My riding route where I spend a couple of months out of the year runs past a farm with three dogs that sometimes chase me. I worry about it as I approach. This year I stopped and put my bike between me and the dogs. The owner was outside and I yelled to him "are the dogs ok?" He said yes and starting walking towards us. I decided not to make a federal case out of the problem because after all it is a rural area with no real rules on dogs. I asked to meet his dogs, petted them, asked their names and asked for suggestions from him on how we can have them stop chasing me. He said to tell the big dog, "Meat Head" to go home and they all should go home. Or, at least it was worth a try.

On my return trip past the house the dogs were still out and came running. I yelled "Meat Head go home," and he promptly turned around and all the dogs ran home. I might bring them treats next year. Exuberant but essentially harmless. I no longer dread riding past that farm.