You need to learn how to read statistics. This is FATAL attacks. Of course Rottweilers and Pit Bulls will have the largest numbers of deaths. Do you know how difficult it is for a Chihuahua to kill a person?

"Many small dog owners overlook their dog's behavior because they are small and/or think they cannot hurt anyone. The truth is, little dogs bite more than big dogs."
https://www.dogbite.org/pages/dogsmostlikely.html

I agree with the statement that it's how you raise the dog that matters. I have a large mutt that was rescued and definitely abused (18" burn mark down its back) and can tear a tennis ball into shreds in less than 5 minutes, yet it is gentle (even with small children and other animals), puts up with anything you can dish out (pulling tail, smothering its face, etc.), won't take a piece of food out of another person or animal's mouth or plate (I've tested it), and respects the toys of other animals and people by not using them unless offered. You will never convince me that breed is the cause of violent behavior in dogs, just as race isn't the cause of violent behavior in humans.

Oh, and for the record, I don't blame your father for shooting in self defense. That's completely justified in my book.

Oh, and I love this quote. LOL

"If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between you and the dog such as a backpack or a bicycle"
https://www.invisiblefence.com/pet_ce...NL_Vol4No4.pdf

I believe I stated that he deserves to be hit by a car, not die. also, he never used the word mild, but he did use the word hate. you should learn to read before passing judgement

The breeds that seem to chase me are at the top of the list for fatal attacks. My experience seems to closely match the statistics offered.

And it's not just about getting bit. My worst wreck was caused when a pack of dogs gave chase, and one ran right in front of my front wheel. Boom!

I don't think I've been chased by a Chihuahua, but I HAVE been chased by pits, dobermans, and shepards.

Don't get me wrong, I like dogs. But when they start chasing me (usually at the base of a climb!),I really don't have the time nor the inclination to start wondering about the pooch's upbringing or history of past abuse, or the owner's dog education skills and relationship with said pooch, etc. I generally have only time to think "Hmmm...sprint or fight??"

DPN

You just made the list buddy.

+1 on moron owners...

- we ride down in alligator country... over the past year, we've encountered numerous numbskull dog owners allowing their dogs to chase squirrels and run free across the path in the park and next to the waterline of impoundments containing gators...

- in the past two months: my riding buddy has been knocked off his bike by a running dog (not attacked) in November; earlier this month we ran across a couple with 6 (six!) small dogs, three of them puppies, running free with no leashes literally yards from the water's edge...

- and two days ago, two oblivious a55hats were walking 7 (seven!) dogs, completely blocking the path - and then got upset when we slowed down, yelled 'coming through!' rang our bells, and moved through the pack (they didn't move to either side to allow us to get through - i got slobbered on the calf)...

- and i've seen plenty of folks who think it's 'cute' to let Fido walk around off the leash - then lunge and grab for the leash when they think we cyclists are going to endanger their 'baby'...

- and to the dog owners who don't pick up their pet's waste: that stuff is going into the groundwater!

- other morons i've encountered down here in public was one lady in Bed Bath and Beyond who decided to take her dog shopping, let it crap in the cart, then left the cart by the front door when asked to leave by a clerk... another twit took her miniature on a shopping tour of Target, then got upset when asked to leave by the manager... and the worse of all to me was the stupid fool taking her large, moulting parrot on her shoulder through the local Lowe's (that thing looked nasty, and had crapped down the back of her T-shirt)...

- but i do have to say that the majority of dog owners i've encountered have been responsible and friendly... it's the one or two that ruin the rep of the majority...

JMHO...

Maybe everyone is not the speedster that you are or maybe the dog got a jump on him or had an angle that could not be outrun. This is exactly what occured in this case. You also missed my post that he was a policeman and knew how to handle a gun much more than a typical person. So that time you are talking about is about a second or two, not some long time to contimplate and pedal out of the situation.

That's the exact point I was trying to make. It doesn't matter the breed. All that matters that it's chasing you. I'm just sick of people saying that x type of animal shouldn't be allowed to exist just because some of its representatives are dangerous.

Example: 88% of serial killers are males. 98% of ******* are males. Should we not allow male humans to exist?

Amazingly enough, I have only been chased by a Jack Russel and a Pomeranian. As I would do with a larger dog, I stopped and put my bike between myself and the dog. Large or small, it's teeth will meet metal before it will meet my flesh.

Being accustomed to dogs, I'm not as worried about being bitten as much as I am worried that the dog (large or small) is going to take my wheel out. That's why stopping is better than riding through in my opinion.

Ever been attacked by a small dog (I have)? Think it can kill you?... Compared to a Rott theres not a chance a small dog can kill you.

I understand the statistics. It still proves the same point. I can't imagine that the statistics would be any different if you put some sort of degree on the damage done. Obviously a small dog may bite more but the wound is much less and it is much easier to defend yourself.

I'd guess this little guy is responsible for quite a few deaths. I'm not sure if you're counting heart disease though.



... Brad

Has anyone had any luck with the "Dazer" type dog-repellent?
Clip it to your waistline or bike, press the button, it emits an ultrasonic pitch that's supposedly harsh to dogs and makes 'em back off. (Hurts my ears, too -- hmm...)

Lighten up Francis!

... Brad

Yeah, of course he didn't say any of that. I'm just inferring from post content as to the original intent of all that's been said thus far. My mistake.

Anyway, let's ignore the fact that putting a glass bowl, or whatever, over a tennis ball so that a dog becomes confused is cruelty towards animals. I don't see it that way, I'm pretty sure the OP doesn't see it that way, but the two of you do. That's fine.

However, to assert that the OP, for the virtue of practicing said behavior, ought to get hit by a car, and then backed-over, is stupid.

I know you're just trying to flame, but whatever, that's usually what I do too.

Considering that it is a fact that some Asian cultures do eat dog, how is my statement in any way racist?

You might as well call me a racist because I believe blacks are more likely to have sickle cell anemia.

Maybe I'm not clear on your argument then. Large dogs have a higher potential for damage so they should not be allowed to exist? Humans can cause more harm than any dog, as can be seen by your father and his gun. Please rephrase your point.

My experience is that no one thing is effective against all dogs. They have their own personalities and therefore different things work with different dogs. I can tell you that my dog loves to "attack" anything that makes a high pitched, electronic noise. I suppose the good thing in that case is he'd bite your Dazer instead of you, but it wouldn't really work as a repellent.

I'm glad you've been fortunate...but one day, when there's a truly viscious pit or doberman just aching to take a big bite out of your neck, you may rethink the bit about stopping and putting your bike in between you and the dog, 'cause he's after MEAT, not carbon fiber or steel or aluminum...I read the same thing long ago, and even tried it. Right...

Theories always look great on paper, but when a 90 pound carnivorous predator is after you, bent on getting a little taste, you'll see that the 'ol bike frame ain't exactly the best protection, and after you've thrown the bike at the dog, then what will you do?

DPN

Gosh, thanks for your input. You really are S-M-R-T. And your words, they are filled with the glorious sounds of wisdom and truth. Can you come over and impregnate my sister?

Restate: Hmmmm... Not larger dogs, just dogs that have a tendency to attack. While a lab might chase you, would it attack, not likely. If a rot chases you, would it attack, not sure but the statistics prove that it is much more likley that it will? It is not about large vs small as much as the nature of the dog and/or how it was trained. Even it a small dog is trained to attack, it is unlikely to do anywhere near the damage of a larger dog.

Here is a quote from here that I think states my point better than I can.
https://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

Also, that bold section is one of the scarier parts.

What a bunch of girls you guys are. I have yet to come across a chasing/charging dog that I couldn't stop with a squirt from the water bottle.

I can usually get them from over 10 feet away and I don't even have to break my stride.

I have had a 70-80 lb dog attack my dog while I was walking it. I yelled at it with my arms held wide and the dog cowered away. My dog loves chasing and being chased by dogs, but it doesn't mean he wants a taste of flesh. You are ASSUMING that any dog chasing you is trying to eat you, while I know of no such cases in which dogs have actually COMSUMED human flesh. Meat was a poor choice of words if you ask me.

My actions are based on statistics. Chances are the dog is trying to play chase. Sprinting away will excite the dog and make the chase more aggressive. Stopping ends the game. You're right that this may not always be the case, but crashing at 30 mph when a dog catches me is just as bad as getting a chunk of flesh taken out of my leg, and the latter is less likely so I'll risk that one.

As for the bike, I don't plan on throwing it. More of a shield, if you will.

The two bold sections are contradictory, especially since I just quoted that smaller dogs are more likely to attack. It looks like you can't decide which dogs should be killed and which may live. It is indeed scary that we don't know which ones are mean and which ones are nice. Funny, just like humans.

Whatever. If some dumb dog choses to come at me I'm going to make damn certain I either kill it or seriously hurt it because I sure as hell ain't taking the chance fido wants to play.

+infinity

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/n...ts/photo5.html

And now you know of a case of a dog eating human flesh...

As for preferring a crash over a bite...you last had rabies treatments when?