Dog spray mount?

[emily_in_nc]

This one is better, it attaches to the bar itself.

Has anyone used a holder like this? Hopefully I won't ever have to actually spray a dog, but after the other day I will feel better if I have something like this out there for my solo country rides.

I have one similar to this -- believe I bought it from Nashbar (years ago) specifically to hold cans of Halt. I have a drop bar bike, and it sits on the top of the bar very close to the stem. Very convenient.

Problem is, you still can't always get to it in time if a dog or dogs startle you by coming out of nowhere. When I had my accident in which I fractured my pelvis, the dogs came running from the side from behind trees and caught me totally by surprised. I was reaching for my Halt (in the holder) when I touched my DH's rear wheel and went down. Hard.

If you tend to freeze in panic situations, as I sometimes do, it may not keep you safe. Still, it's better than not at all, and much faster than reaching into a pocket.

[Velocivixen]

@Catrin, my creativity comes from necessity (didn't have a lot of $$$ growing up). I totally understand your need for fashion.

Let us know what you figure out.

[Catrin]

I have one similar to this -- believe I bought it from Nashbar (years ago) specifically to hold cans of Halt. I have a drop bar bike, and it sits on the top of the bar very close to the stem. Very convenient.

Problem is, you still can't always get to it in time if a dog or dogs startle you by coming out of nowhere. When I had my accident in which I fractured my pelvis, the dogs came running from the side from behind trees and caught me totally by surprised. I was reaching for my Halt (in the holder) when I touched my DH's rear wheel and went down. Hard.

If you tend to freeze in panic situations, as I sometimes do, it may not keep you safe. Still, it's better than not at all, and much faster than reaching into a pocket.

Yikes! I hope there are no lasting ramifications to that injury.

I think having it in a pocket would be about the same as not having one. It wouldn't have helped Saturday but hopefully there won't be any repeats of that situation....

@Catrin, my creativity comes from necessity (didn't have a lot of $$$ growing up). I totally understand your need for fashion.

Let us know what you figure out.

I understand this perfectly, I will let you know what I settle on. I certainly need something that I can access quickly and easily - and won't clash with my bike

[ridebikeme]

Catrin, I hope your wounds are healing!

The one thing that I want to caution you about is wind... I've had a couple of customers who have been cycling for many years, but somehow didn't realize that the wind was blowing and the spray ended up back in their face... which of course made the situation much worse.

Take care and be careful !!

[Catrin]

Any ideas about using an air horn rather than chemicals? My supervisor is thinking this might be a better choice as dogs have such sensitive ears and could work from a further distance....

[indysteel]

I wouldn't bother with an air horn. Most dogs will retreat if you hell at them in a stern and loud voice. Or they'll at least retreat long enough to buy you a bit more time to get away or dismount and shield yourself with your bike. Shouting and a squirt of water from a water bottle (carry one for just this purpose since you use a Camelback) will usually do the trick, at least in my experience.

Now dogs that ambush you are simply tough to deal with. I've had some come pretty darn close. All I could really do in that adrenaline rush was yell and sprint. I'm not sure I'd have the presence to grab anything, even if it was easy to reach.

[grey]

Most dogs know what "NO!" means and it at least makes them pause. I do have spray that's clipped to my handlebar, but I have had some that were FAST and trying to bite at my tires before I knew it.

All the dogs see is someone "running" past their territory - and in the dog world, if you are running that means you don't belong there. If you were walking and taking your time and strutting like you owned the place, they'd leave you alone. It's really weird. That's also why they bark if someone knocks at the door and stands there - if you belong there, you just walk right in and... no barking ensues.

[emily_in_nc]

Any ideas about using an air horn rather than chemicals? My supervisor is thinking this might be a better choice as dogs have such sensitive ears and could work from a further distance....

I have both. The nice thing about an airhorn is that it works on cars too! It's also a bit easier to get to than Halt. It can be used before the dog is close enough to spray. I have used it much more than the Halt, which is best reserved when a dog is right on you, nipping at your ankles, or about to. That said, I hardly ever need to use my horn. It is ugly, though and has an air part and a horn part that both have to be mounted to your bike. Definitely not for folks who care about looking chic on their bike. I long since got over that (after my accident).

And yes, I have chronic pain from my accident. One of my fractures was serious and required surgery. I have a 5" metal plate and 4 pins in my right ilium, and it affects me to this day. I used to be a fast rider and do 3000-4000 miles a year, but I can't do that anymore. Still, it could have been worse. At least I am still able to ride, and recently have started using a TENS unit during rides; it helps quite a bit.

[malkin]

Catrin--
You need to find out how Bob Roll carries the Bazooka he talks about in those TV ads!