I was wondering of any of you have ever used bear spray as a dog repellent? We live in a very rural area and my wife and I go on walks every couple of days. A couple of days ago we had a pitbull force it's way through a gate and came charging at us across the street. I pulled my S&W .40 and when it got to about 10 feet I fired into the dirt next to it and it stopped, probably from the noise. We slowly backed away and it finally lost interest. My wife said she would have felt really bad if I had shot it. So maybe bear spray would be a better alternative. What do you think?
Dog repellent
- Thread starter Gr8bawana
- Start date
Idahoarcheryhunter
Well-known member
Pit bulls can do some serious damage you showed more restraint than I would have, bear spray will stop one for sure.
oldillini
Active member
Might try this ... https://www.sabrered.com/pepper-spray/protector-dog-spray-belt-clip. Personally have not had to use it, but I do carry it or another dog deterrent brand called HALT when I cycle.
Walkathon
Well-known member
Good question - rode my bike past a neighbors house last year and a large dog came after me while I was riding down the road, and I wondered exactly what I was supposed to do if it caught me on the bike? I was pulled off my bike as a kid by a big dog and it wasn't fun. Interested to see what options are available as well.
M
MN Public Hunter
Guest
I want to know what the dog owner said when you talked to them about their dogs behavior. I realize this is a pitbull, but I have heard using an auto opening umbrella on charging dogs works. If not, you have the 40 cal 
I want to know what the dog owner said when you talked to them about their dogs behavior. I realize this is a pitbull, but I have heard using an auto opening umbrella on charging dogs works. If not, you have the 40 cal
An umbrella was good enough for Henry Jones to kick some Nazi butt, it may work for anything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzE6-WZtOi4
I think the bear spray would work as a deterent, myself. If it's going to ruin a bear's day, it'll ruin a pit bull's day. Although, a 40 will do just as good. No love for pits.
NCSU_Lewis
Member
I have heard good things about pepper spray and dogs. That is my biggest worry running, but should probably worry more about the several thousand pound rolling metal boxes with people texting. Hope you don't have to find out how it works!
LuketheDog
Well-known member
I keep trying to get my wife to carry it when she runs, there are a few aggressive dogs around I worry about...
HighDesertSage
Well-known member
I've had more problems with domestics dogs than bears and lions combined. Those white sheep dogs on the mountain can be a serious issue, as well as the neighbor who can't contain their animal. I gave my neighbors pit mix a face full of the stuff in 2011 when I lived in NM. That dog tucked tail and ran crying like a baby. I'd feel bad too if I shot someone's dog, but I still carry both just in case the spray isn't enough.
Side note, be prepared to taste some of that stuff if you discharge the can. It's potent.
Side note, be prepared to taste some of that stuff if you discharge the can. It's potent.
Use the spray. It's not as messy as killing the dog. Once breeds get a rep, it's easy to be reactive just because of the type of dog. I've had Rottweilers my whole life. Sometimes the sterotype pisses me off, but keeping control of a dog is key. Especially big aggressive dogs. If my mutt did something stupid, I'd rather she took a load of spray than lead. Then at least I could evaluate what happened . mtmuley
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RobG
Well-known member
My dad used to walk a lot and has used bear spray on dogs before and it works well.
Aussie_hunter_JD
Well-known member
When I'm about to hop in the shower if my whippet follows me in I just say "hop in" turns tail and heads straight for the lounge! Doesn't work on the gsp though, she'd love to shower with me given half a chance!
Jokes aside i had a run in with a dog in my front yard, pittys are banned here but it definitely had some in it. I ended up jumping into the back of my ute. No bear stay or pistols here so no idea what I would have done in your position.
Jokes aside i had a run in with a dog in my front yard, pittys are banned here but it definitely had some in it. I ended up jumping into the back of my ute. No bear stay or pistols here so no idea what I would have done in your position.
noharleyyet
Well-known member
Serious situation all the way around. Ricochet, missing and it's on you or your wife, warning shot and it doesn't stop, wounding and it doesn't stop....a myriad of bad scenarios. Glad you had your weapon. Kudos on the self restraint.
No kidding. My guess is because the Wyoming antelope and help me pick a elk rifle topics are beat to death and still 8 months till season.
Wait until the MT legislature is in session if you want to see beat to death...
