Originally Posted by
nomo4me
Sorry to snark, it was pointless.
Weather you had the opportunity to use a defensive weapon or not, refusing to accept the concept of carrying *something* (who said gun?) out of principle makes it hard to empathize with you as you encounter the dangers of your route.
Amonia water in a bottle would be a good start to learnin' the dogs you encounter that you are not submissive to them.
I should have been more clear. The sheriff's deputy clearly meant a firearm when he said, "weapon."
I have used HALT! (pepper spray) against some dogs in the past, with mixed results, but it would not have worked with this pack. Their usual M.O. has been to stay in front of the bike (where pepper spray tends to fly back in your face if you spray it). I also doubt I would have been quick enough on the draw to have hit the biter before he bit. Dogs who play will let you see them. Dogs who want to bite you are sneaky. They catch you fast and they catch you from the blind side.