Do you jog with pepper spray? Where do you store/hold it?

[Anonymous]

I have a SPIbelt, but it seems to bulky for my housekeys, phone, and pepper spray. Holding it in your hand seems uncomfortable. How do you jog with it? What style do you keep on you?

[Anonymous]

I have something similar to an SPIbelt. Pepper spray is kept on the belt with a small clip.

It is something similar to this
http://www.pepper-spray-store.com/collections/pepper-spray-keychains/products/keyrelease-10

And I am from Massachusetts to I even have a permit to carry it!

Grandfather was a cop and always said never to keep pepper spray inside of anything, because chances are if someone grabs you, you won't be able to unzip and search for your pepperspray.

[Anonymous]

You should find a running buddy or running group if you are in an area not safe to run. Where are you?

[Anonymous]

OP again - thanks for the keychain link. How do you wear it on your belt? Does it flop around when you're running?

PP - I'm less concerned about other humans, than dogs. Too many people with poorly trained lunging dogs.

[Anonymous]

FYI People become immune to pepper spray. If the person has been in jail he probably needs a larger dose.

[Anonymous]

Let me share a ridiculous and terrible unrelated anectdote about pepper spray (and OP, I totally hear you about the un-and under-trained dogs).

One time many years ago I was riffling through my pathetically overstuffed purse in the dark, and somehow managed to stick my fingers in just the right spot to discharge it onto my self a bit. That stuff is pretty effective.

[Anonymous]

I run holding a safety pin. Yup.
I'm considering running (jogging) holding a visible stick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again - thanks for the keychain link. How do you wear it on your belt? Does it flop around when you're running?

PP - I'm less concerned about other humans, than dogs. Too many people with poorly trained lunging dogs.

I just tuck it a little bit into the waistband of my pants.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget everyone, it's illegal to carry pepper spray in DC unless you register it and get a permit.

[Anonymous]

As someone who runs with dogs, some hints / suggestions / pleas that will make things easier for all of us to share the sidewalks and trails:

My dogs like people. They--like most animals--don't like being startled though. If you can avoid startling them, everyone will be happier.

If I see you coming, I will try to avoid you, generally by darting into the street. The sidewalk isn't really wide enough for all of us. But I'm only human and cannot see around corners or through or over minivans in driveways, etc. We aren't exactly stealthy though, so I'd be surprised if you couldn't hear us coming (dog tags are pretty noisy). If you cannot hear us coming, you might want to turn down the tunes a bit.

It would help if you followed the rules of the road and jogged on the side of the street with the opposing traffic. You should be jogging toward headlights, not having them come up behind you. This is for your safety, not just mine.

If a lunging dog (on a standard leash, not the horrible extendable leashes that I would like to see banned) can reach you, you are too close to the person on the other end. I would consider that violating my personal space if I didn't have the dogs with me anyhow. Standard leashes are six feet long, by the way.

I can't speak for all dog owners, of course. And I don't disagree that some owners have been terribly negligent in their training. But understanding can help prevent problems.

I hope you never have the need to use pepper spray on humans or canines.

[Anonymous]

I carry the pepper spray in my hand, with the loop around my pinkie and the spray nozzle open and ready to go. Most assaults happen unexpectedly and I don't want to be reaching into my holster for the spray. Better to have it at the ready.

And for those who say it's illegal in DC. Yes, it is, but I still carried it (when I lived there) because better to be safe and protect myself than be caught offguard. I don't think a cop is going to arrest you if he sees you jogging with pepper spray, cradled in your hand.

[Anonymous]

I love this one. Barely notice I'm holding it with the strap. http://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Police-Strength-Pepper-Spray/dp/B002E6RERU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

[Anonymous]

^^ thanks for that link!

[Anonymous]

I wonder what I'm missing here but I've never felt unsafe running and I've never had a problem with a dog. I don't run in the dark, so maybe thats why. I run on the Capital Crescent Trail, the Mount Vernon Trail, along the mall and in my neighborhood (Woodley Parkish). The only thing I have anxiety about is the cyclists, especially on the CCT. Those people could kill you.

[Anonymous]

I've had dogs lunge at me, and I have a dog and like dogs. There's something about running by some dogs that freaks them out, even when they appear to see you coming. When I run by dogs, I always go way around therm.