Best way(s) to deal with dogs chasing me on my bike.
#26
Old Fart
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bumpkinsville
Posts: 3,348
Bikes: '97 Klein Quantum '16 Gravity Knockout
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Perhaps, but if I'm riding in the country and a big dog leaps off the porch and runs at me barking, full-speed, up the driveway and onto the road, let me tell you, it's pretty scary for a "big guy" like me who doesn't know dogs very well, much less this particular dog. It's scary as hell.
The only thing I've been able to do it outrun them. Sometimes they stop at the end of their driveway, sometimes they run onto the road and chase you. I don't have much of a choice to sit there and talk to them quietly. Sure, I might learn to calm down, but also getting a bit on the calf would have the opposite effect.
The only thing I've been able to do it outrun them. Sometimes they stop at the end of their driveway, sometimes they run onto the road and chase you. I don't have much of a choice to sit there and talk to them quietly. Sure, I might learn to calm down, but also getting a bit on the calf would have the opposite effect.
Even for me; there's this one humongous GSD (Biggest one I've ever seen!) on the route I just now got back from- and I have to say, at first, even I was a little intimidated by him (He'd come running out and barking at the bottom of a descent). And while he is one of the very few dogs who has not made friends with me/won't take a biscuit from me- he of course never does anything but look menacing -My biggest fear is that he will run in front of my wheel as I'm doing 30MPH around the curve at the bottom of the descent where he lives.
But I could just imagine how someone who isn't used to dogs or who is afraid of dogs would feel, seeing that monster running after them, with his loud, deep "I mean business" no-nonsense bark!
I was actually bitten on the calf once.... The ONE time I didn't talk to the dog (It was over 100*F- I was hot and tired....just two miles from home...figured the dog was used to me- I had only been riding for a few months at that point though. Big dog....just made 4 big tooth marks in my calf- I didn't even stop. He and i are good friends now...I love that dog- he reminds me of one i used to have years ago)
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150
Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
43 Posts
I'm American. "Unbalanced" dog refers to the raising ie a typical American dog that is spoiled. Such dogs can quickly veer from seeming calm to aggressive because their instinct sees a vacuum of leadership so thusly the dog takes over with often disastrous results. A Washington Post article discussed how dog fights & attacks on people had increased over recent years, esp during festival times. Reporter interviewed a Belgian woman who noted that such doggy disturbances were nearly unheard of back in Europe.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150
Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
43 Posts
Actually, I think that dogs view yelling as a sign that one is scared. Whereas, if you speak cheerfully to them, they're like "Oh, this guy is cool". They can read your body language and sense your emotions better than any human can; You can't fool them. The best thing is to actually not be scared; to go into every encounter with the idea that you want to make friends with the dogs. It works; and 99.9% of dogs are not out to get you....but often, our actions incite their instincts, and cause them to chase us and sometimes catch us. If we stop doing the things that triger their instinct to chase and catch....we've solved the problem.
And to tell you the truth, I've never bought into that "Alpha leader" and submission and dominance" stuff. Dogs are far more intelligent and emotional than those people make them out to be. Maybe wild dogs are more like that; but dogs kept as pets are far more civilized; and besides, trying to dominate a dog is not easy to do, unless the dog is mild and wimpy to begin with. Some scared bicycle rider is not going be able to dominate an even moderately competent dog- much less a tough one....and that is a game one does not want to lose- so better not to even start playing it. (It can make an aggressive dog even more aggressive, because dogs don't just back down when challenged)
And to tell you the truth, I've never bought into that "Alpha leader" and submission and dominance" stuff. Dogs are far more intelligent and emotional than those people make them out to be. Maybe wild dogs are more like that; but dogs kept as pets are far more civilized; and besides, trying to dominate a dog is not easy to do, unless the dog is mild and wimpy to begin with. Some scared bicycle rider is not going be able to dominate an even moderately competent dog- much less a tough one....and that is a game one does not want to lose- so better not to even start playing it. (It can make an aggressive dog even more aggressive, because dogs don't just back down when challenged)
Pack Leader idea is more about quiet dominance than loud & frantic aggression. The scheme really works; I've dog-sat for friends who marvel at behavior improvements & how the dogs adore me. Bikers & runners on the bike path amazed how my dog minds her business even off-leash, doesn't even chase cats or deer. Cesar "Dog Whisperer" Millan is from Mexico--I lived there too & while there were many dogs running loose on the streets it was unheard of for folks to get attacked.
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18378 Post(s)
Liked 4,512 Times
in
3,354 Posts
I always (usually) go fast.
I point at them and loudly yell. GO HOME!!!
I don't tolerate dogs on the road, and often yell at them if they look at me funny from an open driveway.
I had an ankle nipper chasing me a few days ago along a moderately busy road. I was more concerned that it would get hurt or cause me to swerve into traffic than any direct risk from the dog.
I point at them and loudly yell. GO HOME!!!
I don't tolerate dogs on the road, and often yell at them if they look at me funny from an open driveway.
I had an ankle nipper chasing me a few days ago along a moderately busy road. I was more concerned that it would get hurt or cause me to swerve into traffic than any direct risk from the dog.
#34
Buddy
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Toronto
Posts: 684
Bikes: 80s Gardin. Green fixed-gear. POS mountain bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The real impossible task seems to be getting my neighbour's Chihuahua to like me. Every time I'm in my back yard he freaks out and wants to kill me.
#35
Old Fart
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bumpkinsville
Posts: 3,348
Bikes: '97 Klein Quantum '16 Gravity Knockout
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
It's ALWAYS the little ones! They're the ones you have to watch! They'll really bite ya!
#36
Proud hobo biker
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Schertz - New Braunfels area
Posts: 804
Bikes: 2019 Surly Ogre, 2016 Giant Anyroad 2, Lightspeed Roadrunner trike, SE Tripel (in process)
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I thought we were talking about dogs, not chihuahuas. Little demon-rats are the only canine-like thing I can't make friends with.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150
Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
43 Posts
Seems like toy-dog owners consider them harmless so they spoil them & don't do proper training. But when they run out onto roads it can be a big problem. Some friends have a toy dog that jumped out of a moving car, luckily nobody was hurt.
#38
Old Fart
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bumpkinsville
Posts: 3,348
Bikes: '97 Klein Quantum '16 Gravity Knockout
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Funny thing is: That dog just started showing up when I first started riding clipless....came this >.< close to making me fall!
Speaking of toys: Once, where I used to live, this neighbor lady caught myself and a friend on our way out one day, and asked us if we'd move a couch for her. So here we are, carrying the couch out of her place, and her little ankle-biter is standing on the back of the couch as we're carrying it, supervising!
#39
Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 34
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a wawa. We keep him leashed at all times, and he knows better than to try something dumb. I've made it very clear to him that he's NOT the alpha around here. He's a good dog and listens well. I love him to death, but he's still a sneaky little guy though when he doesn't think I'm watching.
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: In Kansas right next to the Oki's.
Posts: 105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bought some pepper spray and have used it a couple times in the last couple weeks since I really can't sprint yet. As soon as I see them angling at me I grabbed the spray and sprayed them from about 2 feet. Have just been riding a couple weeks and have has a bunch of little yappers that turn away...but twice is was big dogs that I hit with a blast in the head at point blank range. Both dogs turned immediately and ran. I used some Velcro to secure it to the top tube for quick access. Carry a Ruger LCRx in the handle bar bag for anything that doesn't stop with pepper spray.
#41
Full Member
You don't have to agree with this, but in another era they kept a different solution on their persons. It seems to be an interesting blog.
Roads Were Not Built For Cars | ?I fear no tramp?: when cyclists carried pistols
Personally, I feel safer when I know there are good people carrying too. Not just criminals who broke other laws and happen to be carrying also.
Harv
Roads Were Not Built For Cars | ?I fear no tramp?: when cyclists carried pistols
Personally, I feel safer when I know there are good people carrying too. Not just criminals who broke other laws and happen to be carrying also.
Harv
#42
Old Fart
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bumpkinsville
Posts: 3,348
Bikes: '97 Klein Quantum '16 Gravity Knockout
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 163 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Ditto! And after moving from NYC to the rural South, I can see the difference it makes (as I knew it would) where the good people are armed. Where the good people are disarmed, the armed criminal is a veritable king; and the innocent live with bars on their windows.
#43
apocryphal sobriquet
So are we all talking about armed mutts now or is this thread headed for P&R?
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 745
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 57 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As many people/dog-owners say, about their dogs: 'They are part of our family.'
consistent with the role of children.
In my opinion, a dog is a pet. Lower priority. An additional expense.
#45
Full Member
I have used this method as well. You have to wait until the dog is almost on you and aim for right between the eyes. This usually startles and freezes them. However once, many years ago, I as climbing a steep hill and this huge German shepherd came growling out of a driveway and placed his snout on my left thigh. Every time I pedaled his head would go up and down and he kept growling but did not bite. This went on until I reached the top of the hill and gained enough speed to leave him behind. I never went on that road again. I showed no fear and I believe the dog sensed this.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,150
Bikes: 2013 Surly Disc Trucker, 2004 Novara Randonee , old fixie , etc
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 671 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
43 Posts
~?Notice how this issue (balancing, as I will convert it into raising) of dogs: is so similar to doing the same with children. Of the same country.?~
As many people/dog-owners say, about their dogs: 'They are part of our family.'
consistent with the role of children.
In my opinion, a dog is a pet. Lower priority. An additional expense.
As many people/dog-owners say, about their dogs: 'They are part of our family.'
consistent with the role of children.
In my opinion, a dog is a pet. Lower priority. An additional expense.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: In Kansas right next to the Oki's.
Posts: 105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well I just pulled in from my commute after work. Spent half and hour cleaning up woulds in the shower. I took a different route down an old highway tonight and was attacked by 5 dogs. Some mixed lab breed all full grown. Nobody else on road and was going approx 12 MPH when I heard a growl before I even seen the first dog. One dog grabed my heal and i kicked him off and another dog lunged at me from my left side and I ran off the edge of the road into the grass and laid the bike down to fight. Another dog grabed my elbow and i managed to knock him off while yelling loud at the other 3 in my headlight. I managed to get the pepper spray in hand and emptied the thing on them. They all bolted off into the darkness leaving me there bleeding from my elbow and knee that i spun in the grass/gravel trying to get them all. This was a total suprise attack from the rear. Last time I ever ride that route!
i went over to a telephone pole and marked it with a piece of trash i found so I can find it in the morning and maybe identify the dogs residence. This is all farmland along the route so hopefully they were close to home. I just want to know if they have had their shots...and maybe a little chat with the owner!
i went over to a telephone pole and marked it with a piece of trash i found so I can find it in the morning and maybe identify the dogs residence. This is all farmland along the route so hopefully they were close to home. I just want to know if they have had their shots...and maybe a little chat with the owner!
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Zinj
Posts: 1,826
Bikes: '93 911 Turbo 3.6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Welcome to Texas. I have had a run of dog sprints this year. In years gone by if I had 2 a year it was a lot. This year I think I am up to a dozen or more. I live in northeast Houston and ride county roads like you. So far my defense has been speed but that is bound to not work sometime. (see my last ride at this link Bicycling Texas | Bicycling, Texas | Cycling, Texas) There is a long thread about this subject on BF. The options and thoughts are many. My personal leaning is a electric cattle prod. The drawback is the closeness the dog must be to use it. A number of people carry pepper spray. Another option is a paintball gun. I am told the paintball stings and leave a mark but are not lethal.
1) Reach into your bag, pull out the handgun
2) Plant your feet and assume some semblance of a shooting stance (maybe you're already there?)
3) Click the safety off (not sure if it has one), since you're already condition 1 (assuming)
4) Sight the weapon on the dog
5) Pop off a few shots
Wtf is wrong with you? I hope to God there isn't a house somewhere behind this dog. I've been accused all my life of being a gun nut and yet it's behavior like this (why is it exactly you feel the need to announce that you carry a weapon with you?) which makes responsible folks like me out to be idiots. Good God I hope you never actually pull that thing out.
Last edited by jfowler85; 06-23-15 at 07:54 AM.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Knoxville TN
Posts: 138
Bikes: Surley Crosscheck, 1988 Rockhopper Commuter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rabies is deadly. No symptoms before it is too late.
Rabies is deadly. No symptoms before it is too late. That is why even small dog bits are an issue and dog vaccination key. Rabies is present across most of the USA. Do not take chances with any bite wound.
CDC - Signs and Symptoms - Rabies
CDC - Rabies Surveillance in the U.S.: Wild Animals - Rabies
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/images/201...reservoirs.gif
CDC - Signs and Symptoms - Rabies
CDC - Rabies Surveillance in the U.S.: Wild Animals - Rabies
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/images/201...reservoirs.gif
Well I just pulled in from my commute after work. Spent half and hour cleaning up woulds in the shower. I took a different route down an old highway tonight and was attacked by 5 dogs. Some mixed lab breed all full grown. Nobody else on road and was going approx 12 MPH when I heard a growl before I even seen the first dog. One dog grabed my heal and i kicked him off and another dog lunged at me from my left side and I ran off the edge of the road into the grass and laid the bike down to fight. Another dog grabed my elbow and i managed to knock him off while yelling loud at the other 3 in my headlight. I managed to get the pepper spray in hand and emptied the thing on them. They all bolted off into the darkness leaving me there bleeding from my elbow and knee that i spun in the grass/gravel trying to get them all. This was a total suprise attack from the rear. Last time I ever ride that route!
i went over to a telephone pole and marked it with a piece of trash i found so I can find it in the morning and maybe identify the dogs residence. This is all farmland along the route so hopefully they were close to home. I just want to know if they have had their shots...and maybe a little chat with the owner!
i went over to a telephone pole and marked it with a piece of trash i found so I can find it in the morning and maybe identify the dogs residence. This is all farmland along the route so hopefully they were close to home. I just want to know if they have had their shots...and maybe a little chat with the owner!
#50
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Sonoran Desert-U.S.A.
Posts: 663
Bikes: Old rusty bucket of bolts
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
No sure they still sell starter pistols, they scare dogs in most cases, and are not illegal to own in most places.