(Graven Water) said in rec.pets.dogs.behavior:

I'm planning to get some citronella spray to deter some
mildly aggressive neighbor dogs.

If a dog gets sprayed by citronella in the face, does
anything need to be done to clean them up afterwards?

To learn what would be best for cleaning up: turn the nozzle 180
degrees and pull the lever.

Have you spoken with the neighbour? What is "mildly
aggressive"?

--
--Matt.

If the neighbor dogs are aggressive, I sure wouldn't trust something as
mild as citronella. They need a fence and leashes. What kind(s) of
dogs and what size(s)? (Make a guess at breeds if they are mixes.)

Do describe what you mean by "aggressive" and the situations when they
act this way. What do their faces and ears look like? What are their
tails doing.

Believe it or not, I have had pet owners tell me their dog is aggressive
when it does a play-bow, and when it is playfighting with another dog
and one or both are growling (a real growl sounds much different than a
play growl, and the expression and body language are much different).

A compressed air horn, which is small enough to carry in one hand and
carry in a pocket, available where boating supplies are sold, can be
quite effective. The sudden LOUD noise startles dogs and makes them
think again.... Even easier and cheaper is a "throw can".... empty
soda/beer can with a few pennies or pebbles inside, hole taped shut,
makes an impressive noise when thrown at the Ground right in front of
dogs.... which don't understand how we can have "power" from a distance.
The metal Altoids mints (often sold at check-out stations) boxes with a
few pennies or pebbles inside and taped or rubber-banded shut are
smaller and several are easy to carry.... work the same way.

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia

"Graven Water" wrote in message ...

No, I do mean aggressive, towards my dog. This neighbor dog runs
out into the street and snaps a lot at my dog. I'm not going to take
the risk of having a dogfight. It's not OK for my dog to be chewed on.

Some people I know on the CM forum have been very successful at repelling
aggressive or impolite dogs just by using calm assertive energy with
appropriate body posture, effectively "claiming" their dog(s) and the
immediate space around the pack. An effective pack leader provides security
for the pack. There have been many cases where dog owners have been amazed
at the results, but it takes a very strong level of confidence, and the
ability to handle the situation if the body language is ignored or
misunderstood.
http://www.cesarsway.com/dogwhispere...n-3-episode-10
http://community.sessionswithcesar.c...48.aspx#455848

One tool that is very useful is a tennis racquet, which can be used as a
"portable fence" to keep the offending dog at a safe distance, and the
ability to look through the strings is useful for the handler and the animal
to observe and react to facial expressions and body language. It also
functions almost like a muzzle to prevent bites.

The citronella spray and pepper spray may be good to have as backup, but if
the dogs are in close proximity, or if it is windy, it may affect your own
dog or even yourself. There are also ultrasonic electronic dog repellent
devices, but they are of questionable value.

Good luck.

Paul and Muttley
www.muttleydog.com

Laura, I doubt that Paul's trust in all things Cesar Milan will help you
much..... when your dog is with you. Perhaps if you were walking alone,
the dog Might return to the house on a firm and confident command to "GO
HOME!"

But your animal control service can, and will keep your name
confidential when you Report this dog EVERY time it dashes out. The dog
does need training, but the owner needs even more training..... which
comes best from the authorities. Photos with a date/time tag are very
useful.... but not critical.

Having known dozens of dogs that manipulated their citronella no-bark
collars by merely barking-out the citronella oil cartridges..... I have
no great faith in the citronella oil. A squirt bottle with a forceful
stream of water or water and vinegar would be a lot cheaper and just as
effective. A good quality squirt gun works even better.

Being basically a nasty soul, I like the air horn for a reason you may
not have thought of. It tells the entire blasted neighborhood that Ms
Smith's dratted beastie is loose yet Again. Soon you have much more
support.... And it is entirely harmless.

BTW, citronella is an oil. It requires soap/shampoo and water to
remove. Messy stuff.

Jo Wolf
Martinez, Georgia