Dogs on the trail

[Nanno]

I've never heard of needing a permit to carry pepper spray for bears/dogs. Bear spray comes in a minimum-sized can of around 8 oz. and have about a 30-foot range. It is highly recommended and widely available in bear territory because it is by far the most effective deterrent for a charging bear--more so than guns even. Bear spray works just as well on charging dogs. If bears aren't an issue in your area and dogs are the only worry, the smaller short-range sprays are a very effective deterrent without having to carry a special holster with a bottle the size of a can of spray paint.