If I dont personaly know the dog I dont even try Mick. Its not worth being bit over. If a dog does come at me though i dont even bother with the spray. I shove my size 14 foot right in the chops. Ive had to do this twice. I personaly think the shoe works way better then spray. Specialy when there is 220 pounds of me behind that kick. I once punted an ankle bighter a good 15 feet with the owner mowig there front yard right in front of me. The funny part was the owner was like nice kick the dog deserved it for charging you. This was on another persons route I was carrying a split on but still was funny I thaught.