Not exactly a survival topic, but I seem to recall someone years ago asking about a good stick for self-defense. I think he had to fend off angry dogs or something. No idea whether this stick works, but, hey, we love gadgets! So here is a gadget to check out:

http://www.amazon.com/Hike-Strike-Flashl...s=walking+stick

The ancillary products on that page are also interesting - "stun gun flashlight walking stick"for instance..I wonder if any of these work any better than your repurposed mop handle.

I think that was me that asked. Having the business end of the stunner in the dirt/pavement doesn't strike me as a particularly good design. FWIW, I ended up with OC spray in the console of the kids' stroller.

Having been involved (in my youth) in training working dogs (some of the work was attack/protection work) I'm pretty confident that a stun gun (electric shock... not to be confused with an actual Taser's embedded barbs) is as likely to increase the attack/prey behavior as to dissuade it. To make shock work you have to time it to just BEFORE the animal is committed to the attack. If he's already on the way, I wouldn't shock. Truly most of them don't "stun" they shock/hurt. I've seen this further enrage an attacking dog.

OC spray, I think, is a better bet. Pain isn't the only consequence: vision and breathing effects also ensue. I'd buy a small canister of Bear Spray if I were that concerned about dog attack. By the way:some come with warnings "Not to be used on humans"..... but any thug attacking one of us is not, in my judgment, human.

I've never come across an angry dog, but they do seem to single me out.
I've had dogs come up to me with stones in the mouths and drop them in front of me wanting to play 'fetch'. Most just wag their tails and meet up with a friendly greeting waiting for a head pat..even big black Alsatians who run up to me in the dark. I just look them in the eye to eye and give them a smile...

When biking, I have successfully given a "nice doggie" response. It usually works and most dogs seem dreadfully confused...I do keep the bicycle between me and the pooch, just in case sterner measures are required.

friends gave me one of the Boyds laminated walking sticks for my 60th.... 1" x 49", nylon webbing loop strap, rubber tip... view of the grip area