Beware of the ground wasps

Have you ever seen those really pretty big ant looking red and black wingless wasps?
I had just put the dogs out today when I noticed one racing along the grass.
I put them in the house and went to get the wasp spray. I finally located him near the steps to the porch and sprayed him. I sprayed him three times with no big affect on him. He/she would stumble and pick up running again all the while sending out the longest stinger I had ever seen. It looked like a piece of hair jutting in and out of him. I imagine that would send one curious puppy or dog yiping in pain.
I finally put him in the lid of the wasp killer can and carried him outside the fence into the driveway. I sliced him in half because he would not die when I tried to smash him with the lid. After he was in two pieces he still had his stinger going in and out. Sheesh, that is one determined insect or arachnid. Not sure where he fits in the world of creepy crawlies.
Just wanted to warn anyone about these pretty bugs and to keep the pets away when you see them.
Has anyone ever been stung by one of these? I would sure hate to think what that would feel like.