Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Before purchasing, I tested this first with the exact model. A friend loaned it to me. I walking on some nearby streets, neighborhood considered safe. I'm an animal lover but a dog nearly took me down I probably let it get too close before spraying it but I admit that that I thought the dog was bluffing. Plus I love dogs. And until then I'd always been able to calm down those which seemed aggressive but were simply "on alert". This spray allowed me to get away from the one dog which wasn't going to back off. Turns put the owner had received a warning about not controlling this dog after it bit someone else and yet it had slipped outside. Unfortunately, these things happen. That was all it took for me to realize that I wanted some protection with me at all times. Also, crime is up in even "safe" neighborhoods in my city. There has been a surge in home invasions lately. And with the holidays approaching, parking lots at shopping malls can be risky areas, especially at night. I have also taken a basic self defense course which goes over situations where pepper spray might not be ideal or provide the desired safety. Two tips: 1. Practice on a day that isn't windy, to avoid it blowing back toward you. You need to be able to act quickly and be confident about firing the spray. No fumbling. No doubts about how to instantly use pepper spray. So that's why I'd suggest a quick practice shot or two. 2. Remember to aim for the eyes of an attacker. When you're scared, your shaky hands could make your aim off...way off. Some advance prep can control that, even with adrenaline surging.