I do believe that's the idea :D

I suspect that exposing one's tender bits near a snapping dog is not the wisest strategy. :eek:

I would hope that anyone taking this kind of advice would have the foresight and planning skills necessary to use a portable container filled with the good stuff.

Enjoy

I suspect that a few here would prefer draught, straight out of the tap and fresh :D

I think I'll stay with the windshield washer fluid ...

Diluted.

With a bit of that pepper stuff that makes it hot.

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And I'll be sure and wash my hands before I make my next pit stop. :eek:

Again I must reiterate: Can't you use diluted vinegar, lemon juice or peppermint extract instead of (ammonia-based) washer fluid? These three options are totally safe, environmentally safe, cheaper, and sting like hell when you get them in your eyes. Add the juice of a jalapeno if you must.

Jeff, I am joking about the windshield washer fluid ... ammonia, etc. I don't want to get bitten, but neither do I want to deal with the liability of really hurting the guy's dog.

However, I am serious about doing some kind of behavior mod on the dog, and if vinegar will do it, so be it. The way I see it, if I can tame the dog, it will make the route available for others. (Of course, I may also discover why I have yet to see other bicyclists on that road!)

Meanwhile, I have located a round bottle that fits perfectly in one of my bottle cages, along with that very efficient pump. So I can go prepared -- just as long as I grab the correct bottle at the timely moment!

My schedule is not going to permit me to ride that route again until about mid week of next week, so I'll give it try then and report back.

Rick (at age 50 + 2 days, musing on the need for a steady aim and strong stream) in AL

;)

I'm pretty sure most of these "spray" tactics will just piss the dog offfurther, making matters worse.

Also, maybe I'm not understanding the situation, but if these dogs are in such specific "zones" why not just not go down that street? I avoid a few streets that were once on my route home because I know of a few strays that hang out there.

Makes sense to me. :)

For real; yell loudly: "get off the couch!!!" . . . surprisingly they seem to know what it means and look confused as there's no couch about.
Careful with pepper spray! If you spray make sure the stuff does not blow back on you . . . check wind direction before using.
Take a big swig of water from your water container; don't swallow it, but get close to dogs and very forcefully expectorate it. Works in most cases.

That's because you don't bike much

Dogs are pack animals. If you can convince the dog you're the pack leader it ought to leave you alone. In my few experiences with dogs i've always found the best thing I could do was to walk right at the dog speaking in a loud voice and by doing so threaten it.

The risk there is what if the dog in question dpesn't know it's supposed to be cowed, or is insane.

But i've never had any trouble doing that. But i'd keep the bike between you and the dog, that's for certain.

A little tough to do when you are riding.
Why should I have to stop and dismount everytime some mutt comes at me?
I find it much more expedient to give fido a face full of pain and ride on.

Enjoy