My friend thought it was funny I kept my tools on me until today--I almost pepper sprayed a dog

Good morning, folks. I was on a 3 mile run at 6 this morning with a friend. I have my flashlight in my left hand since it's dark and my POM OC in my right pocket, and I am constantly scanning the surroundings. About half a mile in, we're in a neighborhood and begin making a turn onto a street. I notice a big dog about 30 yards away on the street we're turning onto. I immediately get my light pointed at it and my POM in my right hand. The dog is on the right side of the road standing in the grass, and my friend is behind me while we are running on the left side. We get within probably 10 yards, and he has already started growling and barking. I slow down so my friend can pass/get behind me, and the dog starts running towards us. My friend said I had started issuing commands at the dog like he was a person when we rolled up on it, and I only remember yelling to stop or and stay back. The dog immediately stopped, but kept growling and barking. I continued moving backwards up the road, keeping my light in its face and POM pointed at it. After I got about 30 yards away, we took off running again, checking behind us to make sure he wasn't following.After the run, my friend said he was going to mention the dog when he saw it but knew I already was aware of it. He also told me that he felt safe knowing that I would take care it (confidence boost?). It's safe to say he doesn't find it funny running with pepper spray and a flashlight anymore.A few lessons learned:- The adrenaline was already flowing on the run. I felt present in the situation, and my motor skills seemed unchanged. I think it's interesting I was issuing commands without thinking about it.- Practicing getting the POM out and at the ready was important beforehand.- I know some people carry while running, but the POM definitely gives me a sense of security without having to run with a hunk of metal. I will stick with the POM for the time being.- I showed some restraint. I didn't want to spray the dog, but told myself I would if he took another step.- I didn't even consider the wind direction. However, I was upwind from the dog, and would have lasered him with the spray.- We ran faster than ever! via /r/CCW https://ift.tt/3CJBfzc