Recreational & Family - Dogs chasing while towing kids in trailer

I haven't found a good strategy yet for dealing with dogs while towing the kids in a trailer. Before the trailer it usually wasn't too big a deal just to outrun them. Now acceleration and terminal speed are way down (or the dogs have gotten much faster).

Last year my wife was riding on her bike solo while I towed the trailer. She hit a dog that cut between us to get at the trailer and went over the bars for a rather severe crash. Bad road rash and some bruises but it could have been worse.

Dog spray is illegal in this state and even it it weren't the kids are in the windstream and would be easily hit with the overspray.

I've tried the water bottle squirt and the yelling. Doesn't work for most of the dogs around here. Note also that the dogs are generally focusing on the trailer. I'm more worried about cars swerving to avoid the dog and hitting us than anything.

Any ideas?

Give us some more details. Are you riding country roads? city? Is it the same route/dogs every ride or different? Dogs can be trained with negative or with positive reinforcement. I knew a guy who used to carry treats for the dogs that chased him. Eventually all he had to so was swing his arm and the dogs would be off looking for the treats. Also, you can ride with an empty trailer to do the training. That way the dogs will recognize you.

Swerving and getting hit by a car is also more of a concern to me than the actual dog biting, in fact most wan't do.. I find that most of the time, if I stop and dismount (with the bike between me and the dog :eek: ), the dog will stop and turn back.
The treats trick is really good, I would have never thought of that.. (and they can be used as energy food if no dogs show-up ;) ).
I have also experienced this with a trailer, my guess is that dogs think of an animal. Same strategy, I would dismount, put the mesh screen down on the trailer at all time to protect your child.
A couple of months ago, we were chased by a friendly sheep to the amusement of my daughter, it followed us for almost a mile :D

chased by a sheep? now where's the video camera when you need one!? :p

Boy, stories like this really tick me off!!!!!!!

If I were you I'd go after the owners of the dogs big time
as THEIR unrestrained dogs is an endangerment to YOUR kids.
From where I stand it's hardball time when my kids are at
risk.

Complain to the police then file suit for a restraining order
to protect YOUR rights to ride in peace. Dog owners need to
understand that THEY are legally responsible for what their dogs do.

Kerk,

Country roads. We have lots of different routes so a combination of same dogs and new dogs.

If I throw treats won't the dogs learn to chase me for treats? Would rather the dogs stayed out of the road and not chase to begin with. A woman jogger was attacked and killed by a couple of Rottweillers in this area several years ago so I don't assume the dogs are harmless. I had read several years ago that most dogs won't bite a cyclist and within a week of reading it had one clamp down on my foot. Left holes in my foot and bent my toeclip with its teeth! It wasn't even a big or ferocious looking a dog.

Last time this happened to me I turned around and chased the dog for a 1/2 mile or so. I wouldn't recommend this technique on every dog but I find it quite effective on some dogs. It's a lot of fun to turn the tables.

chased by a sheep? now where's the video camera when you need one!? :p

Actually, I may have some pics somewhere, will post when I find them. Heard it was some kind of pet sheep, more and more people get them as well as goats for clearing their land / yards.. at least that's what they told me :rolleyes:

I agree. Call the local police and file a complaint.

Don't believe the dog won't get a cyclist bit. I was riding my bike years ago going to play tennis and this medium sized yapper comes at me. I'm like, oh brother...watch it doggie or you may fall into the spokes. Well, he leaped up and bit me right in the calf. Instantly he got a tennis racquet on his noggin which is the only thing that made him quit.

Kerk,

Country roads. We have lots of different routes so a combination of same dogs and new dogs.

If I throw treats won't the dogs learn to chase me for treats? Would rather the dogs stayed out of the road and not chase to begin with. A woman jogger was attacked and killed by a couple of Rottweillers in this area several years ago so I don't assume the dogs are harmless. I had read several years ago that most dogs won't bite a cyclist and within a week of reading it had one clamp down on my foot. Left holes in my foot and bent my toeclip with its teeth! It wasn't even a big or ferocious looking a dog.

Since you are talking different routes/dogs means the treats won't work because the dogs won't learn to recognize you. Country roads means the Sherriff's dept. would be the ones to contact. Who knows if they will be helpful. Furthermore, they won't do anything until a "crime" has been committed and by then it is too late.

Have you tried the LOUD air horn trick? Some dogs (not all) hate it when you blast one at them.
Hey! How about a paint ball gun? Wouldn't really hurt them, but it would fend them off. And it would be fun!

I just holler "hey puppy... good doggy... want to play" and talk to the dog the entire time.

Most of them will run up to me and run with me but not bite.

I'll keep some treats handy from now on just in case but around my country back roads I have not had any major problems. As a matter of fact, dogs that used to chase me now just look up at me. They only bark if I don't say something to them. After I say something they go back to sniffing their hind legs or chasing bugs.

Ivan

I would first talk to the owners
then the cops if all else fails
try this and get rid of bottle :)
THE RECIPIE ===========
Ingredients ************
200mls of Vinege,r 1 pepper, 1 pint glass, 1 Spray bottle
STEP 1: *********
Get the pepper and make a cut down the middle of the pepper.
STEP 2: *********
Get a pint glass and fill it half way with vineger, you can use pure
alcohol(ethenol) but vinegar is just as good.
STEP 3: *********
Put the pepper in the vinegar, and leave it to stand for about 24hours. Just to let
all the nasty stuff out the pepper and dissolve in the vinegar. At this point
be very carefull, if you get this stuff in your eyes you will be crying like a
little girl, so just watch out.
STEP 4: *********
Pour all the pure pepper spray into a pump action spray bottle, if you
rummage around a females bedroom you are sure to find one of these
filled with something. (just clean it
out)
STEP 5: *********
use this ONLY and i repeat ONLY as a last resort
self-defence mechanism.

I was having the same problem when I ride the country roads around here. I can't outrun them with my heavy toddler in the trailer.

But I found the answer to my prayers - the Delta AirZound horn. I haven't found a dog on my route yet that doesn't run away from a few short blasts of that very loud horn!

I
But I found the answer to my prayers - the Delta AirZound horn. I haven't found a dog on my route yet that doesn't run away from a few short blasts of that very loud horn!

Still, the problem is you have to stop, or nearly stop, to use it. If the dog IS dangerous he's got his teeth in you by then. Perhaps if it could be rigged up facing backwards under the rear seat, with an old brake lever and cable to trigger it easily from the handlebars....hmmm....

bkr

After reading the responses here thus far it occurs to me
that the burden of self defence falls on the cyclist which
is pure nonsense.

The best recourse is the legal defense and failing that
the use of force is all that is left that will actually work.
That said please remember we're talking about.......
Self Defence which allows for the use of deadly force if it
would be required.

With dogs this level of force is all they really would understand. Do we need cyclist riding armed? No, we don't.
However, until laws extend true protection to humans against
hostile pets it's either them or us. You take your pick.

Me...I'll defend myself by whatever means required.

After reading the responses here thus far it occurs to me
that the burden of self defence falls on the cyclist which
is pure nonsense.

The best recourse is the legal defense and failing that
the use of force is all that is left that will actually work.
That said please remember we're talking about.......
Self Defence which allows for the use of deadly force if it
would be required.

With dogs this level of force is all they really would understand. Do we need cyclist riding armed? No, we don't.
However, until laws extend true protection to humans against
hostile pets it's either them or us. You take your pick.

Me...I'll defend myself by whatever means required.

I rode with a guy back in the day, who shall remain nameless, who showed me something with dogs I've never seen and can't imagine having the brass ones to pull off...

We were riding through an area that was just loaded with curs and mutts, who mostly didn't care about us at all, when we get chased by this nasty red looking thing with huge teeth. My buddy says "this dog is an idiot, and needs to be chained up"...and spins around and yells at the dog...the dog wheels back into the yard of this perfectly nice looking house...but then decides to run back at skinny climber dude...he stops, dismounts, and with the dog snarling at us, picks up a paving brick from the edging near the road and hurls it through the front window of the house...needless to say, me AND the dog are stunned...Dog runs up onto the porch, two felonious cyclists take off...and about a mile later he says "I hope that was the house that dog came from"

Never rode that route again.

Z

about a mile later he says "I hope that was the house that dog came from"Z

:roflmao:

I don't have any better answer than the ones above. Never even had a problem with a dog until recently when we took our vacation at a family camp in a rural area. My wife and I went riding, were immediately chased by a pint sized dog whose owner just watched and never called the dog back. Three blocks later, we came upon some horses out of their corral on the side of the road that spooked and one started running next to me. Scared the heck out of me! I was afraid I'd get squished if he changed directions.

A block after that, I went around the bend ahead of my wife and came face to face with a giant pig...a boar blocking this tiny little road. "Uh, sweetheart? There is a nasty looking boar in the road up ahead." "Yeah, sure...."

Detour to a different road where we passed a yard with a dog behind a fence who barked like crazy. On the return trip shortly afterwards, he barked.....then crawled under the fence and starting chasing us! Yow! Just calmly kept going until he stopped.

Finally, we had to return to camp on the same road where the little yappy dog was. I told my wife to make sure she was zooming through there and suddenly look down and realize I've got a slow leak, my tire is getting soft and I don't know if I can go fast at all. Thankfully, the canine wasn't there.

Sheldon

Call the police/sheriff office.

Now waitaminit. Dog spray is illegal or spraying dogs is illegal or pepper spray is illegal? Which? Howzabout the ole **** whistle? That has about a 90% stop rate. Get your wife to buy some pepper spray and hose the dogs. Surely no place on the North American continent will deny a woman the right to own pepper spray?

I have some friends who are braver than I am. They aim for the dogs and try to snag their noses with a pedal or a foot.

When I am out with slower riders I play the crippled-herd-animal for my friends. I go slow on the same side of the road as the dog(s), and let them key on me. Dogs are programmed to go after the weakest animal in the herd, which will be running at the back. They have to turn a hard 180 degrees to get into a stern chase, and it is already game-over: few can accelerate as fast as I can, and I angle away toward the opposite side of the road too. Lately, though, I've started hitting them with the pepper spray, which has a 100% stop rate and seems to produce permanent behavior change for the better. Lead for the wind, shoot for the center of the triangle of the eyes and nose-mouth, and you are bound to get some where they will feel it. A stream is better than a cone, and colored is better than clear, because you can see where it goes and correct. Make sure you are inside your maximum range. I like 5 feet. At that range by the time they realize you're squirting, it is too late to avoid getting zapped. Believe me, the moment they get hit, they will be way too busy with the spray to close the last few feet to you.

Ammonia is supposed to work well if you don't want to get caught with pepper spray. I say arm your wife with elbow and knee pads and pepper spray, use an empty trailer or a full one or no trailer, and go hunting. The change to hunter from victim feels as though a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.

The other thing you can do is to use yourself as bait with a friend following in a pickup truck. Dog comes after you, pickup truck charges and squashes dog. Don't use a car because there is too much weak sheet metal and plastic on the front.

This is deadly serious. There are dogs that want to tear you into thoroughly dead scraps. But even the ones who want to practice hunting are too dangerous. Crashing can cause permanent disability including head injury. Don't sympathize with the dogs if it will interfere with your effective response.

There are a few dogs who just want to run. If you can tell which ones they are, it's fine to let them run with you. But you have to know.

I'm reminded of the South Park episode where they're out hunting... "It's coming right at us! Blam."

I say arm the kids with bear spray and goggles. Wait until the dog gets even with the trailer and yell "It's coming right at us!!" Then spray.

I do understand your frustration though (I was once chased by a dog at night, I got home jumped in my car and went back to even the score but the dog was back home). You're really powerless to do anything. Phone the police or animal control each and everytime it happens. I'd carry a cell phone and call the police immediately after. If you're lucky they'll be able to seize the dog.

Still, the problem is you have to stop, or nearly stop, to use it. If the dog IS dangerous he's got his teeth in you by then. Perhaps if it could be rigged up facing backwards under the rear seat, with an old brake lever and cable to trigger it easily from the handlebars....hmmm....

bkr

No, I don't have to stop or nearly stop. The horn is mounted right on my handlebars. Also works very well if a car is about to hit me - it's so darn loud.

Here's an advertising blurb about it:
"The "AIRZOUND 2" horn clamps securely to your bike's handlebars. Thin tubing connects the horn to the pressurized air container, which tucks into the water bottle cage on your bike frame.

This low-tech approach to noise making has produced the world's loudest bike horn. With an adjustable volume control, the "AIRZOUND 2" can deliver anything from a 115 db blast to a friendly toot. Use it on the road to signal motorists, fend off dogs or call for help. For off-road cycling it's an essential safety accessory ..."

Here's a pic on this site (click "bike horns"): http://www.deltacycle.com/

Amonia works wonders... Take a trip to the squirt gun aisle at wally world and see what they have. Battery operated would be great. just attach to the trailer facing backwards, rig a on off switch to your seat or top tube or handle bars (two wires and a push button... easy) and your in business.

If that doesn't work a .22 cal pistol will for sure.

No, I don't have to stop or nearly stop. The horn is mounted right on my handlebars. Also works very well if a car is about to hit me - it's so darn loud.

Here's an advertising blurb about it:
"The "AIRZOUND 2" horn clamps securely to your bike's handlebars. Thin tubing connects the horn to the pressurized air container, which tucks into the water bottle cage on your bike frame.


Interesting...

Just by reading your initial statement, I would say either carry a tazer stick or a collapsable baton. If it were a case of the dog (or even me) or my children (hypothetically; I don't have any kids) it would be the dog. Dogs aren't dumb; if you either zap or smack the crap out of them a couple times it should no longer be an issue in the future. Alternatly, if you are opposed to harming the animal; paintball grenade. :) also called paint grenades. They are pin actuated and work off a small co2 cartridge. The ones I am familier with are semiloud and splash red or blue paint. The dog will probably leave. ;) only problem is you might be red, too.

I'm a cat person. Never heard of a cat chasing down a bicycle.

Here's an advertising blurb about it:
"The "AIRZOUND 2" horn clamps securely to your bike's handlebars. Thin tubing connects the horn to the pressurized air container, which tucks into the water bottle cage on your bike frame.


Can you release the horn from the handlebars without completely unscrewing the clamp? Also, how is the volume control?

Also, is there a difference between "Airzound" and the "Airzound 2"? They only show one model "Airzound" AH1000 on their website.

TIA

Mine is screwed onto the handlebars - I never take it off. The volume is completely controlled by how you hit the button - try it a couple of times and you'll instantly know how a "friendly toot" feels versus an all-out horn blast.

I don't think there is much difference between an AirZound and an AirZound 2 - my friend Ann has the original AirZound and it sounds the same as mine. She has a tubing extension for hers because she prefers not to have the bottle taking up one of her cages. I ended up getting AirZound 2 because it's what my LBS had in stock.

I work for a large pet supply chain and we carry a product that may work for you. You've said that dog spray is illegal where you live, which I assume is mace, although it could also include pepper sprays. You might want to look for a product called Direct Stop which looks like a can of mace, but is actually citronella oil. Totally harmless, just enough to distract/deter the dog, and it's only left with that "lemon fresh" scent that the owners will probably thank you for! You should be able to find it at most chain-type pet stores, and I'd also look at running specific stores. A Google search will also turn up quite a few souces. The Air horn is also a great idea, and should work in most situations.

i hate people who let their dogs run loose. i have 3 dogs myself, and i walk them everyday.
at least once a week, i run into a loose dog. i carry Direct Stop and it works...on most dogs. there is one dog, a pit bull mix that lives down the street and NOTHING works on him. he chases the mail truck, he chases people pushing strollers, he chases people walking dogs, he chases the little kids walking home from school, and he will even chase cyclists. i havent heard of anyone being bit yet. but he's scared the crap out of a lot of people. our mailman has even not delivered our mail because he's afraid to stop his truck. our mailman has even maced the dog. they're allowed to.
i called the pound last week because i was sick of him, and by the time i got home to call and the pound came to look for him, he was already safe inside his home. and the pound wont do anything unless he's running free. they wont even issue the owner a citation unless the dog hurts someone.
so now i carry my cellphone too so i can call as soon as i see him. we tried talking to his owner, but his owner has this attitude that his dog is all bark no bite and he wouldnt hurt a fly. that may be true, but if his dog barks at me and then proceeds to chase me while i'm walking my dog, my dog might hurt him. because my dog will protect me.

I'm reminded of the South Park episode where they're out hunting... "It's coming right at us! Blam."

I say arm the kids with bear spray and goggles. Wait until the dog gets even with the trailer and yell "It's coming right at us!!" Then spray.

I do understand your frustration though (I was once chased by a dog at night, I got home jumped in my car and went back to even the score but the dog was back home). You're really powerless to do anything. Phone the police or animal control each and everytime it happens. I'd carry a cell phone and call the police immediately after. If you're lucky they'll be able to seize the dog.
No bear spray teach your kids to shoot. Get them a good small 410 and no more dog problems. :D

make a camera setup. record. call the police. sue. enjoy that you no longer have to worry about your child being eaten. put money into education fund.

also with that bike between you and the dog thing. it doesn't really work that well for me. the same dog comes at me every time. only the ones that ain't serious don't bother with me. in fact... timid ole me has gotten pissed enough about it that i'm gonna call animal control. they don't feed those dogs well anyway. plus they shoot them with bb guns. damn hillbillies.


it is fun to chase the little ones. it so cartoonish. :)

Now now now, nuthin' wrong with being a dadburn hillbilly!

My little boy rides with me all the time, when a dog attacs, I simply slow down so I can get a good bead on him (without hitting my son) and give him a good squirt in the snout of pepper spray. I love dogs, But I love my son more. This also teaches the dog not to do it again. I've dropped my share of loose pit bulls, chows, and assorted muts. Let me tell you, once dowsed, I have yet to have a return visit from the same dog.

f that doesn't work a .22 cal pistol will for sure.

I like that one... my 9 mm though...

Well that would be quite inhumane to do to a dog...

I have been bitten 3 times at work (security). Twice I drew my expandable baton and gave the dog a nice wack in the side... works wonders... after the Pepper spray does not work...

DO NOT carry things that are illegal... you might stop the dog but get stopped by the police... and do some time in their own type of "dog house" (county jail, state in California for a baton) justified or not!

Have read this thread with a massive headache. Large dog charged at me yesterday and went in front of me. Next thing I know, I'm in hospital with lots of worried faces looking at me. No idea how long I was out but doc says helmet saved my life. Today, aside from a banging headache and a few patches of roadrash that will heal, I'm fine. I'm getting a new helmet as the other was smashed almost into two pieces. Can't ride until then and until I get my bike home and fix as necessary.

I love dogs and have never wanted hurt one... until now. I haven't had a chance to look over my bike. It is at my in-laws house but by brother-in-law says it is pretty banged up. Is there a owner liability with this dog? Like many of you, I love my bike (Specialized Allez Comp). Now I'm angry and really can't wait to try some of the ideas out on my little "friend." If he or she were to meet an untimely demise, I would shed no tears.

Did a search on dogs on forum and was hoping that nobody else had this trouble. Guys and gals, be careful. People at the hospital said it was a Pit that I hit (All I remember is a black blur from under a truck about 14 feet away - happened too fast) and that the dog was fine. They all couldn't understand why it didn't attack while I was out cold in the road. Some farmer found me and he called the good guys in. They all watched the dog closely and hurried up and got me out of there when another dog showed up.

I'm honestly glad to be alive today and in all seriousness, un-eaten.

Dogs in Northern Wisconsin (Vilas County) all seem to enjoy chasing me when I'm up there on vacation. Have had a few close calls. You learn how really fast you can pedal when a 90 pound German Shepherd has the angle on you.

Have read this thread with a massive headache ... I'm honestly glad to be alive today and in all seriousness, un-eaten.

Wow, I've had dogs jump out in front of me @ speed, but I've yet to make contact. I would make an effort to find out who owns this dog. After all, it really isn't the dog's fault - it's his/her stupid owners who let him run free.

I've visited the house of a dog owner once. His dog ran out directly in front of me while I was enjoying a slight downhill @ over 30mph. There was traffic in the opposing lane, and I was somehow able to miss the dog, and the traffic. The experience scared me to death. A few more inches to the left, and I would have been a hood ornament.

Anywho, I went back to the house to inform him of my brush with death. I brought a friend along to even the odds in the event this guy was crazy. As it turns out, the guy was very apologetic, and he has kept his dog restrained ever since.

I'm glad that you @ least survived the incident! Good luck with your bike, and future Fidos. :)

See the post below:
I will be trying the ammonia method next touring season.
Enjoy

http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=120&highlight=dog+repellant

Ammonia can permanently harm a dog. See the article "Dealing with Dogs" on www.crazyguyonabike.com .

Ammonia can permanently harm a dog. See the article "Dealing with Dogs" on www.crazyguyonabike.com .

Loose dogs can permanently harm a cyclist.....

Four months ago I T-boned a Collie that ran in front of me in an attempt to attack another rider. Bent the dog in half and turned my rim into a pretzel.
I still have fur in my SPDs.

Here is an excerpt from the afore mentioned "Fixed Gear" thread:
There is an organized ride in Northeast Ohio known officially as the "Covered bridge ride". Unofficially it is known as the “Mad dog” ride because the kind country folk in Geauga County “don’t see no need to tie them dogs up”. During the ride last season our group was chased by 11 dogs. One of which bolted in front of me causing one of the worst wrecks I have ever had. I would have taken the owner to court but I’m sure there was nothing in his double-wide trailer that would have been worth the cost of a new front wheel. And judging by the vintage of the gravy stains on his shirt I am pretty sure he wasn’t employed.
Thus the inspiration for this thread.
I agree that a firm “No” or a squirt from a water bottle slows many pursuing beasts but I am looking for something a little more lethal - yet - legal.
I’ll admit I’ve been traumatized and I want to make sure the next furry Beyatch that comes along for a chase gets a face full of pain.
Maybe after a visit to the vet their owners will invest in a leash.

Enjoy

did you stop the dog yet?

be very careful with the kids faces at dog level. most kids get bit in the face. few survive without scars. nasty looking dog chased me many days. never attacked. his owner was near the road one day. thought "oh good, dog won't be much of a problem". wrong, dogs that are somewhat aggressive get very aggresive when they think they are defending master. anyway, in the old days we would attach a gunny sack on a car wheel. drive by about dog speed. dog comes out, grabs the gunny sack, breaks his dam neck. no more car chasing dog!

Amonia works wonders... Take a trip to the squirt gun aisle at wally world and see what they have. Battery operated would be great. just attach to the trailer facing backwards, rig a on off switch to your seat or top tube or handle bars (two wires and a push button... easy) and your in business.

If that doesn't work a .22 cal pistol will for sure.

or maybe a 12 guage shot gun :D http://www.cmmginc.com/cmmg_images/tbl_images/Receivers%20Firearms/FN_Pump.jpg

jkjk

What about a gun that shoots rubber bullets? Would that be legal? Can you even get one?

yes i dont know if it is illegal but possible.

wassa gunny sack?

So far, thank God, I've been successful with pepper spray.

Not sure how I would attach a "gunny sack" to my bike wheel. My LBS stopped carrying gunnies last season so I wouldn't know where to get one anyway. Even if I found one where would I keep it while I used the sack to kill dogs?
And yes discharging a firearm regardless of ammunition type is illegal in most municipalities.

Well, an update on the loose pit. i went riding this past friday morning before work. i got to the end of my block and saw the pit loose. he started to charge at me. i felt pretty brave or insane and sped up. i decided to play chicken with the pit. he slows up and i ride past him. he decides to chase me instead. we got to the end of the road where there is a stop sign and the road t-bones a 3 lane main road. i hung a sharp right at the stop sign. the dog tried to turn too but slid and fell on his side. he got up again and starts to run again, but he's running down the middle of the street. I'm up on the sidewalk.
A cop car comes straight down the road and sees this pit running loose. the dog crosses traffic and heads toward the other side of the road. i guess he got bored of me and saw something more interesting. the dog is heading straight toward a crowded bus stop with kids waiting for the bus. the cop does a quick u-turn and follows the dog. i'm stopped and just watching this cop following this dog. the cop pulls up next to the dog and the cop in the passenger side just hangs his arm out the window and sprays something at the dog (i guess mace or pepper spray?). the dog stops. and the cop pulls his car up next to the dog blocking the dogs path.
a few minutes later, animal control shows up. and takes the dog away. the kids and I talk to the cop, apparently there had been numerous complaints about this dog. he'd been terrorizing the kids in the afternoon and morning when they were getting on/off the bus too. the cop saw the dog running and decided to stop him before he hurt the kids. the cops and animal control had been cruising the area daily looking for this dog. finally they got him. there is no guarantee that he wont be bailed out but i hope for my neighborhood's sake that this dog is given to a more responsible owner, if not, then he should be put down.