I was given this for Christmas by a client who knows I'm constantly being accosted by happy-go-lucky but relentless off leash dogs while training or walking mine:

http://www.animalbehaviorsystems.com/category.cfm?Category=7&CFID=22762830&CFTOKEN=24755920

It seems to me that it's semi-bogus, especially on any dog that has interest in being aggressive...but I wonder if it would work on a dog that's just being friendly when I don't want him to be and who won't listen to reason via any other means (or his dipsy-doodle owner won't).

It would be nice if it works because I certainly don't want to cause any harm (MACE) to a dog because his owner is a ding-dong.

I'm afraid it might cause aggression in a dog who's intentions are touch and go.

So I ask you: Anyone tried this as a deterrant? I know this is used for bark collars, but I'm wondering about it as a means to discourage inquisitive dogs who won't leave with posturing and a strong "NO."

I've used it on members of the local loose pack pretty successfully. I have the same problem you do; lots of loose dogs and dingy owners in my area. The spray comes out hard and fast and foamy, and is meant to be sprayed at the dogs eyes, so it does cause some discomfort and seems to send them scurrying for the most part. It has worked well in all cases so far, but I have my doubts about whether or not it would work if real aggression were intended.

.. Most local laws state you can kill a dog if it threatens you, I'm pretty sure any deterrents I use will be legal as well. Its rather MACE or the knives I keep at my side.

I'd feel nothing if I had to mace a dog, the owner is at fault. I only wish I could mace the owners too. Keep the mace, its a better deterrent. Like hell I'd ever get bit, I won't allow it.

IMO, these collars are bad as those "citronella collars", poppycock.

Citronella sprays may be taken off the market as soon as the company/s that make them get sued for someone getting mauled cause their product wasn't strong enough to stop a real attack. I would carry one (maybe) to deter all the loose chihuahuas in my neighborhood cause don't want to cause them a possible slow and painful death with pepper spray. Their owners wouldn't be around to help their dogs out. But I'd go with something like pepper foam or bear spray for the large breed aggressive dogs, pitbulls being the seemingly breed of choice around here. Pepper foam is less likely to blow back on you and your dog. The Sheriff's Dept here stopped using pepper spray when tasers came out. They told me it would often blow back in their faces. I don't want to be incapacitated either if my pup or I got attacked.

Another deterrent would be to have animal control on your speed dial and keep calling until you (or they) are blue in the face to come pick up those loose dogs. It saddens me for the dogs but if the owners care, they'll look for them and find them in the shelters. If not, it's my responsibility to keep my pup safe. Just ticks me off no end, having to sacrifice my way of life (walking my pup) and spend my money because of idiot dog owners.

 Quote: Amber Morgan

I wonder if it would work on a dog that's just being friendly when I don't want him to be and who won't listen to reason via any other means

I realize it wouldn't work for an aggressive dog. I wouldn't use it for aggression. My question is if it would work to get rid of the hyper-friendly dogs that just won't leave us alone to work/walk.

For those dogs, I don't want to mace them: they're not threatening. They're just not listening and maybe a blast of natural bug spray might get their attention. (isn't that what citronella is after all?)

I have used this spray while in a dog park situation and I have to say that I was VERY pleased with the results. 6 LARGE dogs got "into it" and the Direct Stop immediately broke the moment and the owners were able to recall their dogs and the event was over.

General common sense would have prevented this outbreak but some people just never get it.

Happy New Year to All,
Ann