Improved Exercise Location Tracking

PACKTRACK TeamSystem Update

Last month we reworked how K9 location tracking works on the iOS and Android mobile apps. This new update makes it significantly easier to both lay and follow tracks without having to configure everything ahead of time. For the best results, please update to the latest mobile app version (4.2.x or later).

Important Note For iPhones: iOS 13 changes how location permissions work. Even if you’ve said yes to the prompts which ask for location permissions you should still open the Settings app and go to Privacy / Location Services / PACKTRACK and make sure the permission is set to ALWAYS. If this isn’t set correctly then PACKTRACK won’t be able to track your position in the background.

Lay tracks without a PACKTRACK account

You no longer need to login to the mobile app with a PACKTRACK account in order to lay tracks. Anyone can install the app and, using the SKIP LOGIN option on the login page, jump right into track laying.

Track Layers can skip the login

When the Track Layer taps the Start Tracking button they will see a dialog where they can enter a unique track name or accept the default. After tapping OK, the Track Layer should confirm that their location is updating before they begin the track. When the track is complete the app will show that this track is now AVAILABLE to be followed.

Name the laid track and start tracking

Follow tracks by scheduling a tracking exercise

If you’re comfortable with how tracking has worked in the past then you can continue to use the system as you always have. First, create an event, which defines the time, place and group members who will be attending. Next, add one or more location tracking exercises to the event. This process should be completed on the web site or mobile app before the event begins.

Later, when you’re at the event and ready to start following a track, simply select the FOLLOW Track mode at the top and then tap Start Tracking. Verify that the Exercise, Track Name and Dog are correct and then tap OK to start following the track. NOTE: If there’s only one exercise or you only have one dog then those dropdown fields won’t appear in the dialog.

Configure followed track for this exercise

Follow tracks by creating a tracking exercise automatically

You can now record training tracks “on the fly” without scheduling an event or creating an exercise ahead of time. If there’s a laid track available within 500 yards of your current location then you’ll see it displayed in the Tracks Laid list. Select the FOLLOW Track mode at the top of the location tracking page and then tap Start Tracking. Confirm that this is the track you want to follow by tapping OK in the dialog. You’ll also have the option of choosing your dog if you have more than one.

Automatically create an event and exercise when tracking

When the track is complete the status of the track in the Tracks Laid list will change from AVAILABLE to FOLLOWED. Tracking exercise records are created automatically and either 1) inserted into the current event (if there’s already an event at this time and you’re the only event member) or 2) added to a new event that will also be created automatically for you.

We make certain assumptions when creating the event and exercise automatically. Always review these training records after completing your exercise to update any additional fields and ensure the information was captured correctly.

If you need a reminder about how K9 tracking works there’s an instruction link at the bottom of the Location Tracking page.

Review the exercise tracking instructions

Welcome to the Blog!

PACKTRACK TeamGeneral

 

Police K9 training in water

K9 handlers, trainers and supervisors have relied on us for almost 10 years to provide robust K9 record keeping software that’s full featured and easy to use. We’re thankful that you have trusted us to be your canine tracking solution. The K9 world is evolving rapidly and it can be tough to keep up. At PACKTRACK we’re committed to sharing our knowledge to grow the community and help everyone be smarter and safer in the field.

Starting today we’re kicking off our blog. This is the place to come for all of the latest news about PACKTRACK, from feature updates to tips on how to get the most from the service. However, this page is about more than K9 training and deployment records. Together, we (Andy Weiman and Jeff Barrett) have over 60 years of K9 handling experience. We teach, serve as expert witnesses, write, work on executive boards and remain in active duty as K9 handlers. We also run PACKTRACK and the HITS K9 Training and Consulting Seminar each year. This background gives us unique insights and opinions that may be of interest to other members of the law enforcement K9 industry.

Our goal with this blog is to provide a place where K9 handlers can keep up to date with PACKTRACK while also receiving guidance, industry news and commentary about the police K9 industry. We’re always learning and recognize that we don’t have all of the answers. Your kind comments and constructive criticism helped us shape PACKTRACK into the #1 K9 record keeping system and we’d greatly appreciate your help here as well. Do you have an idea for a new post? Is there an aspect of K9 training that you’d be excited to read about? Are there PACKTRACK features that you’d like us to explain in more detail? Are you eager to write a guest post for the blog? If you’re interested, then please reach out to us using the Contact Us form at the bottom of the page. We’d love to hear from you.

Andy Weiman and Jeff Barrett