First off - I appreciate and understand everyones feedback regarding my dog and his earlier tire obsession. As I said in an earlier post... I didn't feel uncomfortable with the concerns posted afterward. I wanted to clear up one other thing - i.e. the 'style' the story was written.

I tend to be lighthearted in my storytelling... I know that, with the absence of face-to-face obsevation, it may appear that I don't 'get' the seriousness of the issue - for that I apologize to the group. I do get it... I am a dog lover and a great believer in a well behaved pet. I also realize the dangers, both to cyclist and pet, regarding possible accidents. For those of you who may have been offended or thought I was simply a nutcase with a bad dog... again, apologies.

Now, as to mace/pepper spray deterants; I noticed for some there was a hesitation (in thought) to use them for fear of hurting the animal. Might I suggest a deterrant I've found to be useful: citronella spray. I use it on Quidditch as a training aid and it works where no other means has. It was recommended to me by a trainer.

The citronella doesn't hurt the dog physically, but a spray to the face really stops the action... most hate it. It's used in no-bark collars and the like as an alternative to shock collars. Admittedly, pepper spray is probably more of a sure thing since it tends to stop anything.

Just a thought...

I think its good that this thread is open again... it is an informative and supportive means of sharing info regarding what, for some, is a scary facet of cycling. The more folks that share their stories and what worked, the better equipped everyone is.

Respectfully - spazzdog