Dogs
08-23-13, 10:04 PM
#76
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I mostly love dogs more than people. I've been around them for more than 70 years and believe that I understand them pretty well. They, like us, are of all-sorts and normally respond to alpha behavior on my part. But, sometimes they need a more immediate instruction.
There is nothing better than pepper spray. I always have a can of foam-type spray at hand when I ride, or walk for that matter. Either in my pocket (walking) or sticking out of the top tube bag just behind the headset on my bike. The foam spray squirts a directional stream that does not splatter; it also pentrates wind. It does no permanent damage yet can stop a charging Grizzly in its tracks.
Water works, when the dog is not really violent. Vinegar or ammonia in water (three parts water) is better. Vinegar does no permanent damage; I am not sure about ammonia.
I've had violent dogs attempt to attack me: I kicked one, got him really good, and he would thereafter run to and stay on his porch when I rode by. I gave the other two a snootful of pepper spray. One of them was an extremely aggressive pit bull with an equally violent owner who then also attacked -- got the same treatment and a visit by the sheriff. I never went by that house again and learned a few months later that the man had shot himself to death. Poor dog. I also learned that the other dog I sprayed never chased another bicycle LOL
Pepper spray works and does no long-term harm. My county's sheriff's department (and most police I suspect) prefers that you use pepper spray over a gun (Duh); when I called them about the guy and his pit bull and told the deputy what I had done, he said, "Right On!"
On the other hand: A dog who chases while wagging his tail is playing. But, look out for bared fangs (the lips are pulled back), stiff tail and raised hackles (the back hair behind the neck) -- you can shoot that one for all I care, that is a ruined dog and children may be at risk.
In the summer '59 I had to shoot a dog, the only time I've ever personally killed one. I was 17 years old and hunting rabbits (yes we ate them) in the desert near Alamogordo NM when I ran upon a pack of feral dogs. They were clearly a family and I think they might have been Labrador Retrievers. There were nine of them, three were maybe six months old. They were running like coyotes do when hunting. They turned toward me and started to run faster. Their intentions seemed clear to me and it was not to play. I fired into the sand in front of them twice -- didn't change a thing. So, I picked the Alpha and shot him. It was a head shot and he dropped like a stone. The others stopped, milled around a bit and, when I fired into the sand close to them a couple more times, they took off -- as did I!
Told the warden and sheriff's office. They baited and killed the rest of the pack. Kinda wished I hadn't said anything, but -- it coulda' been a kid.
And, well, damn the ignorant, stupid or twisted people who don't take responsibility for their animals. I've never seen a 'bad' dog that wasn't made that way by one of these creatures.
Joe
There is nothing better than pepper spray. I always have a can of foam-type spray at hand when I ride, or walk for that matter. Either in my pocket (walking) or sticking out of the top tube bag just behind the headset on my bike. The foam spray squirts a directional stream that does not splatter; it also pentrates wind. It does no permanent damage yet can stop a charging Grizzly in its tracks.
Water works, when the dog is not really violent. Vinegar or ammonia in water (three parts water) is better. Vinegar does no permanent damage; I am not sure about ammonia.
I've had violent dogs attempt to attack me: I kicked one, got him really good, and he would thereafter run to and stay on his porch when I rode by. I gave the other two a snootful of pepper spray. One of them was an extremely aggressive pit bull with an equally violent owner who then also attacked -- got the same treatment and a visit by the sheriff. I never went by that house again and learned a few months later that the man had shot himself to death. Poor dog. I also learned that the other dog I sprayed never chased another bicycle LOL
Pepper spray works and does no long-term harm. My county's sheriff's department (and most police I suspect) prefers that you use pepper spray over a gun (Duh); when I called them about the guy and his pit bull and told the deputy what I had done, he said, "Right On!"
On the other hand: A dog who chases while wagging his tail is playing. But, look out for bared fangs (the lips are pulled back), stiff tail and raised hackles (the back hair behind the neck) -- you can shoot that one for all I care, that is a ruined dog and children may be at risk.
In the summer '59 I had to shoot a dog, the only time I've ever personally killed one. I was 17 years old and hunting rabbits (yes we ate them) in the desert near Alamogordo NM when I ran upon a pack of feral dogs. They were clearly a family and I think they might have been Labrador Retrievers. There were nine of them, three were maybe six months old. They were running like coyotes do when hunting. They turned toward me and started to run faster. Their intentions seemed clear to me and it was not to play. I fired into the sand in front of them twice -- didn't change a thing. So, I picked the Alpha and shot him. It was a head shot and he dropped like a stone. The others stopped, milled around a bit and, when I fired into the sand close to them a couple more times, they took off -- as did I!
Told the warden and sheriff's office. They baited and killed the rest of the pack. Kinda wished I hadn't said anything, but -- it coulda' been a kid.
And, well, damn the ignorant, stupid or twisted people who don't take responsibility for their animals. I've never seen a 'bad' dog that wasn't made that way by one of these creatures.
Joe
08-24-13, 02:38 AM
#77
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As a rule I don't like dogs but can agree entirely with this. It always seems to me that a responsible owner can train their dog, while the problems are caused by irresponsible owners. It always seems a shame that when a dog hasn't been trained and does something drastic the dog gets destroyed - it does sometimes seem like better justice if the dog were retrained and rehomed while the owner were taken away and shot.
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08-24-13, 09:18 AM
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I was responsible for a dog being hit by a car years ago. A dog unleashed in a yard chased after my bike. I sped up. A car going even faster came up behind me. The dog was in the middle of the road chasing after me. The car couldn't go into the opposite lane to avoid the dog because there was another car coming, and it couldn't slow down in time, so it hit the dog. I stopped and turned around, and the car driver stopped too. Both of us felt terrible, but the alternatives were me slowing down and getting bit by the dog, the car moving into the oncoming traffic lane and getting into an accident, or the car hitting the dog. If that dog was on a leash none of this wouldn't have happened. Me and the car driver feeling terrible, a crying child who probably spent his entire life with that dog, and a whole family upset.
08-24-13, 02:17 PM
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I was responsible for a dog being hit by a car years ago. A dog unleashed in a yard chased after my bike. I sped up. A car going even faster came up behind me. The dog was in the middle of the road chasing after me. The car couldn't go into the opposite lane to avoid the dog because there was another car coming, and it couldn't slow down in time, so it hit the dog. I stopped and turned around, and the car driver stopped too. Both of us felt terrible, but the alternatives were me slowing down and getting bit by the dog, the car moving into the oncoming traffic lane and getting into an accident, or the car hitting the dog. If that dog was on a leash none of this wouldn't have happened. Me and the car driver feeling terrible, a crying child who probably spent his entire life with that dog, and a whole family upset.
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08-24-13, 04:49 PM
#80
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Only once did I have a dog try a frontal attack. I decided to hop over him, and almost made it. As I dusted myself off, the dog hobbled away. A local sitting by the side of the road, commented " don't worry about the dog, he had a broken leg before you hit him".
Anyway, after years of bating farm dogs off with my Silca pump (plastic pumps don't get dented). I finally got my "master's voice" down. Clearly, firmly with authority instead of panic, I'd shout "GO HOME!" and they would. A friend carries a rolled magazine in his jersey pocket when headed to dog country. Never has to use it, just pull it out and wave. Dogs know what a rolled newspaper or magazine is and go back home on their own.
Anyway, after years of bating farm dogs off with my Silca pump (plastic pumps don't get dented). I finally got my "master's voice" down. Clearly, firmly with authority instead of panic, I'd shout "GO HOME!" and they would. A friend carries a rolled magazine in his jersey pocket when headed to dog country. Never has to use it, just pull it out and wave. Dogs know what a rolled newspaper or magazine is and go back home on their own.
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08-28-13, 08:33 PM
#81
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The only major incident I've had with a dog on a bike involved me getting knocked off when it jumped out of some bushes, and the dog being beaten to death with my helmet when it wouldn't let go of my leg. I also know a few other people who have been mauled pretty badly by a dog that the owners insisted were perfect little angels.
In my case, I wound up getting a lot of stitches, and carry a decent knife all the time because of it.
In my case, I wound up getting a lot of stitches, and carry a decent knife all the time because of it.
Last edited by manapua_man; 08-28-13 at 08:50 PM.
08-29-13, 07:00 AM
#82
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I ride in the country. When a dog chases me, I actually stop and tell it NO, go back home and shoo it off. They get really confused when that crazy wheeled contraption transforms into a human and talks to them in a command voice.
I'm sure there are dogs that won't work on but I haven't found one yet.
I'm sure there are dogs that won't work on but I haven't found one yet.
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08-31-13, 08:53 PM
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Came across this.....A dog trainer talks about self defense and dogs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PqW5TJMAnY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PqW5TJMAnY
09-01-13, 09:56 AM
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IMHO stopping and yelling works really really well, The only time I had a BIG problem is when the drunk owner came out and wanted to know why I was yelling at his dog.
My packing list: line item 34, dog/bear/moron spray 4oz (1)
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09-01-13, 10:53 AM
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This morning a group of 4 dogs chased me down at an apple orchard - to lick me to death.
Dogs are great.
Dogs are great.
05-02-15, 05:24 PM
#86
Anywhere I roam
I just had a medium size dog jump out from a yard right beside me when I was doing about 10mph up an alley. Startled me pretty good, he then started chasing me and barking. I slammed on my brakes and quickly turned around and said "GIT!" and he cowered back. I start riding and have to redo the sequence. Second time I ride off he runs past me barking, and into a yard with an open gate, so I locked him in, ha ha! Probably was his yard. Anyway, with dogs the alpha male thing has always worked for me so far. They'll keep haranguing you for a bit, but they seem to gradually lose interest as you keep showing them that you might just kick their ass.
05-02-15, 08:58 PM
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This thread is two years old.
A dog is not something to be feared.
If I encounter a dog, I welcome their appearance. I even show the dog appreciation.
Not every dog owner is operating a dog-fighting ring.
A dog is not something to be feared.
If I encounter a dog, I welcome their appearance. I even show the dog appreciation.
Not every dog owner is operating a dog-fighting ring.
05-03-15, 10:30 PM
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The fact is, you don't know which dog is really, really vicious until it's too late.
05-04-15, 07:27 AM
#89
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Don't know what cycling manuals say now-a-days about dogs but back in the 1980s the blue book of cycling I had said to place your bike between you and the dog. Or even if you have a bike pump, hold it horizontally and the attacking dog will by instinct bite it and hang on. So you lift it in the air and kick it in the groin.
Luckily I never had to try this.
On another occasion, while helping out a friend with his paper route, two dobermans ran out and gave chase. I started running then remembered that these two "bark but don't bite". So at mid stride I froze and they both turned and ran away.
A couple of times during my commute some leashless dogs chase me. I slow down being afraid to run them over. They usually give a sniff before their owners call them back.
Luckily I never had to try this.
On another occasion, while helping out a friend with his paper route, two dobermans ran out and gave chase. I started running then remembered that these two "bark but don't bite". So at mid stride I froze and they both turned and ran away.
A couple of times during my commute some leashless dogs chase me. I slow down being afraid to run them over. They usually give a sniff before their owners call them back.
05-04-15, 08:35 AM
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Do this:
Dogs bark and chase bikes because they're not used to them. Get off your bike and stand your ground. Chances are the dog will realize you're a human and stop.
Or ya know, just shoot it and have no value for life, that's cool.
05-04-15, 09:38 AM
#91
You gonna eat that?
Because, hey, guns are always the answer.
I saw a bunch of loose dogs on my ride yesterday, maybe 3 or 4. One was standing in the middle of the street, a boxer. I slowed and mentally prepared to dismount, and then called out, "Hey puppy, how ya doin'?" The dog just kind of looked at me but didn't give chase. Another one, an older puppy, was out in the front yard with its family. It chased me along the yard but already knew where to stop (at the end of the yard). Another one did give chase but it was a smaller terrier mix so I could pretty much ignore it. When it followed longer that I thought it should, I gave it a little squirt out of my water bottle and it broke off. I saw one other one, rather large, as I started to turn down a block, so I redirected and went down the next block.
At least in the city, dogs seem to be manageable. The same method doesn't work on every dog; the best thing I can say is with experience you can read a dog and gauge the best course of action. The best defense is to spot them before they spot you so you can be the initiator, not the reactor.
I saw a bunch of loose dogs on my ride yesterday, maybe 3 or 4. One was standing in the middle of the street, a boxer. I slowed and mentally prepared to dismount, and then called out, "Hey puppy, how ya doin'?" The dog just kind of looked at me but didn't give chase. Another one, an older puppy, was out in the front yard with its family. It chased me along the yard but already knew where to stop (at the end of the yard). Another one did give chase but it was a smaller terrier mix so I could pretty much ignore it. When it followed longer that I thought it should, I gave it a little squirt out of my water bottle and it broke off. I saw one other one, rather large, as I started to turn down a block, so I redirected and went down the next block.
At least in the city, dogs seem to be manageable. The same method doesn't work on every dog; the best thing I can say is with experience you can read a dog and gauge the best course of action. The best defense is to spot them before they spot you so you can be the initiator, not the reactor.
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Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
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05-05-15, 06:27 AM
#93
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A few years back my friend who lived outside of Vegas had a very steep gravel climb to his house, on a motorcycle he had to go slow. A neighbors bernard always came out after him, the dog finally got him, pulling him off his bike. Same leash law, cops didn't do anything. The next day climbing the hill he had his ****** ready and dropped the dog. Cops said tough luck to the owner. Love dogs, but it was the owners fault.
05-05-15, 07:57 AM
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Not at all, I find it amusing the guy with the big bad *** doesn't know how to be an alpha, but in reality, that's usually always the case.
Sorry, but guns are dumb and I have even less respect for the people that use them on animals.
Sorry, but guns are dumb and I have even less respect for the people that use them on animals.
05-05-15, 08:59 AM
#95
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Dogs behaves one way to owners / family, can be quite different to stranger.
water bottle worked great against a hostile dog a while back. Got him mid bark.
Bright blinkie helmet light is like magic...
to those who say befriend a dog... lot of dogs here are trained to attack strangers.
05-05-15, 09:02 AM
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05-05-15, 09:11 AM
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So so you never been attacked by a dog, not bit, attacked!
Dogs behaves one way to owners / family, can be quite different to stranger.
water bottle worked great against a hostile dog a while back. Got him mid bark.
Bright blinkie helmet light is like magic...
to those who say befriend a dog... lot of dogs here are trained to attack strangers.
Dogs behaves one way to owners / family, can be quite different to stranger.
water bottle worked great against a hostile dog a while back. Got him mid bark.
Bright blinkie helmet light is like magic...
to those who say befriend a dog... lot of dogs here are trained to attack strangers.
, which doesn't usually apply to how to behave around a dog. But it could.
A dog is not the enemy.
05-05-15, 09:27 AM
#98
Senior Member
you need to get out in the world.
you know why dogs nip at your heels?
it's to cut your hamstring. It's how they hunt.
05-05-15, 10:52 AM
#99
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And carry a flash from your SLR camera. The sound of the capacitor charging drives them crazy.
Last edited by Daniel4; 05-05-15 at 10:55 AM.
05-05-15, 11:24 AM
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I do, do I. I encountered a dog owner yesterday, with a mid-size, or average-size dog. They started to pull a little on the dog's leash as I was just about to walk by. I said to the dog owner. I don't bite, and I am not that hungry anyway.