Pooches: Walking Safety

Miss M. is not always the most popular dog. Back when we lived in our old apartment, there was a Chocolate Lab living on the first floor that couldn't stand her. When we would walk outside the dog would bark crazily and throw itself against the screen window. When we were in the lobby the dog would ram itself against the door clawing to get out. One time when we were coming home it did get out and it began attacking Miss M. It wasn't until later that I learned about Directstop. Apparently dogs can't stand the smell of citronella, so you can spray this in the dog's faces and they'll back off. It doesn't hurt the dogs, but it separates them before the dogs can hurt each other. You have to be especially careful here in the city where there are tons of dogs, and even more irresponsible dog owners. While we have control of our dogs on our walks, there are all kinds of people who walk their dogs off-leash. This can cause problems as the dog on leash feels confined and threatened and could lash out in self-defense. We haven't had to use it yet, but it does make me feel safer to have it.