Hoopdriver

Part of my commute takes me along a path adjacent to a local dog park. Yesterday, as I rode by, a lady at the far end of the fenced area started yelling, "bike rider, go chase him ... get him, get the bike". The dog responded and took off in my direction and followed me along the fence, barking all the way. It was a rather cute small dog and I was rather amused at the time. Later on I started thinking that this lady did a rather stupid thing teaching her dog to chase things. Yeah it was a dog park and there was no danger of the dog attacking me. The lady was probably just trying to stimulate her pooch for exercise, but dogs don't understand context.

I felt like turning back to discuss this with her, but I was already 20 minutes down the road. Anyway, such a discussion would probably not be fruitful anyway.

Oneder

Sounds like the kind of little yappy dog that would do that anyways and she was just playing along to have fun. you can't really let dogs like those out anyhow so probably not a big issue.

If you ever get a real attack you'll be surprised how much power an extended foot from a cyclist going 10-15 mph has behind it, bruce lee has nothing on that.

Crashola

"There are two things that won't last long in this world, and that's dogs chasing cars and pros putting for pars." Lee Trevino

Siu Blue Wind

Wow.. People just don't think.

One day this dog will chase a cyclist and something bad will happen.

Very sad.

fietsbob

Find a Lawyer Riding partner, and a second witness too , a 3some.

built a case and you might get her house...





...

mcours2006

I think you missed caddies who want to be stars...

mcours2006

I don't think that conversation would have gone well. If the dog was fenced in then no harm done. If the dog was not fenced and off-leash then there's a problem.

Reynolds 

The dog may be small, but it's still a danger. A friend of mine had a nasty fall when a little dog ran into his bike, he went over the dog with his front wheel and fell. The dog ran away apparently unharmed.

pdlamb

Sounds like it's time to dig out the HALT! and the handlebar carrier that's buried somewhere in my spare parts box...

Canker

The dog was contained quit overreacting people. There was NO DANGER.

Cougrrcj 

Stupid owner!!!

I was in a pace line one time 40 years ago when a yappy dog came out of someones yard at the cyclists in the road - the dog got run over and killed by the cyclists, and several cyclists went down with damage to their bikes and selves... Not a good outcome to many involved!!!!

Even earlier in my riding -- I was headed home after being at our community tennis courts late one night. Suddenly I heard something coming up behind me in the dark. A German Shepard making no noise other than his nails scratching concrete pavement as he gained on me, and about to chomp on my leg. I was riding with my racquet across my handlebars, and gave the doggie noggin a backhand that would have done Jimmy Connors proud. Dog's head got the edge of my racquet to the side of his head and his head went into my rear spokes... Doggie died.

Dirt Farmer

Thank goodness the dog was fenced. But remember, in the wild, those little dogs are as puntable as footballs.

wolfchild

You are clueless .....It's stupid and dangerous for the dog owner to teach and encourage their dog to chase cyclists. One of these days it's going to happen outside of a fenced area because the dog has already been taught by its stupid owner to chase people on bicycles. That's why I carry a chain lock with a heavy padlock on my handlebars, just in case.

MarcoCee

Here Fido.
C'mere little puppy 🐕

woodcraft

I was attacked by a small dog in a parking lot- regular water stop for cyclists.

It charged full speed toward my ankle, & I was able to deliver a so-so kick as the owner looked on.

Perhaps she had encouraged her dog as to attack cyclists as well.

Cyclcist11023131

bkaapcke

Slow down, stay just ahead of the yap dog, and get him to follow you miles and miles down the trail. Then resume speed and be on your way. Let the jive lady find her own noisemaker mutt. Problem solved for all time. bk

Oneder

Some people seem to have this delusional sense of invulnerability if they are walking a medium size dog.

Hokiedad4

We were out on our Tuesday evening ride last week and a small dog ran across the street to chase one of our riders right in front of an oncoming car. I watched the impending disaster with a mix of horror and amusement. Only very quick thinking by the driver prevented canine road pizza.

JohnDThompson 

But why train your dog to think that chasing cyclists is appropriate fun? Someday, that dog will be in an unfenced area, see a cyclist and cause an accident.

700

Maybe she was just flirting.

mcours2006

Well, if the dog is in an unfenced area then it should really be leashed. Some dogs will chase anything that moves if unleashed.

Wanderer

That is assault. I would have called the police!

mcours2006

Assault with an extremely cute and adorable weapon?

Witterings

Not on that occasion but she's teaching the dog to chase cyclists and one day she may be in open park when a child cycles past .... even if the dog doesn't actually attack the child they're probably going to excavate their bowels and are highly likely to have an accident. A child could be cycling at the side of the road and watching the dog to try and get away from it and could steer out under a car .... totally irresponsible behavior.