Here are four things you may want to on a walk your dog, for dog safety and your own safety, just in case of imminent danger from an off-leash dog.
NOTE that there is no guarantee that any one of these will work in your situation but these choices can help you to be prepared
Spray Shield is citronella spray that can surprise and distract the animal. It should be noted that it is an irritant. It should be sprayed directly into the off leash dog’s snout. Avoid the dog’s eyes.
NOTE that this is a spray and an irritant. Practice using it in advance. You don’t want to accidentally spray it back toward yourself or your dog.
Compressed air spray works by emitting a hissing sound.
NOTE – This should not be sprayed directly at a dog, and should not be used with a puppy. If you are going to use it, practice teaching your dog a positive association with it first.
A small umbrella can easily clip to a belt loop or treat pouch. Opening the umbrella can startle an oncoming dog.
NOTE that this also can startle your own dog. And your dog may be afraid of umbrellas. Test this in advance. If needed, practice teaching your dog a positive association with opening an umbrella.
An air horn produces a powerful sound that is designed to scare away dogs and wild animals.
NOTE – this can be very scary for your own dog too (and not the most pleasant sound for yourself). At a safe distance from your dog you can practice teaching your dog a positive association with this in advance. However, up close, it still can startle and scare your dog.
Read about how I kept my dog, Dawson, safe when two large dogs approached us on a walk by clicking here.
