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Using an Air Horn

I have used an air horn on a number of occasions to break up dog fights, so I thought I’d share what I know about them in case anyone else wanted to adopt one as a safety measure.

You can buy air horns at many outdoor/camping outfitters and marine stores. Basically, it’s a can of compressed air with a plastic trumpet attached to the top. When you press on the head, it emits a very LOUD sound that can be heard a mile away.

Air horns are available in a standard 8 oz size (about the size of the can of compressed air you might use for blowing the dust out of your computer) or a pocket-sized version that holds about 1.5 oz.

I’ve learned through trial and error that not all air horns are up to the task of breaking up a dog fight. Many are constructed with a flimsy plastic spindle that the head attaches to, which is very easy to break in the heat of the moment by pressing too hard.

I used to buy air horns made by Tempo, but it looks like they’ve gotten out of that business, as I couldn’t find them online anymore. But, this brand (Falcon) looks very similar, and it is supposedly guaranteed not to break:

http://www.bargainoutfitters.com/cb/cb.asp?a=272976&kwtid=221348

I’ve ordered one, plus a refill, so I’ll let you know how it goes.

I usually keep a working air horn in my pocket or fanny pack when walking around the park, and tend to reach for it when I see the energy level escalating between dogs. A couple of taps is all it takes to redirect the dogs even before a fight can break out. They usually stop what they’re doing and run over to me, tails wagging and ears perked in curiosity. I have never seen any aggression transferred to me after using the air horn. It seems to just snap dogs out of their mental state entirely, and it can even be effective from a distance of 25-50 yards away.

There was only one time that I can remember when the horn failed to break up a fight, and in truth, the can was just about empty and not as loud as it should have been.

It would be great if, at any given time, someone in the crowd had an air horn on hand in case of emergency. I’d love to read fewer posts here about dog attacks. :(

Devon

Posted by Devon & Chaz on Monday, October 29th, 2007 at 11:32 pm.

4 Responses to “Using an Air Horn”

Hi Devon,
Thank you for your insight as my experience with fighting dogs is limited. My fight tips came from the net and really need review. The net made the air horn sound somewhat ineffective. I am glad to hear that you have had success with the horn because it “sounds” like an effective and safe way to intervene. This sounds like it should be at the top of the list.

Left by Brian w Jessie and Tootsie on October 30th, 2007

Thanks, Brian. :)

I guess I should add that one of the reasons it has been effective for me is that it’s used sparingly. Air horns, like many other types of deterrents, will lose their effectiveness once the dogs become accustomed to them.

So, just a word of caution… Use them only when needed, lest our dogs catch on that they ain’t no thing to worry about!

Left by Devon & Chaz on November 1st, 2007

The use of an air horn is a really great idea. If you are planning on using it as a deterrent of a fight something less piercing is more effective and the horn can be saved for an actual “fight”.
Alot of these attacks I have been reading about would be perfect candidates for the airhorn as long as they are used immediately, once and the owners remain calm after the dogs have seperated.
If there is an actual attack with injury owners would be best to walk seperately with their dogs to their vehicles and after they have safely gotten them in their cars, then talk. I know this sounds SO simple and believe me I know it isn’t! Your heart is in your throat, your shaking….but try to remember you are your dogs advocate they can not speak for themselves. Dogs fight, hopefully, they won’t, but it can happen and if it does it is up to us as the owners to be there for them and try not to join in on the fight.

Left by robbin on November 2nd, 2007

Just got my air horn order. Whoops. The horn I linked to above is not the tiny pocket sized. It’s sort of in between the pocket size and the full-sized an–about the size of a Diet Coke can only skinnier.

Not quite as handy as the air horn I had before, but I’ll carry it around anyway.

Just thought I’d warn you in case you were thinking of ordering from the link above. :)

Left by Devon & Chaz on November 3rd, 2007

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