Probably puppies or "owners" who gave up power. Most people are owned by their dogs so it's hard to get mad at subservients. Obvious signs are the dog walking in front of them or stopping every 10' to sniff or take a leak. I see grown men with toy dogs getting owned. Hillarious.

I love dogs. I live near a large park, by Kansas standards. Not Central Park large by any means. I see dogs off leash all the time and generally they are well controlled.

When they're not, though, it is very annoying.


Last weekend I was on a long, infrequently used MUP on a section that goes through a not-awesome part of town. I passed a cyclist going the other way. "Heya"

2 minutes later, I turn a corner and see a large red-brown dog standing in the middle of the trail. Looks like a pitbull mix, very common in the crappy parts of town. The mix is taller than a pitbull, so this is probably a 60 pound dog.

It sees me coming. I look into its eyes and watch its body. No tensing, no malice, not much movement. Ride right past and say "good boy" in a friendly voice. Look back and he's standing still just watching me. Didn't wag his tail or follow, but also didn't make any aggressive moves.

Ok, cool.

30 seconds later, I see a family on the path approaching me. Two kids approx 4 and 7 about 20 feet in front of mom & dad, and dad is carrying a ~2 y/o. I don't like the idea of the two kids getting to the dog before the dad and the dad carrying a kid and unable to react.

I slow to ride past them. "Hey, there's a big dog on the path ahead. Be cautious."

"Ok, thanks."

"Take care."


The dog was probably fine, but I owed them a heads-up. The kids might act in a way that provokes the dog.

could have been worse. this is from the 2007 TDF. Kaboom!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0dzMp61G5w

I know exactly how the OP feels , can't stand getting hit in the crank by balls of dogs :D