you need to do is to get familiarized with the software first before you really start to use the device.
The FitBark uses a micro USB connection to charge its Lithium-ion battery. The battery life is quoted at 10 to 14 days.
How Does The FitBark Dog Activity Monitor Software
Before you use the FitBark Dog Activity Monitor for the first time, charge it for at least 90 mins. You should then download the App. Remember to sync your phone with FitBark Via Bluetooth.
It is pretty easy to navigate around the interface of the app. You can input your dog’s statistics such as breed, age, weight etc, and the system will generate a few data for you. One such data is the comparison of lifestyle of your dog vs similar dogs worldwide. It also allows you to view your dog’s previous activity. You can too see the Activity histograms for dogs of various breeds!
This intuitive system collects data from dogs worldwide, and they create charts and data points for us as references. It too have data pertaining to medical conditions.
Once you key in your dog’s stats, you can set daily targets for your dog to achieve. The FitBark App tracks the dog’s activity by monitoring the time spent during rest, active or play. More points will be racked up by your dog during “play”. The system is so intuitive, that it can differentiate when your dog is really playing or when your dog is just walking around!
As mentioned earlier, you can set targets for your dog to achieve. You can view your dog’s weekly performance to see when your dog is the most active. You can then tweak your dog’s routine based on that information. Also, FitBark will use its comprehensive set of data to recommend the best target for your dog.
Also, since FitBark uses Bluetooth technology, you can only see the data when you are near the FitBark. Many users are concerned if the data is gone if there is no paired mobile phones. This is completely untrue as the data is simply stored in the system and will be released to you once you have your mobile phone nearby.
In addition to that, FitBark make use of the power of social networking to encourage you to exercise with your dog. Within the app, there is a follow feature that allows you to follow friend’s dogs too. It can create a friendly competition within your friends to see who have the healthiest dog.
What Are The Negative Aspect Of The FitBark
The major downside is that it doesn’t comes with WiFi technology, so in order for you to view the data, you must be near the FitBark for the Bluetooth to connect.
The Conclusion
The FitBark Dog Activity Monitor is an intuitive device that is unique in the sense that it enables you do track your dog’s activities. The interface is both sleek and useful. However, if you intend to track your dog’s activities while you are at work, the information will not be real time as you wouldn’t be near your dog for Bluetooth to connect both devices.
If you are looking for the perfect gift for your friend who is very active and owns a dog, you should probably purchase this for him.
Click here to purchase the FitBark Dog Activity Monitor.