Stucky

You make a good point- the "scary" aspect- even if created in our mind, is a factor- even if the actual threat is greatly over-exaggerated. I have this friend who was always afraid of dogs- especially big dogs- but after he became friends with me and my dog; and got to know my dog, and saw how I handled strange dogs, he completely lost his fear of dogs. Now he loves them!

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)

dieselgoat

Quit letting the dogs ride your bike.

60spacing

jgscisum 

Squirt from the water has always worked for me... most of the time I can just out sprint them.

DropBarFan

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.

DropBarFan

You makes some good points, I esp agree with the "not be scared" part. I don't agree so much with the "speak cheerfully" bit. Just by facing down a pursuing dog you've won 95% of the battle but I've seen lots of folks who try to get chummy with submissive body-language & baby-talk but who still get bit or bullied.

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.

CliffordK

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.

Freedom2015

Whatever you do, dont wear MILK-BONE underwear.

Ratzinger

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.

Stucky

Yeah, that's the main thing i worry about when I see a dog coming after me- I'd hate to see it get hit by a car. If a dog is chasing me, and I see that a car is coming, I'll try and corral the dog between myself and the side of the road till the car passes. I've even gone so far as to hold them by their collar, till the car has passed. I wish their owners cared about them as much as I do.

It's ALWAYS the little ones! They're the ones you have to watch! They'll really bite ya!

jimmie65

I thought we were talking about dogs, not chihuahuas. Little demon-rats are the only canine-like thing I can't make friends with.

DropBarFan

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.

Stucky

It's funny- of all the dogs I encounter on my rides- of every size and variety, the ONE dog that gets on my nerves and annoys me and causes me concern, is not exactly a toy breed...but almost. A little one who would nip at my wheels; and every time I'd chase him away, as soon as I'd take off, he'd come right back! Haven't seen him lately, but every time I ride that way now, I'm prepared to squirt the little bastid with water!

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!

60spacing

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.

TinyL

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.

shrtdstncrdr

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

Stucky

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.

J.C. Koto

So are we all talking about armed mutts now or is this thread headed for P&R?

molten

~?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.

Ray9

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.

DropBarFan

With both kids & dogs it's easier in the long run to be consistent & sensible w/raising. Though it would be nice for dog owners to learn that what's appropriate for children backfires when applied to dogs. IE when parents come home from work, kids are excited & give hugs etc...that's fine but inappropriate for dogs. Giving dogs affection when they're excited signals that Fido is pack leader. People think it's mean to ignore a dog excitedly welcoming the owner but no, that's how the pack leader behaves. 99% of US dog walkers let Fido walk ahead, often with the long leashes which again signals to dogs that they're literally the pack leader. When I dog sit I walk dogs properly beside me on a twin lead. They love trotting shoulder-to-shoulder, as pack followers they have less anxiety. Plus I keep the dogs to my right so they don't interfere with cyclists/runners passing.

TinyL

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!

jfowler85

A paintball gun on a bike? A cattle prod? Good luck with that.

So...let's say a dog is coming at you full sprint; you sprayed it in the face but it's not relenting. You've got maybe 10-15 feet between you and the charging animal. In this 1-2 seconds you do the following:

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.

ericthered

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

TheManShow

No sure they still sell starter pistols, they scare dogs in most cases, and are not illegal to own in most places.