Quote Originally Posted by SandyLS
Hubby has resorted to Halt, a pepper spray designed especially as a dog deterent, several times. The results have always been effective. The most amazing thing is not that the dogs stop dead in their tracks and then head off in another direction, but on future rides past the same dogs they seem to have lost all interest in chasing us. We carry it in a holster on our handle bars. I don't know if it is helpful in all cases, but so far it has worked for us even with some pretty large and agressive acting dogs. Our local bike shop won't carry the product. His wife thinks that it is cruel. As a dog lover and owner of two (fenced yard) I tend to think that the injuries to a dog that runs out into the road would be even worse.
I agree with you Sandy about the pepper spray. I have worked for animal control and we do carry pepper spray and will use it if need be. I did ask my boss (veterinarian) if pepper spray would cause damage to the eyes and he said no. If you think about it, if pepper spray can stop a 200 pound man, it sure would have a good effect on a 70 pound dog. I would much rather be cruel and spray the dog (if it needed to be done) then have the thing knock me off my bike and then start chewing on me.

I also would carry pepper spray that would be used against grizzly bears in the mountians when I would go hiking. I have heard of people that have used spray on the bears and has worked to be able to get away.

I am a complete animal lover myself and am big against abuse...but if it is going to save a wreck for me or the dog, I would much rather use it. Dogs are smart, it would take only one time and the next time, I could see them running the other way...Just my opinion