Re: Using pepper spray on menacing dogs (discussion)

[Confuzius]

Mod note: This discussion on the wisdom of using pepper spray on menacing dogs has been split from a thread in WCIF on where to find pepper spray.
--DB, WCIF Moderator

Im tired I'd getting chased down on my bike by those little 4 legged bastards with teeth, where can I find a spray can of pepper spray or anti dog spray, or heck anti bear spray

Thankx

This sounds like a HORRIBLE idea.

So, instead of peddling as fast as you can, you're gonna stop and try to aim at a dog while on your bike? Or at least slow down?

I'd just find another bike route.

[urodacus]

No, no, he's rite on the money.

Also, tasers, a large spade, and fireworks work well.

The spade is heavy, the taser unreliable, and the fireworks are a right bitch to light while you're actually moving. But a ball shooter works wonders against a pack of those damned taiwan mountain hooligans (dog or not).

[Super Hans]

Just stop.
And they will stop.

And that's usually the end of it. Dogs chase things that move and if you move, you'll get chased.
A good stare often puts them back in their rightful place. There really is no need for pepper spray.

[Hamletintaiwan]

This sounds like a HORRIBLE idea.

So, instead of peddling as fast as you can, you're gonna stop and try to aim at a dog while on your bike? Or at least slow down?

I'd just find another bike route.

No, it's not.
My wife uses it all the time when we ride our tandem in the park.
The dogs really back off and you don't have to spray it into their face, either. Just somewhat into their direction.
Although, one time we were attacked by several dogs and my wife panicked thus spraying it all over me instead the dogs.

B&Q Taipei near Shilin night market used to have pepper-spray.

[upandover]

It's hard to "change your route to one with no dogs" when your biking across the island, because there isn't a bleeping road in this country that isn't infested with them. and yes I can bike and spray at the same time. I've been attacked 4 times in less then 3 months, maybe a good shot of the stuff to the nose will keep them from going after others as well.

I did manage to find some in a army surplus store after, thanks for the suggestion.

[Ex Animo]

You're probably making the same mistake that 99 percent of people make and assume that a dog chasing you is 'attacking' you. I'll happily come show you how to behave around these dogs, for free, if you let me video it. Pepper spray will likely make them actually aggressive to others and, as has been mentioned here, can also backfire. You might also want to take a step back to understand what's really making you so angry so readily.

[Nuit]

Agree that the best way to stop the chase is to dismount and stand up to the dog. A firm voice and a couple of steps towards the animal is normally enough for it to back down. This approach worked fine with all the beasts I rode past in Tibet (which are in general larger, more aggressive and more territorial than most mountain dogs here).

I understand though that if you're racing through on a road bike, you don't want the bother of having to stop and dismount to do this. But I don't like the idea of pepper spray. Not nice for the dog, and not good for local relations.

Funny but I never seem to much of a problem in Taiwan with this. I *was* nipped on the ankle when hiking last year, but that was a pack of 10 swarming dogs at a 'farm-house' deep inside Taroko.

[BigJohn]

How about a water gun? Most dogs that aren't REALLY pissed off will usually sulk away like pussies if you give them a few squirts. And it's more of a dominance thing than a hideous experience that will make them even more crazy.

[rk1951]

I bought my pepper spray at one of those shops that sell BB guns! I keep it in my scooter under the seat at all times. I got ran off the road years ago by a crazy blue truck driver. After he cut me off he tried to run me over. I stopped and him and his betel nut buddy jumped out of their truck ready to bash me. I quickly grabbed my pepper spray. Once they saw that, they backed off and even said sorry to me in broken English. So yes, pepper spray will work great on stray dogs or betel nut blue truckers!

[finley]

I thought 'toothsome' meant attractive and alluring, so I'm not sure what TheGingerMan gets up to in his spare time.

But +1 to the general sentiment. Street dogs spend their entire lives getting kicked and abused by thick-as-pigshit locals, and you're talking about escalating that to a whole new level? There's a pack of semi-wild dogs near my place that chased after me and barked like crazy when I first arrived. I started off by just strolling slowly past and ignoring them, and they quickly lost interest. Now I say hello to them. Sometimes they follow me around. There's a 'tarded one that expects a belly-rub. If you're coming across the same dogs on a regular cycling route, the sensible thing would be to make friends with them, or at least get them used to your occasional presence. It would be cheaper, for one thing.

Blue truck drivers? Go for it. Maybe you can find a taser too.