Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Dog Attack!

I've never had trouble with dogs before; that is, until today. I had just started on my regular afternoon route when I heard this deep throated growl. I turned to see two lab/pit bull mix dogs bearing down on me. I had only traveled about .4 mile from my house. The dogs appeared from a large green space connected to Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home. I thought I would be able to outrun them, but they stayed with me as I had to go through several intersections. When I made my second turn one of the dogs got in front of me and cut me off. When I slowed to avoid crashing into him the dog on my left bit me two inches above my left ankle. Although I have never tried a cyclocross dismount, I pulled one off and put the bike between the dogs and myself. I lifted my bike and approached the dogs with the idea that I might have to use the bike as a weapon to drive the dogs off. The dogs decided to turn and run. I rode back home and attached my frame pump to my bike and made several blocks in hopes of spotting the dogs. After several circuits, I gave up and continued on with my regular ride. I made it home just as a rain began to fall. The bite turned out pretty superfical. Although the dogs mouth went all the way around my leg, the skin was broker in only three places. I think I'll pick up some pepper spray tomorrow.

you did all you that you could. I've found that getting off the bike to start with has been enough to disrupt their behavior, like I become a man with a weapon as you did rather than a sigular entity, a rolling bike. try a sporting goods store for bear spray.

You must have been jacked up for an hour or two after that! Superficial or not, rabies should be your main concern with those bites.

Call animal control. Those things need to be destroyed. If their owners cared about them, they wouldn't be running loose like that.

Call animal control. Those things need to be destroyed. If their owners cared about them, they wouldn't be running loose like that.

Yes, get the rabies shots and get the dogs put down.

Call Animal control, get to a doc (Emergency Room) ASAP for rabies shots. Rabies, unlike aids, can be prevented. Like aids though, there is no cure. Something like half a dozen people have survived rabies after symptoms start, from what I've read. Less (or none?) with no treatment.

Your water bottle will work as well. Wait till they are right next to you and squirt them in the face. That is usually enough to let you move on.

I have found hot coffee to be very effective also...

but you probably didn't have any ;)

You need to call animal control and get to the doctors office ASAP!

Another little trick is to carry a water bottle full of amonia for a quick face squirt. Just make sure you don't mistake the amonia bottle for your water bottle :lol:.

Yes, get the rabies shots and get the dogs put down.


Agreed. I love dogs, but they must be controlled and well cared for.

Ammonia is cruel.It can blind and disfigure.Pepper/bear spray is effective and not permanent.

sweet so you can be fumbling around trying to get the pepper spray out...

crash and then really be dog food!!!

be sure to aim that stuff the right way... or you'll be a crying blubbering pile of wrecked dog food!!!

I dismount as soon as possible when I am confronted with a dog chasing me. While it is true that if a dog is trained to attack as a police dog is it will become more or less fearless, most dogs that are out on the street will back down from a confrontation. The second reason I dismount immediately in the case of a dog is most dogs have a very strong instinct to chase prey, so if you continue to flee from them they will continue to chase you.

The second reason I dismount immediately in the case of a dog is most dogs have a very strong instinct to chase prey, so if you continue to flee from them they will continue to chase you.

if you do that then what is the point of all those intervals you have done?

sprint!!! (give Fido a workout too!!!) real problem here is a fitter dog (might be able to catch you next time)

be sure to skip the iPod to Iron Maiden, Run To The Hills!!!

"...run to the hiillllllsssssss, ruuuuun for your liiiiiffffffeeeeeee!!!!!!)

PS I love Iron Maiden ;)

A trained attack/defense dog is a well behaved animal.They do not attack unless told to do so.

And no matter what the substance you can fumble about getting it ready for use.Clumsy comes from inside.Remaining calm during a high stress situation allows action,not reaction.Plan for it,don't be a victim.

Two words: concealed carry.

When I was a teen I was chased down and bitten by a Dobie. It was inside the house when I rode by and it literally tore through the screen and came after me. It wasn't a bad bite, but it sure scared the hell out of me. When I got home we contacted our neighbor who was a cop. He took us to the house the dog came from and we confronted the owner for information the dog had a current rabies shot. Gave them a stiff fine for the dog getting out too.

Note to self: essential first accessories to include helmet, pump and pepper spray.

Ammonia is cruel.It can blind and disfigure.Pepper/bear spray is effective and not permanent.

Household ammonia can do neither of those. Industrial ammonia probably could but it would be in a gaseous state as it's boiling point is well below 0 C. For more information on Ammonia and other helpful household chemicals consult google. As it stands, household ammonia (which is typically 95% water anyways) is an irritant but the effects are less so than that of bear and pepper spray. Even less if you dilute it with water.

Anyways, my typical response in a thread like this is:

People > Dogs.

It's really that simple. How do you think this scenario would have worked out should these two dogs have chased down a child on their bicycle?

Two words: concealed carry.

Yeah, and end up in jail for discharging a weopen in city limits. That's real bright...maybe they will run away in fear when they see you waving it in the air...;)


On a more serious note, I would say that the amonia thing is overkill. A simple squirt from the water bottle is just as effective...

I've had two dogs that I have encountered in the last year and half or so. One ended up being completely harmless and just wanted to run after me, but the other one was much more aggressive. He got a face full of water.

The problem is there is no way to know the first time a dog comes after you. Heck, there is no guarantee a previously harmless dog won't suddenly change modes. The side note about what if it had been a kid instead of an adult on the bike is why I always call animal control with at least the area and description if I don't know an address.

As an owner of two pitbulls, it breaks my heart to hear more stories about terrible dog owners. I'm assuming you don't know who the owners were? Anyway, first thing is first...if the bite broke the skin and you don't know anything about the owners or if the dogs are up to date on their shots, then yes...you really need to call your doctor. If you know the owner and the dogs are up to date, then you're probably fine.

Next, I'm sure there's some kind of no-kill shelter or agency near you that should be notified. That way the dogs at least have a chance to be put in an appropriate place and not just put down because of an "owner's" irresponsibility.

I've had two dogs that I have encountered in the last year and half or so. One ended up being completely harmless and just wanted to run after me, but the other one was much more aggressive. He got a face full of water.

The problem is there is no way to know the first time a dog comes after you. Heck, there is no guarantee a previously harmless dog won't suddenly change modes. The side note about what if it had been a kid instead of an adult on the bike is why I always call animal control with at least the area and description if I don't know an address.


Very true, the closest that I have come to getting hurt on my bike involving a dog was just a friendly one that wanted to chase me. I noticed his owner walking him so I slowed down as I passed. Suddenly the dog took a charge at me, breaking his leash. The dog missed my rear wheel by a couple of inches. Even though the dog was just wanting to play, the outcome would have not been good for me if he had clipped my wheel and tossed me into traffic.

Well, a few years back, as I rode my motorcycle thru a local neighborhood, 2 dogs appeared in the road. The car in front of me slowed way down, as did I. Next thing I know there is a dog on either side of me, and the one bites my shin, right thru my jeans. First thing I did was pull over a few houses down the road and called the cops. That way I was in the area where the dogs are local. When the police officer arrived, he took down all my info and informed me that these dogs have been causing issues with others in the neighborhood, and there are little kids in this area. The owners did nothing! As the officer took my info, the dogs reappeared, the officer told me to move behind him and said that he was going to solve the problem then and there if they came closer. The dogs ran away, lucky for them.

I contacted the owners, who were more interested in covering their butts, but at least the dogs had their shots. The owners said that they would move the dogs to relatives, which most likely just moved the problem to another neighborhood.

I now never try to outrun a dog, stop and confront. Should you be injured, at least the police will have an easier time finding the dogs.

When I was a kid there used to be this dog who would jump the fence and "guard" the front of its house. It chased any and all bikers. Each time me and my friends would ride by, the dog would chase us and we would ride like hell. The dog never really could run fast enough to catch us on our Schwinns. These were the days when cops didn't bother coming over for domestic violence, much less a dog guarding its home! And there was no such thing as animal control either! So one day my friend and I decided to give that dog a taste of its own medicine. We sneaked up on the house, then started yelling and screaming and throwing rocks at the dog. None hit the animal but it startled him enough to run. Then the chase was on! We chased that sucker for several blocks! After about 3 blocks, the dog was visibly tiring and we called the chase off. Dog went home. After that, everytime me and my friends rode by, dog stayed put. Lesson learned.

The last time I got chased by a dog as an adult, I was on my KHS road bike. I just rode like hell and sprinted away the way I did as a kid. Dog just couldn't run fast enough to even get close. I think I prefer this method as opposed to dismounting and confronting the dog using bike as weapon. Especially a big dog. I figure I have two 29" tall tires and 18 gears so I have the advantage of speed!

those are all good ideas :D

butt noone has mentioned a cat decoy, live or plastic it should help at least!

I keep a cheap cut of meat in my seat pack on all rides for just such an occasion. I haven't needed it yet this year thankfully, but my seat pack is really getting rank.

Two words: concealed carry.

Two more if you are bitten:

Skilled Attorney.

+1 on contacting your doctor regarding the dog bite.

Just last Sunday I was riding with my son. I had just gotten done telling him about the water bottle trick that I had read about and a 1/2 mile later out comes a slightly pudgy old yellow lab. He was barking at us as we rode past and then gave chase. His owner was outside puttering around the house and called the dog off, except the dog was not listening. As soon as the dog's paws hit the pavement, my son said "here he comes" and I calmly grabbed my water bottle. The owner called again, the dog didn't listen again and closed on me, as I was between it and my son (I'm protective like that). I don't know if he intended to bite or just chase a bit--I suspect just chase because he was more barky than growly--but when he got in range I gave him a nice squirt and then in a friendly voice said "Howdy" to the owner who was chasing out towards the road. You could tell the owner was embarrassed as he replied with an awkward "Good Morning, er. Good Afternoon". We just continued on our way, lesson learned and practiced. I was thankfull I didn't have to take more extreme action.

Both of my bikes are equipped with a cannister of Halt. On known dog routes it is attached to my front brake cables for easy assess.

I carry Halt in a "Bento Box" on the top tube. Only used it twice- it is AMAZINGLY effective.

I keep my pepper spray velcro'd to the right side of my saddle bag (im right handed), or in my back right jersey pocket.

Familiarize yourself with going for it while your riding, so IF the situation presents itself your not trying it for the first time when it really counts. Same goes for spraying it..most spray is environmentally friendly so find a secluded spot to practice spray, once should be fine (be mindful of the wind)

Pepper Spray.

Thanks for the advice. I did return home and reported the incident. I also rode all over the neighborhood trying to spot the dogs. Both dogs had collars and tags. I have an apt. with my Doc tomorrow. Wish I had thought of using the water bottle. A friend of mine uses Halt at work and has offered to bring a can by.

I'm a dog lover too, but I don't think I'll cry at the end of Ol Yeller ever again. :D

Being a ski patroller and past EMT-I, I would recomend washing the wound completely, then try to find the owners. If they have a current rabies cert it should spare you from a round of rabies vacines. If you can knot find the dogs contact your doctor on how far to persue the rabies issue. ECB1

those are all good ideas :D

butt noone has mentioned a cat decoy, live or plastic it should help at least!

Or a riding partner who is slower than you are:innocent:

Did I just type that out loud?:D

Or a riding partner who is slower than you are:innocent:

Did I just type that out loud?:D

wUrd!!!

It's like the old saying that if a bear attacks your camp ground you don't have to be faster than the bear, but you do have to be faster than the slowest guy, lol.

you did all you that you could. I've found that getting off the bike to start with has been enough to disrupt their behavior, like I become a man with a weapon as you did rather than a sigular entity, a rolling bike.

+1 It's worked every time for me so far.

I keep a mini horn handy.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/horn.jpg

Yep:
Take pictures of your injury.
Call animal control. In some jurisdictions a bite is grounds for immediate euthanasia.
Get to a doctor and keep all receipts.
Call a lawyer who has experience with dog bites and press charges on the owners.
Get and use a concealed carry permit. It's not difficult to prove you were in fear of serious bodily harm when two large, snarling dogs have chased you down and cornered you.

Wasp Spray. 30' pinpoint stream. It fits in your cage. No long term damage. It works great.

Not that I want to derail this thread (there are some good suggestions), but am I the only one bothered by some of the comments about trying to have the dogs put down instead of trying to contact a no-kill shelter that would at least try to get them away from an irresponsible owner?

I'm all for protecting yourself...especially from a dog that you don't know...but once your away and safe, is that a reason to try to get the dog killed? There are enough groups out there that are willing to do what they can get dogs into good homes. It's not a guarantee, but definitely a better option. I mean...haven't some of Vick's dogs been put into good homes with great results?

I ride out in the counrty every morning and face down dogs with a combination of speed, yelling and as a last resort people mace. Sometimes the dog will appear in front of the bike and I have actually hit a great dane this summer knocking me off the bike and injuring his front legs. Dogs do not have tear ducts and eye irritants stop them even when they are in a full run.

Almost every morning that I ride I pass a small women who walks with a stout walking stick I have seen her smack dogs around with it all the time. We share the same morning route and most of the dogs don't even lift their heads up at me anymore.

A milkbone tied to the skid plate of my 2008 F150 is what I would like to introduce to my lax owner dogs I run across out in the country.

Not that I want to derail this thread (there are some good suggestions), but am I the only one bothered by some of the comments about trying to have the dogs put down instead of trying to contact a no-kill shelter that would at least try to get them away from an irresponsible owner?

I'm all for protecting yourself...especially from a dog that you don't know...but once your away and safe, is that a reason to try to get the dog killed? There are enough groups out there that are willing to do what they can get dogs into good homes. It's not a guarantee, but definitely a better option. I mean...haven't some of Vick's dogs been put into good homes with great results?

There's no sign these dogs have an owner, and they've attacked and bitten a person.

I have only had one experience being chased by a dog or dogs and it was in Tennessee while I was on vacation. It was three dogs of mixed breeds but they were not something I would want to mess with again. I don't know the dog breed, but they looked like they had jaws that wouldn't let go if they caught me. So, I worked my butt off to out run them for a long time, as I had nothing with me. They usually do not chase for long periods of time, and I figured I could out distance them. There were no owners in the area, as they were not near a house or a kept lawn anyway. If there was an owner, I highly doubt they would care. These were not clean dogs and their behavior was not good. Yes, I like dogs, and YES, I would have gone after putting them down, after getting the owner some fines. But, since I was out of state, I didn't even try to do anything about it.

In bamacrazy's last post, it was said that both dogs had collars and tags. Either way, whether there was an owner or not doesn't really matter. In fact, it might be better for the dogs if there wasn't. That way there's no one that has any "right" to try and claim them. The point is...owner or not...looking to have the dogs euthanized, after getting away and in no more danger, shouldn't be the immediate reaction. Again, there are groups/no-kill shelters for this very reason. I'm not trying to be a tree-hugger or PETA activist here, I'm just saying...

Once a human biter, always a human biter. Dogs that attack humans are useless, best thing to do is eliminate the issue ASAP (put the dog down). If your kid has ever been attacked by a dog with a history biting humans, you might think differently. If you own a dog that will bite humans and it has a known history, take care, some states have jail time along with fines, not to mention civil actions....

My dog bite last May was just a quick chomp but it was deep and my medical bills ran about $1,000. The owners moved before the bills came in and I ended up paying them out of pocket (deductible). 4 months later, my leg has a big "dimple" where the muscle was crushed. It was a freak accident; I was struggling uphill 4mph and had no warning when the dog blasted out the house front door at me.

Rabies may not be that much an issue for dogs, but infection is quite probable.

I ride in the country where there are lots of dogs that are allowed to run loose by their owners. Most will chase and bark, but aren't aggressive. However, I was warned on a recent ride of a couple of stray pit bulls that were killing livestock (goats) for dinner.

The bike cops here suggested riding straight towards attacking dogs as it forces them to stop and think instead of acting instinctively. Water bottle squirts are also effective. Dismounting and placing the bike between you and the dog is also supposed to work. I've seen others use the water bottle squirts but haven't been quick enough to try any of these strategies. I just try to give the dogs a wide berth if possible.

Dogs are easy to understand.

All dogs have a zone of ownership. They will protect that zone. The key is to blow through that zone as quickly as possible. If I know I'm going past a protective doggy, I slow down as I approach the property, (yes i said slow down) and then once the dog targets you you downshift and stand on the pedals. The dog will have an interception point based on your current speed, so accelerating past the calculation point will make the dog give up earlier.

Other things to watch for:

If the ears and tail are up then you could probably stop and chat/pet. Most dogs like running, imagine that, and they look at bike as play.

If the ears are down and the tail is straight back or down, then you might need to play defense.

I normally accelerate past them. I also carry a small squirt gun with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. It does NOT hurt the dogs. I've also used the same mixture of ammonia and water, you don't really need to hit them with it, just spray close. The smell is enough of a deterrent for dogs.

FYI that is also how you can keep dogs out of flower beds. ;-)

There are no bad dogs, just bad owners. I love dogs and have a few.

There are no bad dogs, just bad owners. I love dogs and have a few.

Agreed.

Again, I'll use Vick's dogs as an example. Just because a dog has bitten a human doesn't mean it's a sign that it will do it again. Like with any dog, it's OUR responsibility to know how to deal with them...not the other way around.