Yes, it can, but I've shot a bear spray can off (not the little guy the big one) and it's pretty
forceful - at the 10-15 feet range you're still gonna spray what it's pointed at, just in a big wind maybe yourself too, albeit less than what you're spraying. I had to convince myself
in order to make an informed decision about switching to spray.

I've also shot an awful lot of handgun. I'd put more reliance bear spray than a handgun
in the hands of someone who has little experience shooting a handgun a lot and under pressure. Sorry, If the debate is 12 gauge versus bear spray, I agree with you. Handgun, no, pick the bear spray for the non-regular shooter.

I agree 100% with everything else though!

I know someone in law enforcement who teaches a RAD class, which might be an option for you both to quickly aquire some skills, and give you that good attitude about it.