It won't blind a dog (permanently, which is what I assume one poster meant)....it's a highly irritating substance, but RARELY leaves permanent damage.

Also, don't use it all, a one to two second burst is all you need (usually).

One major issue with using OC ("pepper spray") however, is that your leaving an animal temporarily unable to see...on a road, possibly with other traffic. The dog will do everything it can to get it off it's face, running around and rubbing it's face and head area into the ground. This could cause the dog to run into traffic causing a larger issue. The difference is, if you spray a person, and they are compliant, you can verbally calm them and get them and you safely on the way.

And while it's true...an irritated owner could possibly come after you (literally)....but personally, I'm not going to live in fear of what someone MIGHT do when it comes to my safety. If a dog is going to bite, I'm going to protect myself...I have a right to. I will also do everything in my power to protect myself from the owner if need be.

On that note, while I carry OC spray on the job, I rarely ever have it with me while off-duty. In 25 years of riding I've only ever needed to give a shot of water to a doggies face and they break it off right away. It really does work.