Dog Community

Spray Shield/Direct Stop

Posted : 4/20/2007 2:12:40 PM

I can't seem to find any threads on this, only pepper sprays. Has anyone used this before? I've looked online but only found one customer review. Does it work? I don't like the idea of using a pepper spray since it seems far more uncomfortable and would be impossible to aim only at the other dog (assuming my dog is good and the other is attacking). I also don't want pepper spray in MY face while trying to stop a fight.

I mainly want this because my dog will be coming on a two week vacation with me and my uncle's dog will be there. My uncle bought his own cabin and would have the dog there, but she retrieves ducks and he won't be on the lake, so I assume he will be coming over with her. He sometimes lets her run like mad off a leash. She has a non-existant recall and I've seen her bristle, lunge, and bark at other dogs. I'm very concerned of what might happen if he comes over without giving me warning, my dog is minding her own business, and his dog decides to pick a fight. I can keep my dog under control, but I have no confidence he can keep his under control, especially when he lets her sprint around the property like a terror.

Also, if this product works and I saw potential for an attack or fight, do I spray when I feel the dogs are too close and might attack (they are baring teeth, growling, etc), or do I wait until they are biting?

Ideally, I will explain to my uncle that his dog no longer rules the roost, but I want to be prepared.

If there are other deterrents that work better, please suggest.

Liesje

Posted : 4/20/2007 2:14:11 PM

PS. If it matters, my dog is a spayed female, I think his is an intact female. They are both about 3 years old.

cakana

Posted : 4/20/2007 2:56:28 PM

I think you can find some info on the forum if you do a search on "Direct Stop". I know I've personally posted about it. I've used it for my 2 females that have had problems in the past. It did absolutely nothing for us. I honestly emptied the entire can (it smells like Pledge Lemon Polish). It didn't even make them blink. What has worked better for us is a spray bottle of vinegar and water (heavy enough on the vinegar so that is smells strong). I've used it to deter fights or even posturing and it was very effective just by being sprayed near them, but not at them.

Liesje

Posted : 4/20/2007 3:01:14 PM

Thanks for the input.

I tried searching, but "direct" and "stop" are popular words and apparently it won't search exact phrases ("direct stop"). All of the posts that come up are about other things.

chewbecca

Posted : 4/20/2007 3:22:07 PM

I have it, but I have not had to use it yet. I also have Halt! dog repellent. I carry both on me.

g33

Posted : 4/20/2007 3:38:37 PM

I've bought it and used it, and it does not work whatsoever on a dog fixed on attacking. Me and Cole have the scars to prove it. The only purpose it served once was that the sound it made served to scare a couple of charging weiner dogs away. I was on a therapy walk with my two-week postop TPLO dog and could not DARE afford another dog coming in contact with her.

I don't think pepper spray is a good solution for this situation either - I'd be pretty upset if a family member sprayed pepper spray at my dog even if I were clueless, so I'd hate to see a fight spring out of it. Maybe it's time for a heart-to-heart with your uncle and the two of you can brainstorm some ways to keep your dogs apart and in peaceful coexistence?

Liesje

Posted : 4/20/2007 4:05:03 PM

Does anything get their attention when they are fighting? Would some kind of whistle be better?

I intent to talk with my uncle and he means well, but he has NO control over his dog and it seems like he's given up. If I'm handling her, she ALWAYS has a lead. I don't trust her at all. The only time she doesn't is when I unclip it and say "Fetch!" she runs off the dock, retrieves the duck, and as she is swimming back in I wade out to her and clip it back on before she runs off. She's also very strong and has broken away from everyone at some point. These things, coupled with the fact that she's not entirely comfortable around other dogs and her recall is non-existant makes me nervous. I'd love for them to be friends.

cakana

Posted : 4/20/2007 4:13:52 PM

Does anything get their attention when they are fighting? Would some kind of whistle be better?

Once mine are in a fight, there isn't a thing that gets their attention. We literally have to pull them apart. I think a well-timed noise to distract them can help, but it must be well-timed or it's too late or can even launch an attack, at least it's happened with my 2. I really do think that taking precautions to avoid a fight would be a better idea than trying to stop one. It does sound like your uncle's dog is going to be hard to manage with no recall if he's left to do as he wants. I'm not sure I'd bring my dog along under those circumstances unless you figure out a fool-proof way to protect her. Sorry..I'm sure that's not a very pleasant option, but it sounds like the potential for problems otherwise.

g33

Posted : 4/20/2007 4:29:42 PM

I wonder if it would be possible for you to get some kind of modular barrier or kennel fencing while you're on this trip?

I agree with cakana - better to just try to keep them apart than stop a fight once it starts. Which unfortunately means if you see your uncle's dog out, yours goes inside.

mel

Posted : 4/20/2007 5:00:10 PM

I have no experience with those products but a few months ago i was reading about a musher who swears by eye drops, or nose spray to stop fights. i can't remember which and of course i can't find the link anymore(still looking). i would assume its nasal spray since it would be stinky, but apparently it doesnt harm the dogs. just a thought

Liesje

Posted : 4/20/2007 5:45:39 PM

I agree with cakana - better to just try to keep them apart than stop a fight once it starts. Which unfortunately means if you see your uncle's dog out, yours goes inside.

I think that's how it will have to be, unfortunately.

I just had visions of her and I sitting happily on the dock and with no warning, Uncle and Dog come bounding down the stairs straight for her and then what?

I'm probably getting worried for nothing. Maybe the will both be fine. It's not like the cottage "belongs" to either of them, so there shouldn't be territory issues since they will both be arriving at the same time. And maybe Uncle will just leave his dog at his cabin.