A friend of mine reached out to me a few days ago inquiring about Dog Deterrents and I had to tell her, I really don’t know but I would reach out to my dog blog buddies and ask. So here goes:
I know when I’m walking my Titan, I carry a break stick in case we get attacked by another dog. But what if you’re out walking by yourself?
You don’t necessarily what to carry a stick around with you, cause it may hurt the attacking animal.
You don’t want some of those chemical spray type deterrents, cause those will hut the animal and you might have angry owners coming at you next.
So what is a safe deterrent?
At first I thought about a water bottle but that may just instigate more.
I looked around a teeny bit and found this, DirectStop Animal Deterrent. Anyone use this before?
Or better yet, do you have any other suggestions that you might share with our readers and for my friend?
We’re all ears…… 
About Bren
This one I am not sure about but surely I would think a water bottle also. Hmmmm I will be checking back for answers.
Kita recently posted…Convo with a 3 year old non potty trained child
Hey Kita! A water bottle might in some cases but imo, if it’s an aggressive or rabid dog or animal that wants to attack, that water bottle isn’t going to stop it. I’m glad I was asked this question cause I really never thought about it, that is, when I’m without Titan and my break stick.
Good morning, Bren. This is a first for me and I’ve been around dogs all my life. Dog deterrent? Never used any. When I’m out dog walking, we usually just move away from approaching dogs. This is mostly for my benefit, so, my arms don’t get pulled out of their sockets. Some dogs get wildly excited when seeing another, while others tend to be aggressive on leash. Am often walking two or three at a time, so this works for me. We have strict leash laws in our area and mostly, people, do adhere to them. I have encountered the odd loose dog; either escaped from their yard or slipped out of their collar, but, fortunately, there were no incidents. That Direct Stops looks like something you spray in the animal’s face, kind of like Mace, Not sure I would want to do that. Did a little research for you and there is a Canadian product called “Dazer” which purports to be harmless to animals and is available through Amazon in the U.S.
When I pull up that page, it shows a couple of other items, as well. Google “Amazon.com:Dog-Dazer-II-Ultrasonic-Deterrent”. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Debbie Doglady recently posted…WORDLESS WEDNESDAY + THURSDAY FAVOURITE THINGS 23/24.1.13
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Hi Debbie. I read more on the DirectStop and it does say it is safe and won’t hurt the eyes. It’s made from a citronellla base, however, just seeing what other options there are out there. I always think about attacks when walking with Titan, that’s why I carry a break stick. But to think of getting attacked or chased without him, would mean I don’t have my break stick so what to do? My friend brought up a fabulous question and I’m really looking forward to see what other option there are. This brings me back to the movie Cujo. What do you do when a rabid HUGE St. Bernard comes after you?
I suppose it would be okay to spray the citronella; but I’m not sure that would be so effective. The Dazer uses sound waves, somewhat similar to a dog whistle, I think. To be honest, it’s not something I’ve ever really thought about either. Good question, for sure Will be interesting to see what ideas other people have.
Twitter: DebbieDoglady
Dog fights can be ended or at least stalled long enough by throwing a blanket or jacket over the pair — confusion and lack of sight occurs long enough for a collar grab to separate the dogs. I wonder if this could be applied to a dog chasing you/human? I would toss my coat over the face, and use the confusion to hopefully wrap it around the head so they can’t see long enough for someone to come help. If know I had nothing else and was about to be attacked, I’d be giving anything a try!
Jen recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Karate Kid
Thanks Jen and yes, I’m with you! I’d try everything to keep it off me. I’ve seen so many things out there but I really wouldn’t want to injury the dog ya know? I don’t want it hurting me either but still…I’m a softie.
We always carry an umbrella or wooden stick. We have leash laws in our area, but they only work if you have law enforcement that will back it up. We have 1 policeman & if you call about a loose dog, he will just let the “owners” know that you are the one that called complaining. Within a 4 block area of our home, I know of at least 6 dogs that run free (they do have homes) & at least 4 additional dogs that the people open the door & let the dog run outside (no fence) to potty. Of those dogs, 2 of them have came towards me & the dogs growling. I would like a product that would work from long distances
Heather recently posted…Friday Funny
That’s a shame Heather. I’m in the same boat as you except we don’t even have an animal control anymore in my county. It really sux, especially cause there are so many in my ‘hood that will let their dogs run free. I guess as someone who walks as exercise, they could always carry a stick or break stick but a distance product would be best. I’m really wondering how that water bottle would work?
Hello Brenda, well Max is old enough to buy his own hygiene products, oh I forgot he does not have a job.:) J/K
I never heard of anything like this before, I don’t think I would take a chance because my Max has sensitive skin mostly in the summer.
Let’s just say in my yard I had to get rid of all my grass and I built a deck threw my whole yard just for them.
Thanks so much for a very interesting post Brenda, have a great weekend
RobG recently posted…How Do Bloggers Start Their Day? Hey You, Wake Up.
haha Hi Rob. I’m not talking about deoderant. Deterrent. You know, to scare away a dog in case it attacks?
But thanks for sharing that. Titan has those allergies too, maybe not as severe as Max but the grass irritates him too. 
This is a good question! Mom carries pepper spray because a lot of people in our neighborhood do not like to put their dogs on leashes and I have been attacked before. But she would be happier if she could use something that would be less harmful…
Remy recently posted…One Piggy & Two Pitties!
Thanks Remy! I can understand using all means necessary but a safer alternative would be best. Sorry to hear you’ve been attacked before. People are just so rude about letting their animals run free. Titan and I walk with a break stick every time and I’m not afraid to ward off an attacker!
I’m not familiar with DirectStop Animal Deterrent but I know some method to scare away attacking animals. Wooden stick or arm pits works fine. I know it will hurt the animal but in case of this situation, you may not quickly think of different ways to take them off right? I guess animals won’t attack anyone if they behave properly and owners should have a full control over their pets to avoid unnecessary incidents.
Lawrence recently posted…Dog bite reports increased in Genesee County
Thanks Lawrence. I carry a break stick when I walk my dog however the person who was inquiring was looking for safe, non-harmful deterrent. I wasn’t aware of anything that was “safe”. And yes, there is all reasons why an animal will or will not attack. I’m a firm believer that even the most well trained animal can attack regardless of how much training and how well mannered. Everyone, including animals have some kind of trigger.
Thanks for sharing!