Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - advice needed on dogs, etc.

I got a different bike. Trek 2100. I happen to live way out in the county, but all my roads are now paved. I have a possible loop I could make that would require going to the highway 4.5 miles, down the highway 1 mile, and back to my house 3.5. The county road is not very busy but the rolling hills and the drivers who think it's an interstate concern me. However my biggest concern is the dogs! My county has no shelter, no animal services, no leash laws. The dogs won't chase cars, but I don't knwo if they'll chase a bicycle. I was figuring it up and I might have more than 10 dogs to worry about. Is it worth it?

What would you do?
ride the loop but be armed with pepper spray (or just my water bottle)?
try to outrun the dogs?
Be quiet and fast and hope they don't see me?
Forget the loop and ride my in-town laps?

I always assume a dog will chase and try to be prepared. I used to carry Halt, but haven't for years, instead relying on my water bottle, as stern (and loud) a shout as possible (usually something simple that they should know, like "go home," or better, a simple "no!"), and a frame pump raised like a club. Most will stop if they sense you're authoritative enough, but often not until they reach the edge of what they perceive to be their territory. You'll probably find some that won't even stop there, though, and that's when the pump comes in handy, assuming you can wield it and ride a straight line at the same time. I never try to outrun them, unless I've got a HUGE head start, because most of them are just too darned fast. Worst case, I've had to stop once or twice and walk until I'm beyond their territory, being careful to keep the bike between me and the dog.

I normally only ever need Halt in the spring or on tour. I'd suggest you at least try it a time or three. Ride toward the middle of the road, quietly, so you can hear the canine toenails if they come out after you. My progression is usually shouting, then getting off on the other side of the bike, then Halt. In the muzzle.

If they're not close enough to spray, they're not close enough to worry about.

You'll soon learn where the misbehaving dogs are. If you spray them, you may be able to train them. If not, find another route. :(

Interestingly, it seems that late in a ride, when I'm more likely to be tired and just don't give a crap anymore, the dogs will behave better when I shout at them to stop. It's almost like they sense I could be more dangerous in that mental state than I am earlier in the ride, like they're thinking, "whoa, this guy might not be bluffing this time."

Water with just a hint of ammonium. Fog it where thay have to run thru it. I'd hold off on spaying them in face unless absolutely necessary.

Shouting just adds excitement for the dog and most will enjoy chasing this loud rolling object (you). A simple water bottle squirt in the eyes will stop most dogs. Beyond that, you can use your bike as a shield as you get out the pepper spray.

I ride rural roads also. I'm a dog lover and have noticed some trends:

Many dogs are just playing but the danger is some try to cut just in front of the wheel. I've found "Go Home" seems to work well on them but you have to let them get close.

A barking, chasing dog is protecting his territory and usually stops at his border. These dogs stay just behind you as they are trying to run you off.

The ones I worry about are the stealthy ones. We are prey to them and I give them the water bottle routine. This can be dangerous as it stops me from concentrating on riding the bike.

My favorite is a miniature dachshound that will "chase" me away from his property. He never goes on the asphalt and I always slow down so his tiny legs can keep up. He looks so happy after running me off. On my way home, on the other side of the street, I don't exist in his world.

Just keep riding at your normal pace. Shouting or racing away elevates it into a game for the dog and guess what? When we sprint away he won! I do carry halt for the really aggressive ones that have meat in their eyes.

I have dealt with a few dogs that would chase and actually try and bite. The other riders in the group would try to sprint away, use the water bottle, yell at them while on the bike. None of those methods would work. When I took over leading the ride, I figured out that I could ride a bit ahead of the group, let the dogs (one pit bull, one mutt) and when they would start to chase me I would stop the bike, tell them to go home and they would. I would have to stand there until the group went by and they would not chase. Most of the time talking to the dogs work, but some will be stubborn and still chase. I have talked with a sheriff deputy in my county about a pack of dogs that will chase and bite you. He told me, to use pepper spray on them. He said that by using the pepper spray, even if they are not affected by it, it will leave a distinct odor on them. That way the deputies can actually have proof that those were the dogs that chased and tried to attack me on my ride.

When we're out for a rural ride and get chased by a dog, we call it to us. "Come on boy! Come on!"
Seems to work, the animal looks confused and stops chasing. Mind you, these are fairly genteel acreage dogs, usually one at a time. If it's a pack, in an area where problem dogs aren't kept in check by any laws or bylaw officers, that might be more of a problem.

I befriended the dogs on my regular route where I lived once. I got tired of dealing with the worry of thier prey drive leaving me with a potential bite. I only had to stop the bike and talk cheerfully at them twice offer scratches and pats. After that, they became my cycling partners for a mile or so. Running out happily to lope along at my back wheel before they'd get tired and trot back home. I was their best buddy. I found it amusing when after I did that, the owners who had a very nice fenced yard suddenly decided to keep their dogs IN it. They'd just never bothered to keep the gates shut before.

Most dogs I just consider sprinting partners.

Having tried everything possible on my regular haunts...my county has leash laws, but are rarely enforced. Was told by the Sheriff's Dept. that once the dog hits the pavement it's subject to my discretion. Tried treats, stopping, calling nicely, hollering NO!, etc. Nothing was really was effective and I thought, "Why do I have to stop or slow down MY workout to accomodate someone else's irresponsibility?" Halt, Air Zounds(most effective of the cannister options), Spray Shield, Mace, water bottle. All they would do is create a hazzard for me. They NEVER worked. The dog(s) would just avoid the spray and keep coming. Sometimes the wind would change direction and I'd be sprayed. So, on the advice of a more experienced 'rural' cyclist I decided to investigate the option of some sort of air projectile weapon, ie a bb gun. I looked around and found this:

http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-Powered-Semi-Automatic-Repeater/dp/B001BHEEC6

Sprayed it bright orange so it wouldn't be mistaken for a real pistol. Got a fabric holster at Wally-World and wear it on every commute, utility or recreational ride. It's got a rather loud report which shocks dogs into stopping, I think. Have I actually shot at a dog with it, yet? Yes. Have I hit any? I'm not sure, maybe. It's kinda like trying to shoot behind while riding a horse. Not very accurate.

I can say this. All the dogs who would chase me on my regular routes know me on sight by now and they don't chase me anymore. They all know I'm armed and not fair game. And any new ones I encounter in lightly travelled areas for me give up the chase by the 2nd or 3d shot. Usually the bb hits the ground in front of them and they stop out of confusion.

The BF anti-gun lobby may have trouble w/this response, but if one wants a totally effective way to deal with dogs this works for me. Had one run in w/an owner who threatened me w/bodily harm. When I told him I had the Sheriff's Dept on speed dial and showed him my cell phone his attitude became more agreeable.

50.00 delivered is a small price to pay for peace of mind while cycling rurally.

Having tried everything possible on my regular haunts...my county has leash laws, but are rarely enforced. Was told by the Sheriff's Dept. that once the dog hits the pavement it's subject to my discretion. Tried treats, stopping, calling nicely, hollering NO!, etc. Nothing was really was effective and I thought, "Why do I have to stop or slow down MY workout to accomodate someone else's irresponsibility?" Halt, Air Zounds(most effective of the cannister options), Spray Shield, Mace, water bottle. All they would do is create a hazzard for me. They NEVER worked. The dog(s) would just avoid the spray and keep coming. Sometimes the wind would change direction and I'd be sprayed. So, on the advice of a more experienced 'rural' cyclist I decided to investigate the option of some sort of air projectile weapon, ie a bb gun. I looked around and found this:

http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-Powered-Semi-Automatic-Repeater/dp/B001BHEEC6

Sprayed it bright orange so it wouldn't be mistaken for a real pistol. Got a fabric holster at Wally-World and wear it on every commute, utility or recreational ride. It's got a rather loud report which shocks dogs into stopping, I think. Have I actually shot at a dog with it, yet? Yes. Have I hit any? I'm not sure, maybe. It's kinda like trying to shoot behind while riding a horse. Not very accurate.

I can say this. All the dogs who would chase me on my regular routes know me on sight by now and they don't chase me anymore. They all know I'm armed and not fair game. And any new ones I encounter in lightly travelled areas for me give up the chase by the 2nd or 3d shot. Usually the bb hits the ground in front of them and they stop out of confusion.

The BF anti-gun lobby may have trouble w/this response, but if one wants a totally effective way to deal with dogs this works for me. Had one run in w/an owner who threatened me w/bodily harm. When I told him I had the Sheriff's Dept on speed dial and showed him my cell phone his attitude became more agreeable.

50.00 delivered is a small price to pay for peace of mind while cycling rurally.

The only problem is you get some idiot owner who see you and your "gun", grabs the AK47 he keeps over the mantle, and comes after you with it, for shooting his dog (even if you intentionally miss). If you have a cell phone, keep the county/city dog catcher(s) on speed dial, you get chased, call the dog catcher and report the address the dog came from. If the address owns a dog, they will get a reminder of the local bylaw and fine structure. If a dog gets hit, that's not your problem, if it causes an off bike experience, the best weapon is a good lawyer.

Having tried everything possible on my regular haunts...my county has leash laws, but are rarely enforced. Was told by the Sheriff's Dept. that once the dog hits the pavement it's subject to my discretion. Tried treats, stopping, calling nicely, hollering NO!, etc. Nothing was really was effective and I thought, "Why do I have to stop or slow down MY workout to accomodate someone else's irresponsibility?" Halt, Air Zounds(most effective of the cannister options), Spray Shield, Mace, water bottle. All they would do is create a hazzard for me. They NEVER worked. The dog(s) would just avoid the spray and keep coming. Sometimes the wind would change direction and I'd be sprayed. So, on the advice of a more experienced 'rural' cyclist I decided to investigate the option of some sort of air projectile weapon, ie a bb gun. I looked around and found this:

http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-Powered-Semi-Automatic-Repeater/dp/B001BHEEC6

Sprayed it bright orange so it wouldn't be mistaken for a real pistol. Got a fabric holster at Wally-World and wear it on every commute, utility or recreational ride. It's got a rather loud report which shocks dogs into stopping, I think. Have I actually shot at a dog with it, yet? Yes. Have I hit any? I'm not sure, maybe. It's kinda like trying to shoot behind while riding a horse. Not very accurate.

I can say this. All the dogs who would chase me on my regular routes know me on sight by now and they don't chase me anymore. They all know I'm armed and not fair game. And any new ones I encounter in lightly travelled areas for me give up the chase by the 2nd or 3d shot. Usually the bb hits the ground in front of them and they stop out of confusion.

The BF anti-gun lobby may have trouble w/this response, but if one wants a totally effective way to deal with dogs this works for me. Had one run in w/an owner who threatened me w/bodily harm. When I told him I had the Sheriff's Dept on speed dial and showed him my cell phone his attitude became more agreeable.

50.00 delivered is a small price to pay for peace of mind while cycling rurally.

Dangerous for you

Sad for your community

Terrible for cycling

WOW! I'm so impressed with C&A today! We really are a kind and reasonable bunch. When this question gets asked in Road or Distance the conversation quickly turns to real violence against all dogs and even dog owners.

well, it was a pretty day today. Sunny and above freezing! I went outside and got my newly acquired bike ready (since I had never rode it yet!) I observed my dogs just wanted to lay in the sun so I assumed most dogs would be the same way. I was right!!! I made it from my house to the highway a round trip of 7 + miles. Every dog that looked at me, just looked up and promptly laid its head back down and continued napping. Glad I got lucky today. I think it might this route my work out for me. In case you're wondering, I had my water bottle ready but never took it off safety! :)

Could be the dogs are getting used to seeing you by now. Some years ago I worked in an industrial park and had to leave my car beside an autobody shop with a big German Shepard patrolling the lot. The first week, this huge animal would throw himself against the fence, barking and growling and scaring the #@*! out of me. The second week, he just lifted his huge head from where he was napping and barked, then went back to sleep. By week four, he was bringing me tennis balls and sticks to throw for him.

I had my water bottle ready but never took it off safety! :):lol::lol::lol:


Congrats on your first ride on new bike!

I was once chased by a St Bernard. I turned around and that thing looked like a bear coming after me! I think that was my fastest sprint ever!

If ya'll didn't like what bbeasley (howdy neighbor!) had to say, you're going to like mine even less. Years ago my dad was walking my dog and was attacked by a pair of springer spaniels. They ripped into his stomach and almost killed my dog, then went after my dad. Since then I carry a pistol (I have a permit). Usually for biking or hiking I carry a small keltec .380. I've never had to pull it and hope I never have to shoot a dog (or person) but its there if I need it.

I'm all for making friends with the local dogs. A few dog treats in my pocket might be a good idea, now that I think about it.

I haven't been chased by a dog since I was a boy, I guess I should count myself lucky. My opinion, do what you have to if you truly feel yourself to be in danger. People > Dogs.

Not much real dog experience posted... I've been dam near killed because of loose flea bags... twice.

Mutt runs to road barking.. from my left... car comes.. avoids dog and comes oh so close to running me over. Quick manuever down into the ditch and I'm still riding. Driver never saw me and never stopped. On the other occasion she stopped.. nearly sheet white with fright.. explaining all the while how she didn't want to run the mutt down. THEN.. she saw the bike.........

What one has to remember first is the bubba that owns said flea bag is most often the same flavor as the mutt... be careful. Let the bag run down the road well past the residence.. nail it close range with the sling shot using 45 caliber lead balls... head shot if your good. Trains them NOT to chase.. they'll avoid bikers quickly. On one road a golf shaft was employed.. the biter. Never tried to bite anyone again... looked like a car kill. Shaft head removed.. end of shaft filled with lead... nice efficent tool. Local donut eaters almost never will investigate a rural vicious dog complaint.. just eliminate the problem... quietly.

So easy for some to pass judgement on those forced to deal with real mutt issues. The naive pet owners are seldom any more intelligent than what they're feeding. Loose mutts can get you killed... local enforcement now pushes these complaints onto the humane societies which are far overloaded. Hence nothing is done. Either you take care of the issues.. or you risk your life. Just do it on the smart....

Most dogs I just consider sprinting partners.

An opportunity to train with Eddie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfv2diohUXE (NSFW - some mild cursing!)

JB

Learn how to ride one handed. When the dog comes out shout at it that usally works, if that doesnt use Halt. I actually like spraying them, they are on a public road. When you hit them with Halt I believe they learn what is coming the next time you go by because when the ones that I did spray usally stopped when I raised my hand. Halt just burns them for a while and they get over it. Remember to slow down and keep control of your bike.

I'm a firm believer in HALT. The first day I started carrying it I nailed a pit bull right in the face as he was gonna chomp on my ankle.. He turned right around and ran home! I quit riding that area though, wasn't worth the problems. At least once a week getting chased where the dogs actually came on the road, and never the same place twice. Began ruining my rides thinking about when it would happen next. My new areas I rarely got chased the whole summer. Much nicer, but I still carry a can when I ride/jog/walk.

Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

Not much real dog experience posted... I've been dam near killed because of loose flea bags... twice.

Mutt runs to road barking.. from my left... car comes.. avoids dog and comes oh so close to running me over. Quick manuever down into the ditch and I'm still riding. Driver never saw me and never stopped. On the other occasion she stopped.. nearly sheet white with fright.. explaining all the while how she didn't want to run the mutt down. THEN.. she saw the bike.........

What one has to remember first is the bubba that owns said flea bag is most often the same flavor as the mutt... be careful. Let the bag run down the road well past the residence.. nail it close range with the sling shot using 45 caliber lead balls... head shot if your good. Trains them NOT to chase.. they'll avoid bikers quickly. On one road a golf shaft was employed.. the biter. Never tried to bite anyone again... looked like a car kill. Shaft head removed.. end of shaft filled with lead... nice efficent tool. Local donut eaters almost never will investigate a rural vicious dog complaint.. just eliminate the problem... quietly.

So easy for some to pass judgement on those forced to deal with real mutt issues. The naive pet owners are seldom any more intelligent than what they're feeding. Loose mutts can get you killed... local enforcement now pushes these complaints onto the humane societies which are far overloaded. Hence nothing is done. Either you take care of the issues.. or you risk your life. Just do it on the smart....

If the local dog catcher isn't dealing with vicious dog complaints, then it's high time you have a conversation with your local council member, because dealing with unrestrained dogs, is one of the things you pay city/county taxes for. The problem is, that if your caught whacking said mutt, by the owner, your likely to find your bike a hood ornament on a pickup truck while your still on it. If you are caught whacking said mutt, by the authorities, your likely to find yourself arrested under cruelty to animal laws, that means a heavy fine or jail time, which means you have a criminal record, that ain't worth the inconvenience of a dog.

I usually carry pepper spray but haven't used it yet. Water bottles, stopping, and shouting have worked for me so far.

My son and I were chased by an old dog twice a while back, the first time I yelled at him which allerted his owner, who also yelled at him to no effect. I then used the water bottle, most effective, stopped him in his tracks. The second time my son was in the lead, I had schooled him in what to do, so I observed at first to see his reaction, in short he choked. It's ok, sometimes you need to experience crisis to understand the importance of keeping your head, I bet he'll do better next time. Once the dogs tonails hit the pavement I closed the gap and yelled "bad dog, go home" and made a bee line strait at him. Yes, I was prepared to take him out, this was after all my son he was closing on. The old dog looked up at me and changed his mind, I chased him back to his property.

The more disturbing situation was when a pack of 3 dogs came chasing down the street after us. The lead dog was bigger, looked like a pitbull/lab mix--about the size and shape of a rotweiler but didn't have the markings--the other 2 were smaller yappy things. I fell back and put myself between my son and the dogs, told him to stop and get off his bike, stay behind me, and use the bike as a shield/weapon if necessary. I did the same and started walking my bike towards the dogs and shouting "Bad dogs, go home" again. They were unimpressed, since there were three of them, I had the pepper spray out and was getting ready to spray the lead dog and club him with my bike if needed. Fortunately the owner heard my shouting and called the dogs back. I don't know if the dogs were better at listening because we stopped or what, but it worked. I no longer let my son ride this route with his friends if I am not along with them.

Also, I agree with Wogsterca above, protect yourself, but let the law deal with problem dogs.

Stopping may seem counterintuitive, but look at it this way-- when you're riding, you are so much less stable and more exposed. You have some element of speed, but in my case, unless I'm at least flat or on a slight downhilll, I can't outrun a dog. If you get off the bike, there are several advantages- you don't have to worry about falling, you can put the bike between you and the dog, and, perhaps most importantly, you stop looking like prey and start looking like a human to the dog. It's easier to establish you're in change when you're standing your ground.

I've had one encounter like this. I thought it was a German shepherd at first, but when I got off the bike and stood my ground, it looked more like a coyote. I think it may have been a mixture of the two. Either way, it wasn't afraid of me, and it was serious. I got the bike between me and the dog and tried to shout it down. It continued to advance. Finally I gave it the squirt from the water bottle which seemed to confuse it. It sat down just behind the line of water I'd drawn and barked viciously at me. When he sat down I started slowly walking away. He stayed put, so once I was a comfortable distance away, I remounted and rode on.

Some people talk about putting ammonia in the water bottle. Bad idea- you might take an accidental drink out of it. I think water does just about the same thing as anything else, but if you want to use something the dog won't be crazy about, try using a citrus drink; it won't hurt them but it will sting their eyes.

Dangerous for you

Sad for your community

Terrible for cycling

It's a real pity we can't shoot the irresponsible owners, instead of their dogs who are just doing what dogs do.

For the record, I would never carry a BB gun, but I'm never going to tell somebody else that the option they've chosen (after making sure it's legal) is the wrong one.

It's a real pity we can't shoot the irresponsible owners, instead of their dogs who are just doing what dogs do.

Ain't it the truth. My parents lived on a country cul-de-sac with about 12 or 13 other homeowners. My folks had a Doberman who, when he wasn't in his run next to the garage, was indoors. One of the many neighbors who constantly let their dogs run loose took it upon themselves to pen a letter to my mom supposedly "from" our dog and left it in their mailbox. In the note the dog talked about how sad he was that he was confined. It upset my mother so much they gave the dog away. No amount of intelligent discussion about the dog's safety and the fact that he was in every possible way better in his home would console her.

I swore if I ever learned who wrote the note, I'd give them a Big Dog-sized chunk of my mind. Never found out who it was, though.

Shouting just adds excitement for the dog and most will enjoy chasing this loud rolling object (you).

Sorry but this is just wrong. I've ridden all over the country in all kinds of areas and I've never meet a dog that couldn't be dealt with by simply yelling at them. You have to be loud and authoritative and don't try to out run them. Stop, act like a threat and the dogs will either leave or come to you.

Nashcommguy says "Why do I have to stop or slow down MY workout to accomodate someone else's irresponsibility?" You stop because otherwise you trigger the dog's chase response and become prey. Stopping and standing your ground while acting like a threat triggers the dog's pack response, which is to be subservient to what they consider as an alpha dog...a two legged hairless one but an alpha dog, nevertheless. Thanks to eons of experience and selective breeding, dogs look on people not as tasty monkeys but as something higher up the pack hierarchy then they are. A dog that will attack a human doesn't last long.

A dog that will attack a human doesn't last long.

Which is one of many reasons why I never carry a BB gun; I'm a big fan of helping natural selection.

I bike year long in Florida, and I can tell you that a single dog is no biggy; it is the roving pack mentality that makes you prey. Little fluffy gets real bold when backed up by a bunch of bigger pals. If cornered you could be badly hurt, DO NOT RUN. This only makes the pack bind into a chase. You can not out run them.
We have the added problem in Florida of lost tourist pets going wild, and law enforcement is non-existent till some kid gets taken, bitten bikers don't make the news here.

I too have tried everything. What works? A siren, an air horn, firecrackers, anything that is above 125db, short loud bursts. Hit them where it really hurts, SOUND.

Dogs will learn fast that painful sound is bad and will be trained to avoid all bikes. And if you are lucky enough to have the owner show up you can train him too.

I was on the rails to trails in Clearwater a few months back and watched three dogs on the loose knock a mom and two small kids into a drainage ditch bikes and all, with the owner just standing there with his hands in his pockets.


By the time a bunch of us were able to get mom and the kids away from the dogs and back on the trail, they were muddy and more scared than injured, the dog owner was nowhere to be found, but we know he lives near buy.

The police refused to even take the report stating it was more trouble than it was worth, as nobody was killed or injured!?!?! Given the chance I would have testified, that owner should have been tossed in jail and fined.

The point I am trying to make here is “Don’t be a victim” take the upper hand when you see a dog on the loose blast your air horn let him know you see him and that you will not put up with any aggressive move. That will most likely do it.

Remember alone a dog is somewhat of a coward, a group is a pack and much more prone to action, cursorial is the term (having a body or body parts particularly well-adapted for running), so don't act like prey by showing fear and running. Make a good show of it they will submit to the alpha blow that horn and scream at the owner, then report it to the Doughnut munchers, take pictures if you can.

Train the dog owners if you can in Florida, if the law works, it is a $500.00 fine and a court appearance. Do it for that little kid that wants to ride his bike without fear of having his face ripped off because some low life who thinks his dogs are his babies and has more rights that you. PARKS AND TRAILS ARE FOR P E O P L E .
Take back the bike paths and trails.

DaPoppa

I bike year long in Florida, and I can tell you that a single dog is no biggy; it is the roving pack mentality that makes you prey. Little fluffy gets real bold when backed up by a bunch of bigger pals. If cornered you could be badly hurt, DO NOT RUN. This only makes the pack bind into a chase. You can not out run them.
We have the added problem in Florida of lost tourist pets going wild, and law enforcement is non-existent till some kid gets taken, bitten bikers don't make the news here.

I too have tried everything. What works? A siren, an air horn, firecrackers, anything that is above 125db, short loud bursts. Hit them where it really hurts, SOUND.

Dogs will learn fast that painful sound is bad and will be trained to avoid all bikes. And if you are lucky enough to have the owner show up you can train him too.

I was on the rails to trails in Clearwater a few months back and watched three dogs on the loose knock a mom and two small kids into a drainage ditch bikes and all, with the owner just standing there with his hands in his pockets.


By the time a bunch of us were able to get mom and the kids away from the dogs and back on the trail, they were muddy and more scared than injured, the dog owner was nowhere to be found, but we know he lives near buy.

The police refused to even take the report stating it was more trouble than it was worth, as nobody was killed or injured!?!?! Given the chance I would have testified, that owner should have been tossed in jail and fined.

The point I am trying to make here is “Don’t be a victim” take the upper hand when you see a dog on the loose blast your air horn let him know you see him and that you will not put up with any aggressive move. That will most likely do it.

Remember alone a dog is somewhat of a coward, a group is a pack and much more prone to action, cursorial is the term (having a body or body parts particularly well-adapted for running), so don't act like prey by showing fear and running. Make a good show of it they will submit to the alpha blow that horn and scream at the owner, then report it to the Doughnut munchers, take pictures if you can.

Train the dog owners if you can in Florida, if the law works, it is a $500.00 fine and a court appearance. Do it for that little kid that wants to ride his bike without fear of having his face ripped off because some low life who thinks his dogs are his kids and has more rights that you. PARKS AND TRAILS ARE FOR P E O P L E .
Take back the bike paths and trails.

DaPoppa

The police not wanting to take a report, is an issue that should be dealt with, you should have gotten the officers badge number and filed a complaint. Police officers make over 50K a year, taking that report is part of the officers job. Where it gets important is when the same dog or dogs are an issue over and over, the problem isn't the dog, it's the dogs owner, who should be fined for having a dog running loose on a regular basis.

I haven't had any that could keep up for very long. Usually after a couple hundred yards of sprinting, the dog gives up and trots back. I'm sure there are some types that could catch me but the average dog doesn't seem to be able to.

I haven't had any that could keep up for very long. Usually after a couple hundred yards of sprinting, the dog gives up and trots back. I'm sure there are some types that could catch me but the average dog doesn't seem to be able to.

yeah a friend of mine said and told me the same thing. alot of time if you stop someone could get bit etc. i just ignore them. well at least don't acknowledge the dog. the dog might keep up for a bit, but not long. who cares if the dog feels he defended his territory, the objective is to not get bit. :-)

Remember alone a dog is somewhat of a coward....

Best to really remember that not all dogs know that.

Coming from someone that's been a pro dog trainer for almost 20 years.............

I've had years of experience with dogs in rural areas.
Dogs are only concerned with their territory. Usually they will chase along until you reach the edge of their yard (or other perceived limit) and give up when they feel they scared you away. If you find a dog who does more than that, talk to the owner, report the incident to the police. Next time have the owner prosecuted. He is still responsible for controlling his animals, lease law or not!

Best to really remember that not all dogs know that.

Coming from someone that's been a pro dog trainer for almost 20 years.............

I've never run across a dog that would make a frontal attack on a human...unless trained to do so. On a bicycle, every dog I've run across will try to get behind you to attack. Standing your ground and facing the dog...with a bike between you and the dog...is highly effective in telling the dog that you mean business. I've found that just slowing down and facing them is extremely effective in making the dog back down. The last thing I'm going to do is try to out run the animal. That just triggers its chase response.

Any dog that would challenge a human for dominance of the 'pack', i.e. its family, isn't going to be in that pack for long. That's why you can train a dog. Wolves, coyotes and wild dogs, on the other hand, are a different story.

Great thread!
For anyone who has not been attacked by a large dog, it is an experience you do not want in your worse dreams. Two years ago I was knocked down and out of my sandals from behind while walking. The teeth went in about 50 inches up on my back. The owner nor his vet could provide proof of rabies shots. Local city, state, federal law enforcement and federal Public Health would not do anything. Federal health department would not take the dog into quarantine and only assured me their were not rabies in this state. This dog later attacked 2 other people on a public beach. The dog is now deceased with no assistance from the authorities.

If stopped or knocked down do not turn your back while attempting to exit a bad situation. The idea of weighting a de-headed golf club has my interest. Firearms of any type are illegal for immigrados.

Got to go take my Schnauzer for a leached run with the bike. Schauzers #1, anything else is just a DOG!

I live in an urban area and sometimes have to ride through less than desirable areas. If I'm not going fast enough to outsprint the dog and it's a big dog like a pit bull I stop, face it, and stare it down until I can get my high-powered Fenix LD20 flashlight out of its holster. I put it on strobe mode and shine it in the dog's eyes while slowly backing away. So far it's worked every time.

This may sound corny but it worked for me in several cases when I had run ins with dogs. I slow down a little bit and look at the dog and in my best Scooby Doo voice I say "Herro, Puppy" and then bark once. The dogs usually look at me funny and then take a more friendly demeanor and usually turn around and go back to where they came from. Being involved in the cycling community you kind of hear where the problem dogs are and kind of avoid using those roads.

I've only had a dog chase after me once. I just proceeded along and ignored him, and he broke off the chase after about 100-150 ft. I've had much worse encounters with deer, red-winged blackbirds, and Canada geese.

I was bitten by a small dog last December. It was on my regular route in town. Paramedics put a bandage on it and Animal Control cited the owner. I usually have at least one run in with a dog every time i go out. I try to slow down, if you can call 10 mph fast, tell them to "STAY" try to make eye contact . I may get a air horn like they use on small boats.

I may get a air horn like they use on small boats.

The air horn works every time I have seen em stop in their tracks when they hear that horn blast, and the next time all I have to do is grab the can and they slink back to their porch..

It is just the right pitch to stun em, without harm. Flat out killing the animal is a NO NO by any standards, but when I have my little ones I avoid those areas cause I don’t want any trouble.

Let me put it this way... lets say your average 6' 8" 360lb man (called Poppa Bear by his kids) goes totally unscrewed because a dog attacked one of his children...whose side is the Sherriff most likely to be on when they finally arrive, and who winds up getting Tazed??? DaPoppa Bear to be sure, get the big guy, he looks crazed. They just want to see what the TAZER does to a giant.

I can see the headlines now...

Escaped Circus Bear Bites Dog, Shreds Owner,
Flees on Road Bike and is Reported to be Still at Large.

LOL

DaPoppa

Here's a couple of things that sometimes help me:
1. DON"T look at them. They see it as a challenge and will respond. Be SUBMISSIVE.
2. Don't run. It seems to encourage them to chase. In fact slowing down can be more helpful; especially with dogs chasing in play. Although I do this at my discretion as it is still unwise to slow for a extremly aggressive dog about to tear you a new one.

The dogs I enounter usually back off once they feel I am out of their territory.

Here's a couple of things that sometimes help me:
1. DON"T look at them. They see it as a challenge and will respond. Be SUBMISSIVE.
2. Don't run. It seems to encourage them to chase. In fact slowing down can be more helpful; especially with dogs chasing in play. Although I do this at my discretion as it is still unwise to slow for a extremly aggressive dog about to tear you a new one.

The dogs I enounter usually back off once they feel I am out of their territory.

I'd not look a grizzly in the eye because a grizzly knows where it is at on the food chain. I'd not look a gorilla in the eye because he has the strength...and attitude...to break me in half. I'd not look a alpha chimpanzee in the eye because he'd have the strength to tear my arm off.

But a dog? I'll look any dog straight in the eye and challenge him to make me his submissive. Dogs have had 14,000 years of being in our packs and they, too, know where they are in the food chain. Like I said before, a dog that will challenge a human for domination of the pack, i.e. the family, won't survive in the pack for long. Of course looking them in the eye is a challenge. It's meant that way.

Bad Dog

In Pinellas County, which has the youngest police farce in the country officers as young as 19, you are more likely to get shot by a Rookie cop than a bad guy, and riding around with a BB gun in a holster, and shooting it at dogs while you ride will most likely wind you up in:
Choose One......
1. An ambulance
2. A Paddy wagon
3. A Southern jail cell surrounded by toothless cretins.
4. The Morgue after meeting a Rookie Cop on his first Shoot.

Look if you are that scared of dogs ride in the park, what you offer is real bad advice, and sets the wrong example. There are enough people out there making it hard enough to share the road without Gun Nuts Stirring them up. Take up knitting, or scrapbooking, find a peaceful outlet, the air horn at least does no harm, a bb gun is a challenge, set a better example will ya?!!!

I shall bend like a reed in the wind.......