HALT! animal repellent

[Dogmama]

yeah, those two are bad ones, that's for sure.

Be careful with your Halt. Some highly adrenalized dogs will only become more aggressive when sprayed.

Remember the two "S's"

1. Spray
2. Sprint

[emily_in_nc]

yeah, those two are bad ones, that's for sure.

Be careful with your Halt. Some highly adrenalized dogs will only become more aggressive when sprayed.

Remember the two "S's"

1. Spray
2. Sprint

Actually, it's Triple SSS, at least for me:

1. Swear
2. Spray
3. Sprint

[El Hombre]

I've used Fox Labs OC before. It's about the hottest pepper spray you can buy. I used it once on a well known problem dog and the dog now runs AWAY from cyclists, lol.. I carry a can in my jersey pocket.

[Cari]

...And please don't overuse it. I realize that there are *some* truly mean dogs, but most nasty-looking, loud-barking, bike-chasing dogs can be charmed into submission. I've been chased down by lots dogs who seem aggressive but turn out to be playful. Lots of times they just run next to me until they get tired, or if I slow down they might lick my leg (I think they like the salty flavor of sweat -- yuck! ) or sniff my tires. And if it's a dog you come across regularly while biking, it might be worth the time and effort to try and make friends.

Also be careful that the stuff doesn't get on your skin, because those cans ted to leak and if the stuff gets on you it will burn your skin. Just imagine what it would do to a dog's eyes, mouth and nose.

Be safe,

C

[rij73]

Very well said Cari! I was trying to figure out how to say something like that, but you did it eloquently.

Sandra, your dogs are adorable! They definitely seem to rule the house. Not to hijack, but here's mine:

[sandra]

Yours is pretty relaxed too! Cute!

I doubt I'll ever use the spray on dogs. We don't really have a problem with dogs. We ride the rails to trails and over the years we have had several incidents of reported attacks by people, not dogs. I hope I never use it at all, BUT, if I'm every by myself, I'll feel better being prepared whether I ever use it or not. There is a tunnel area that is particularly scary.

[Scarlet]

What kinda dogs do you have that are out and out to chase you all???
Most of the roads and lanes i cycle have dogs but they are usually in gardens and if on the public places have to be on a lead.
occaisonally i have cycled thru a farm and had a dog chase me but i think i would not spray them its a bit harsh.... serious do the dogs bite you???

[RolliePollie]

Actually, it's Triple SSS, at least for me:

1. Swear
2. Spray
3. Sprint

No measley Triple S for me! Oh no, it's always the Quadruple S:

1. Scream
2. Swear
3. Spray
4. Sprint

Many times I add in extra screams for dramatic effect.

My scariest dog encounter was with a Rottweiler because I really think there was the potential for death (mine!). Second scariest was an Australian Shepherd because he was trying to bite my legs and back tire. Third scariest was a terrier because of the potential for a nasty crash. All three of these were within two days and I didn't hit any of them with my pepper spray (I was too terrified to think of grabbing it!). I'm hoping my quota is up for a while. It doesn't help that I'm scared of dogs in general.

[Cari]

Thanks for the support, rij.

Sandra, I'm glad to hear you were using it for personal safety -- sounds like you have the right idea.

Scarlet: Several times it's *looked* like the dog would try to bite me, but like I said, they just licked my leg. I've come across dogs along farms and narrow, winding mountain roads which are steep enough so that a quick getaway would be unlikely. Which is probably while I had to learn to deal with them. Fortunately, people who have truly dangerous dogs *usually* keep them confined.

I did encounter an aggressive-looking chow chow once while mountain biking. It was sort of scary because I was alone, and the trail winds around a lot, so if I'd kept going, he could have easily cut through the brush and reached me. So I calmly got off my bike while I was still at a safe distance, grabbed a water bottle, stood facing the dog, and put the bike between him and me. I kept track of Mr. Chow but pretended ignore him while I sipped some water. This went on for 5 or 10 seconds until he lost interest, turned around and walked away.

KSH: You're right, there's definite potential there for a wreck. That's partly why (unless the dog is very, very far away) I usually slow down instead of speeding up. Once I let them catch up, dogs will usually run alongside me at a safe distance, not toward me.

I actually had a close call once with a *cat* who seemed to think that he could outrun me. When I slowed down, he jumped right across my path and gave me a nice scare. What a nut.

[SouthernBelle]

I was nipped in June, so yes they will get you. Sometimes they do just want to run with you. I have an ankle-biter sized dog that regularly likes to chase me on one route. I miss him when he's not there.

As to chows, there was one that would come charging down from his home up on a hill, sounding like he was going to eat me up. I shout out, "Hello Puppy!" He sits down. Too funny.

[Dogmama]

Sometimes dogs are just jazzed by our feet turning on the pedals. It's hard to know, unless you are experienced in reading dogs. I even get surprised sometimes at the dog parks.

I have a funny cat story (thread hijack warning). Post surgery, I had to walk. I would walk up my street and the neighborhood cat would join me. He had a self-proscribed boundary. If I ventured beyond his boundary, he would grab my leg with his teeth & claws until I turned around. He is also the kind of cat that doesn't move for cars. He lays there & looks up like "So go around me!" Thankfully, this is a very quiet cul-de-sac and everybody knows about "Grey Cat."