Now that we've returned this thread back to the topic of the OP:
It's not your run-of-the-mill, american-pie household, easily intimidated dogs that I'm worried about.
Now tell me you wouldn't mace (or even shoot) if confronted by one of these unholy creatures while on your bike, with only a thin layer of lycra otherwise protecting your clean-shaven hide.
BTW, I am a dog lover and owner.