There's wrong information out there about the self-defense options. More people across the country are buying less-lethal tools recently, and you actually need some real facts if you're thinking about pepper spray, stun guns, or other alternatives to guns. When you use them, these devices can protect you well without causing any deadly harm.

You'll see more of the less-lethal options in stores because people basically want to stay safe without dealing with the serious moral questions that come with the deadly weapons. To know what these tools can and can't do, you usually need to look past the flashy marketing claims and the internet stories. Those frequently make people either too confident or too afraid of these devices. When you have the real facts, you're more likely to stay protected instead of just feeling protected.

People still believe in these four common myths about these self-defense tools, and these misunderstandings can put you in danger. You've probably thought a lot about your own self-defense options. But remember that every tool comes with some dangers that you might not expect.

Let's dispel these myths one at a time!

Myth #1 - You Don't Need Training

Some people believe that you can use self-defense tools without any practice. They frequently picture pulling out some pepper spray and watching their attacker run away in tears. But actually, in real life, it usually doesn't always play out like that. These tools work best when you know how to use them and when you use them at the right moment. They're not magic tricks that'll make the bad guys disappear with just an easy wave!

Be careful, though; you might get some pepper spray blown back into your own face if you don't use it correctly. Often, stun guns can fail when you miss the target area on someone's body. Even basic tools like personal alarms need some practice to use when you're under stress. Your hands tend to shake when you feel scared, and you'll probably fumble with the devices that you haven't handled much before.

Do you remember how you learned other skills? All of them needed some practice. Self-defense tools work the same way. Without some training, you might freeze up or make mistakes in the moments when you need to act fast. When you practice, you can turn those conscious actions into automatic responses that your body remembers.

People who have actually used these tools frequently say that their biggest challenge wasn't the pressure of the moment. Instead, they bought the device, tucked it away in a purse or pocket, and never practiced with it again. Then, when they had some danger, they weren't prepared. Some of them couldn't even find their tool fast enough to use it when they needed it.

With some practice, you can get better at finding the warning signs early. You learn how to make decisions before a situation can become too dangerous. You have figured out how to create some space between yourself and possible threats. These abilities actually matter more than whatever tool you might carry.

Legal questions almost always come up after you use any kind of self-defense tool. The courts generally want to know if you understood how to use the device correctly. They'll ask if you knew when it was okay to use force. It helps to protect you legally and physically when you get some training. The records of your training can also help to show that you acted responsibly if questions come up later.

Myth #2 - They Don't Work As Well

You might think that less-lethal self-defense tools won't help much when you're in trouble. That's not actually true. These tools work well when you use them. Most people frequently picture them as weak devices that wouldn't slow down someone coming after you. But the reality tells a different story.

These tools have some real stopping power. A bright tactical flashlight can usually make the attacker temporarily unable to see, and it can give you a few seconds to run away. Pepperball guns help to create space between you and the threat without causing any long-term damage. You also get some helpful time to escape from danger when you use these tools.

You don't need to be a trained fighter to use these less-lethal options, which is what makes them so helpful. They work without you needing any years of martial arts practice. Many of these tools are actually easy to use even when you're very scared, your hands are shaking, and your heart is racing. Try to practice with them first so your muscle memory kicks in during those stressful situations.

Some people (incorrectly) believe that all less-lethal tools are legal across Canada. That's not how it works in reality. Canadian laws look at what the tool is and why you're carrying it. Just to give you a clear example, bear spray is completely legal in Canada when you take it out hiking in areas with bears. But that same spray can become very illegal if you carry it in your purse downtown to protect yourself from people.

You might hear some people say these tools won't stop someone who's on drugs or determined to hurt you. This concern has some truth to it. No way to defend yourself actually works every time. But these tools do still give you a better chance when you need some help. They usually create enough distraction or delay so you can get away safely.

You might worry about some legal problems after you defend yourself. You can actually be looking at serious charges for too much force, even when someone attacks you first. Less-lethal tools can give you a middle option. You can protect yourself then, without the danger of accidentally causing someone's death when you panic. Always remember that your job should be to escape the situation, not to win a fight.

Myth #3 - They Aren't Legal to Use in Canada

You could be surprised to learn that Canadians can actually use some less-lethal tools for their self-defense. The main thing to remember is that these tools need to have a primary job other than protecting yourself from people - this can create an unusual gray area in Canadian law that tends to confuse people. You can have these items with you as long as you're carrying them for what they're meant to be used for.

Let's talk about our Byrna launchers to give you an example. These devices shoot less-lethal projectiles that can stop someone from attacking you in a dangerous situation. You don't need any permits to own one of them in Canada. They fire projectiles at speeds under 500 feet per second, so the law sees them more as air guns instead of real weapons.

Dog spray is another good example for you. You can legally carry bear or dog spray when you're concerned about animals attacking you. Usually, hikers and walkers bring these sprays along with them to areas where they might run into dangerous wildlife. Just make sure, though, that you don't tell anyone you're carrying it to use against people. What you say about why you have it matters quite a bit if police officers ask you questions.

Your items can work in two ways for you, too. Take tactical flashlights - they're completely legal because they mainly help you to see in the dark. They're built strong enough to protect you if needed. Tactical pens work in the same way for you. They write like normal pens but come made with stronger materials that could help you in dangerous situations.

Remember that Canadian law still asks you to use necessary force when defending yourself - that means you shouldn't go too far when protecting yourself from any danger. Generally, try to use just enough force to get away safely. When the courts look at your case, Canadian courts will see if what you did made sense based on the threat you were dealing with at the time.

Myth #4 - They Aren't a Good Fit for Women

People love to make the mistake of thinking that women always need smaller self-defense tools. But this myth can really limit your options. Women come in all shapes and sizes with different strength levels and abilities. Some women are actually stronger than some men, and vice versa.

You should pick a tool that works for you personally. Lots of women do well with the standard-sized self-defense items that aren't sold as "female versions."

When you train and practice, the exact tool you pick matters less. Also, you'll be in a better position if you practice with a standard pepper spray instead of buying a cute mini version and then never using it until an emergency happens. Often, when you're familiar with your self-defense tool, you'll manage stressful situations better.

Think about what actually fits into your life instead of what the ads say you need. Do you want something that's attached to your keychain? Or maybe you'd prefer a device that fits in your pocket or purse? Your habits and the locations where you might need some protection should help you make your choice.

Try a few different options before you choose what to buy. Stores let you try out the training versions of their products. It helps you find what fits your hand size and comfort level when you try them out. You might end up surprised by which tools feel most natural to use.

Awareness helps you make quick decisions and use the tools you feel confident with. Don't let anyone's assumptions about what you "should" carry narrow down your options. The best self-defense tool is basically the one you'll actually have with you and know how to use when you need it.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

When you look at these myths about less-lethal self-defense tools, it shows how being well-educated makes a real difference between safety and just feeling safe when you're not. These tools work when you use them! They deserve the same respect and care that you'd give to any other safety equipment you own.

What safety measures have you already put in place for yourself and your family? People can usually get better results by creating a full safety plan instead of depending on just one answer. You might want to upgrade your home security, take some self-defense classes, and have the right tools where you can reach them when needed. Since your situation is different from everyone else's, your safety strategy should fit what you need and what makes you comfortable.

You can get the best protection when you get your mind and body ready. When you practice with your chosen tool, generally, you'll probably use it more in moments that count. Have you taken some time recently to practice with your latest self-defense options?

When you need some reliable protection, we're here to help you with less-lethal self-defense options. We have less-lethal pistols, rifles, CO2 cartridges, and sirens that don't need any background checks and stay legal across all provinces. We deliver directly to your home, and we even give you free shipping on launcher orders.

Visit Byrna.ca to check out our self-defense products today!

After reading this article, did you have any questions about anything we discussed? Was there anything you were hoping for a little more clarification on? Or, perhaps, were you looking for more information on our products? If yes to any of these questions, please feel free to let us know at any time. We're always more than happy to help you out as best we can!

Additionally, if you're looking for further information on less-lethal self-defense in general, we highly recommend checking out our other articles. We have a vast amount of information available to you entirely for free, so you're bound to find something related to your particular needs. And if there isn't an article on what you're looking for, be sure to let us know. We may end up writing about it in the future.