I never thought of using my water bottle as a weapon . . . . . are batons heavy? I wonder if they're illegal here. I'll have to check with my cop friend.

I think most dogs will back off if I just get off my bike and act aggressive. I have a very protective German Shepherd, but I know if somebody actually had the nerve to bark back at her she'd probably run off with her tail between her legs. It wouldn't hurt to have some sort of protection, though, for those unusually aggressive dogs.