Dog Issues
 

I live in northern Thailand most of the year and very much enjoy cycling there. In fact I’d call that area a cycling paradise. There are countless little rural roads with almost no traffic and lots of variety, interesting villages, the people are very friendly, and you’re rarely far away from great food. My only problem is the dogs. In town they’re rarely an issue -- the territorial animals with owners are almost always behind fences and the street dogs without owners are aggressive. But in rural areas most homes and properties aren’t fenced, and one or more dogs will often give chase is they see what to them looks like a weird looking human, dressed quite unlike a local Thai person, riding past on a bike. Packs are the worst. In groups, those dogs can be quite aggressive and relentless. I was bitten once and had to get rabies shots.

I’ve gotten better at dealing them. Most of the time, trying to outrun them is unwise so I typically stop, but the bike between myself and the animal, and shout at them (in Thai) to go as I slowly back away. Usually that works but still, the experience is unpleasant and one never knows how it’ll turn out. In some areas every resident has a few dogs, and after getting past one group I end up dealing with 2 or 3 more groups, alerted by all the barking. It can be exhausting.

A couple of years ago I bought an ultrasonic dog repeller gadget, but it seemed to have no effect. Maybe it was faulty, or maybe those gadgets just don’t work well.

I wish I could find some device or learn some “dog whisperer” techniques to better defuse these situations. I’ve wondered about finding a dog trainer in Thailand or in the U.S. who might be able teach me some new techniques. Otherwise I think it's inevitable that I'll end up at a hospital again some day after encountering some dog on a ride. I've owned dogs, like them, and are generally comfortable with them, when they're not chasing me and barking.

I’m sure that others here have faced dog problems, Any advice or suggestions?

I used to get this when we lived in a rural area in Western Washington state back in the 90's, but nowhere near as bad as you describe. Pepper spray solved my issues, including once with a Rottweiler. Don't know if pepper spray is an option for you there . . . . . . .

Or if you can obtain bear spray. Any dog shot with bear spray, unless they are totally brainless, will leave you alone in the future. I did spray a dog once with pepper spray and it did virtually nothing, especially when they are in attack mode. But it’s better than nothing. For wild animals where I live (bears and mountain lions) Fish and Wildlife recommend using a canned boat horn. Very very loud.

And my dad who lives in rural Thailand only has 5 dogs.

Airzound bike horn. Try it, if it is sold in Thailand, or from an online seller that will do international shipping.

+1 AIrZound Air horn. I have been equipping each of my bikes with one for 30 years because I commute in traffic. But they have repelled or startled and stopped rapidly approaching dogs the three times that has happened over 30 years. And never in a pack...just Lionel dogs.

But since the effect of the horn blast is temporary and "non-invasive" I'm thinking bear-spray, which can stick to the dog, may be better.

I don't know what the local laws are there, but I reading some where about a cyclist using a pellet or bb gun with great success.

I've never been bitten by a dog. Even the most scary ones. When I stop the bike, they stop. Though I don't usually stop, they typically can't keep up the speed as long as I can.

Since you are dealing with them most of them effectively, I'd say just get your mind cleared of the anxiety they cause you. I've ridden with too many people in groups that go nuts when they hear a dog barking and they themselves do crazy unsafe stuff on a bike. Don't be that person.

You might for reassurance and courage to help control your anxiety, carry some bear spray or pepper spray or some of the other things, but don't use them unless you absolutely have to.

Since many probably are some little kids pet, do you want them to get that stuff on them when the dog comes home?

Just like that? (Ludacris reference)

I think with many animals they sense your fear and if you go in without fear you will be in much better shape. I have a friend who has a dog and she can be a little aggressive to people who don't pay attention to her or have a very meek scared attitude but she loves me because I am not scared, I go in confidently and she loves me, sometimes a little too much.

Yes, they too stop just like that. And they look puzzled. Perhaps they are annoyed that their reason for getting some exercise suddenly went away. <grin>

My wife is terribly afraid of dogs too when they bark. And when they come up to us while we are out walking, they will completely ignore me and try to jump on her trying to avoid them by hiding behind me. Which causes me to laugh. And you know that causes me a lot of grief from my wife! <grin>

Yes somehow they sense fear. And likely are just trying to show that they aren't anything to be afraid of. They just don't realized that the excited way they do it is what's causing all the fear.

If you have access to a 3D printer, this whistle is an absolute howler: https://makerworld.com/en/models/539...ofileId-456444

Yeah it is mainly fear, just act confidently and like an Alpha of the pack and you will be fine, generally. There are certainly some poor animals who have been abused and taught violence but that is a learned behavior and not something inherent in their nature generally.

You cannot laugh at the wife...when she is around ; )