I regularly trail run and mountain bike in an area with large, not always well controlled, dogs, plus wild coyotes and mountain lions. Recently I had two experiences that made me think about safety. In the first, a German shepherd repeatedly charged at me with bared teeth, though didn’t make contact, until finally an owner thankfully showed up. In the second, a large coyote ran up a path toward me until it was surprisingly close, within 20 ft, and I was preparing for contact, and then it casually deviated around me a little and just kept going.
I’m thinking carrying a fairly compact pepper spray (or mace?) product is probably warranted. Any recommendations?
I get mine at pet smart. Easy to carry. Effective but pet-specific. Straight focused stream.
Interesting, looks like they sell a citronella product that they claim is as effective as 10 percent pepper spray without the health consequences of the latter. I think of this as a last resort, if a domestic or wild animal is closing in for an attack, so I’m not too worried about injuring the animal in that context, though if it works just as well, certainly don’t mind avoiding harm.
Various options on Amazon, including “advanced police strength” spray that includes “major capsaicinoids” plus CS tear gas, that sounds promising if my physical health and life are on the line.
I’m also interested in starting to carry a pepper spray after a recent close call with a dog attack. Looking for something that I don’t have to carry in my hand the entire time or that just clips on and then bounces around. Any recommendations for a secure carrying method?
First, let me say I completely believe you on the issue and your need of spray………with that said…I have run trails with my Border Collie for years. Many year in Montana, outside of Billings and in the adjacent mountains. I have never had one issue with a dog or animal. My little Gwennie has warned me of bear, startled Moose. You name it. I just don’t understand all these loose dogs that bother people. …………….Again, I 100% believe you. Is this more a thing where people who live in the city take there cooped up dogs and let them loose on trails without being proper owners? Its sad that owners are giving dogs a bad rap
A neighbor sells some self defense devices, pepper spray, stun guns etc. One day she joined us for a morning run and she brought this little half glove looking thing that she wore on her hand, I asked what it was and she showed me and I immediately bought one from her as I was attacked by a dog when out running alone one morning. I wasn’t sure if it was ok to share her personal link but if you do a quick google search on Hot Lil Hand Pepper Spray you’ll see what i’m talking about, I like it because it stays in my hand without having to hold onto the device.
I regularly trail run and mountain bike in an area with large, not always well controlled, dogs, plus wild coyotes and mountain lions. Recently I had two experiences that made me think about safety. In the first, a German shepherd repeatedly charged at me with bared teeth, though didn’t make contact, until finally an owner thankfully showed up. In the second, a large coyote ran up a path toward me until it was surprisingly close, within 20 ft, and I was preparing for contact, and then it casually deviated around me a little and just kept going.
I’m thinking carrying a fairly compact pepper spray (or mace?) product is probably warranted. Any recommendations?
I’ve been bit by dogs four times on the run (two of those, the owners gave me a hard time and I called animal control). Also been chased on the bike. I carry a small pepper spray can that has an elastic loop that fits on the belt/waist pouch that I keep my phone and id in. I have a few different brands and they’re basically all the same, the key as someone pointed out is the carrying convenience. the times I’ve been bit I had little or no warning (had earbuds in, or the dog didn’t bark but just attacked), so getting to the spray quickly is paramount. In areas with a high likelihood of problems, the spray is in my hand an unlocked. While I carry it on the bike, it’s been easier to just downshift and get the heck out than to try an get the spray ready. The stuff works, or at least on me, was testing it by spraying it in the bathroom sink, more powerful than imagined, back spray hit me in the face…wasn’t pleasant!
Various options on Amazon, including “advanced police strength” spray that includes “major capsaicinoids” plus CS tear gas, that sounds promising if my physical health and life are on the line.
Well if it is this one I can testify that is burns like crazy and doesn’t wash off easily
I am on my 2nd one of these. I used it while cycling a few weekends ago on a very aggressive dog. Some of it got on my legs and on my fingers and hand. Those areas burned like a sunburn for the rest of the day even after trying to wash it with soap and water several times. I was fine the next day. I think it would work well if one is running, but cycling it is hard to use while in motion and actually hit the dog. It fits in the CalPac storage and is easy to reach. Most dogs on my route(s) must have been sprayed by someone else because lately I can just point my hand back at them like I am going to spray and they stop quickly. This was the second time I have been sprayed. The first time was a friend in front of me sprayed a dog and the mist blew back on me. Fortunately it was a different brand that was mild and I had sunglasses on.
I may try something different next time that sprays better, but for running it probably would be effective and it is small.
Bear Spray if you’re worried about big wildlife. It has way more range than most small pepper sprays. It’s not particularly compact but if it will stop a Grizzly Bear, it should stop just about anything. I take it all the time in my jersey pocket and trail running hydration vests hold it nicely.
I unfortunately got a taste of the stuff by accident last summer and even just the tiniest bit was like breathing in fire.
I have across wolves and bears while trail running and mountian biking, I 've never thought about spray for them, but I am less worried about the animals as I am people.
I have across wolves and bears while trail running and mountian biking, I 've never thought about spray for them, but I am less worried about the animals as I am people.
I’ve had a few bad experiences with domesticated and semi-feral dogs.
Very rarely had bad experiences with wild animals.
Thankfully haven’t had bad experiences with people, but agreed there’s potential there.
I live at the base of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. In this area, there appears to be a competition among the citizenry to see who can have the largest, meanest, fastest loose dog. Plus, the occasional bear comes to watch what’s happening on the roads. I’ve been bitten by a pit mix that was hunting in a pack and mauled by a chow. (I was “unarmed” both times.) So, I’ve got experience.
As for pepper sprays – those marketed for the purpose (think “Halt”) are too mild and have too short a range. They work well to repel friendly dogs who are playing. For mean dogs, I will join with the others in recommending bear spray. Mean dogs will make a second attack run even after being hit in the face by the milder sprays. BUT, bear spray has its drawbacks, too. For one, you’ve actually got to hit the animal to make it stop. And, if the wind is strong and blowing in a funny direction (not at the animal), there’s a chance you will miss or even get yourself instead. I find this rather unpleasant and counterproductive.
In this area, we carry small North American Arms .22 revolvers. We load them with powder shot. If an animal charges and gets on the road, we fire in the air. 99% of dogs and other animals will immediately turn tail and leave the area. Rarely will an animal keep charging with the same vigor as before the discharge. But if they do, we will fire in the direction of the dog or other animal. The powder shot doesn’t break the skin, but it gives enough of a sensation that even the most aggressive of animals will stop. (Disclaimer: We’ve never had to try this with a bear. I’m not sure how an angry bear would react to the powder shot. They tend to run away with a little hooting and hollering in their general direction.)
