Dogs chasing cyclists
 

When cycling along a country road a dog started chasing our group. There seemed to be different suggestions on handling this from outracing the dog (not always possible), get off and put yourself between dog and you and back away. Any really good suggestions?

Every dog I've ever met on the road just wanted something to chase. I respond by slowing down and telling them to go home. If they are reluctant, I stop and tell them off. They either leave or at least retreat back to "their turf". Usually when I get back on the bike they'll show renewed interest, but if I just leave slowly and don't present any sport, they just bark a little and turn away.

There's a great dane on my route that is becoming my buddy. She comes out and runs along her property line barking her slow, low bark, and I say hi to her.

The one that worries me is the beagle down the road - he'll come out onto the road, and a few times there have been cars on the road and I've been scared he'd get hit. About 2 months ago I had to stop an oncoming car because I was pretty sure neither of them saw the other (there is a hill there).

A squirt from the water bottle into the face of the dog has never failed me. I can get them a good 10-15 feet away and I usually don't even have to break my stride.

So far, I've always been able to outrun them, although I've had some close calls. If they're getting close, I'll bellow OUT! at them in the loudest voice I can—this is something I picked up in a dog-obedience class, and it seems to slow them down a bit.

On one of my regular routes, I tracked down a loose dog's owner once to explain that I was concerned about the dog getting hit. I don't know whether that made a difference or not, but I didn't get chased by that dog again.

The only dog that has ever come close to me was lying at the side of the road in bushes on a climb. Never saw it until it was lunging at me. It missed and did not go for a second strike. I can not think of anything that would help in that situation. Well maybe riding with a gun or can of mace in your hand, anything less too late.

I once did an off road rid that started with a steep section with a large pack of feral dogs on it. Putting the bike between me and them and walking past worked fine.

I've had one other interesting incident with 3 large dogs who had me cut off. Long story short, as they ran toward me I noticed tails wagging and no aggressive noises. I dismounted remembering a friendly jump will still take down a cyclist. The hard part was getting them to go back home.

My huge piece of advice is do not jump start problems by being terrified of all dogs.

I am lucky if, a dog even tries to chase me. Nine times out of ten, they ignore me. I jokingly tell the dogs' owner, I feel rejected because, the dog didn't come after me.

If a dog is on a leash and, is straining to chase me, I stop n' tell the owner, it is okay and, to let the dog come up to me.

I found a much better tactic: I explain to dog owners that the dogs can't see the spokes in the wheel when they're moving and try to push their faces in, which has about the same effect as if they were pushed muzzle first into a weed whacker. Usually the dog has to put down afterwards - if it lives long enough. It's a horrible way to die.

It may even be true!

I also will do this. I love animals, and don't mind having a "well behaved" dog jumping for attention or slobbering on me. Yes, I know that there are people out there who don't like that. But it doesn't bother me.

That's the best advice. I was friends with a Golden Lab/German Shepard mix ***** who didn't like men. I met her when her owner had her tied up outside the apartment while doing some housecleaning.

I had no problems with the dog. Se was always sweet and manageable. And I had no problems walking her.

Our Alpha male dog is more a womans dog than a mans. He gets along fine with women, but not all men, esp. older men. I'm getting older. But he loves me. May God have mercy on you if you try to harm me (or any of our family). But if you like dogs expect nothing but good from him. Our Beta dogs have been a bit of a different story. With Joey (who recently died from cancer) you could expect to get slimed. Our new beta dog is aggressive about attention, he will press against you like a cat, problem is he is a 100 lb. dog. But that and jumping on you is the worst that will happen.

I think that Peaches probably would have done the same for me. I like all animals, well there are some I like less then others. But generally I like 'em all. Isn't funny how with some dogs the bigger they are the more that they think that they're lap dogs.

I've been chased by dogs a few times, though never met wild ones. Usually they just chase you away (I was passing some farms where they let the dogs out during the night) until they're satisfied you are not trying to invade their turfs. Some of them got within a biting distance of my ankles, but I think they're more interested in intimidation than actual aggression.

One time though after successfully escaping the chase I came to a dead-end. Had to turn back and pass the same dog again, only this time it was waiting for me (could probably smell and hear me coming from a mile away). I biked as fast as I could, all the time shouting curses at the silly puppy, and managed to run away. Never rode that path again, though. Also, I felt sorry for using such a foul language at the poor little thing, but the adrenaline rush just took over.

I like animals, but it's not fun when the owners let them loose on public roads. Eventually someone is going to get seriously hurt, and everyone will blame to hapless dog.

I don't mind nasty dogs, either. I try to put the dog at ease, for the sake of the owner, so the dog won't start dragging the owner.

The only time I get concerned, is when, I notice that the dog's nasty behavior is perpetuated by the owner. I know then, that, the dog's nasty behavior was intentional on the part of the owner.