How to Troubleshoot Tend Pet Detection Issues
The pet detection feature on Tend cameras is a fantastic tool for keeping an eye on your furry family members while you're away. However, like any smart technology, it can sometimes run into issues, such as failing to detect your pet or sending you false alerts. If you're experiencing problems with this feature, a few simple adjustments can often resolve them.
This guide will help you troubleshoot common pet detection issues with your Tend camera, so you can get back to receiving meaningful and accurate updates about your pet's day.
### When Your Camera Fails to Detect Your Pet
It's concerning if you know your pet is active, but you're not receiving any alerts. Here are the most common reasons why this might be happening.
- Feature is Disabled: First, double-check that Pet Detection is actually turned on. Open the Tend Secure app, select your camera, and go into its settings. Make sure the toggle for 'Pet Detection' or a similar feature is enabled.
- Sensitivity is Too Low: The camera's motion detection sensitivity might be set too low to pick up the movements of your pet, especially if they are a smaller animal. In the camera's settings, find the 'Motion Sensitivity' slider and try increasing it one level at a time.
- Poor Camera Placement: The camera needs a clear view of the area. If it's placed too high, it might not see a small pet on the floor. If it's blocked by furniture, it can't see the activity. Position the camera so it has an unobstructed view of your pet's favourite spots, like their bed or food bowls.
## When You Receive Too Many False Alerts
Getting notifications only to find there's nothing there can be just as frustrating. False alerts are usually caused by the camera misinterpreting other types of motion.
### Adjusting Settings to Reduce False Positives
- Lower the Sensitivity: If the motion sensitivity is set too high, the camera might trigger an alert from things like shadows from a window, rustling curtains, or even dust particles. Try lowering the sensitivity setting in the app.
- Use Activity Zones: If your app allows it, set up 'Activity Zones' or 'Motion Zones'. This lets you tell the camera to only pay attention to motion within a specific part of the frame. You can draw a zone around your pet's bed, for example, and ignore the area near a window where tree branches move.
### Optimising the Camera's Environment
The physical environment plays a big role in detection accuracy.
- Check for Environmental Triggers: Look at what's in the camera's view. Is there a plant next to an air vent? A reflective object that catches the light? A window looking out onto a busy street? Try to angle the camera away from these sources of constant, irrelevant motion.
- Ensure Good Lighting: In low-light conditions, the camera's image can become grainy, making it harder for the software to distinguish between a pet and a shadow. Make sure the room is well-lit. If it's a dark room, rely on the camera's night vision mode, which works best in total darkness rather than dim light.
By carefully adjusting these settings and optimising your camera's placement, you can significantly improve the accuracy of your Tend camera's pet detection feature, ensuring you only get alerted when your beloved pet is on the move.