Ok, I guess you guys are legally right. But still you better stay off MY LAWN ;)

Me too, but I kind of worry that I am encouraging behavior that will get them killed. So I try to head off the chase where possible. On my last tour I experimented with addressing the dogs as I would my own dog. I think I reduced the number of chasers by a large margin for dogs close enough and on quiet roads. Some roads and some dogs it didn't work at all.

BTW: I find it best to try to just take dogs in stride and not sweat the encounters too much. It probably helps that I am old enough to have started riding at a time when most dogs were outside and allowed to roam freely. In those days I would encounter multiple dogs on any ride.

Many years ago I rode a route with a known problem dog. One day the dog got caught in the wheels and a rider broke his collarbone. Six weeks later the healing rider stopped opposite the dog's property, waited for vehicle traffic, and started calling the dog.

I would not lose it.... but as soon as the owner drove away I would have got right on the cell phone and called the police. NOT because the dog came at me, it is just an animal and knows no better. I would have called about the owner "coming at me"..

The dog is the easy part - a good look in the eye and a jolt from the taser. The owner, that's a problem for the police. If you are in the street and the dog attacks, it's fair game out here in the country.

+1

It doesn't make sense because it's ridiculous.

Utility meter readers and mail carriers, who probably are exposed to nasty dogs more than anyone else, commonly carry an animal deterrent spray (pepper spray for dogs) which is very effective. If the animal is threatening attack on public right of way, it is fair game for a shot in the face. Owner be damned.

These animals are often excited by a biker in motion and mean no harm. However, sometimes they'll bite. I once had a big dog throw his weight against my back wheel and almost topple me. The spray is my friend.

My training partner was chased by two big dogs who leapt off a porch, she tried to outrun them but quickly backed up to a building wall and put her bike between her and the dogs, called the husband on the cell and he came loaded for bear. All she could do to keep him from killing them on the spot. She ID'd the house and now,the owner and dogs are in the system. I've a broken Silca pump from bashing a Shepard on the nose. Not mention several dogs taking a dirt nap that were chasin my horses.

Dogs off leash on MUPs are an incredible hazard as are owners who ride bikes and keep dogs on leash alongside them. Fools.

Reporting the owner my save a life.

If you wait till the dog runs onto public property...even if youre on the other side of the road...it may be too late to get any words out before contact is made. Have you seen a dog run after someone? They dont normally meander.

And the human was "acting in a natural way to protect his territory (body) from a perceived threat.

-1
+1

Encouraging a dog to chase bikes just to see if you can outrun them might have looked cool in the movie American Fliers, but in reality it exacerbates the problem. Remember you aren't the only rider on the road and the dog doesn't know the difference. You might think it's fun to outrun the dog but the 10-year old on the mountain bike who comes by 20 minutes later might not be so lucky. It's a judgement call when dealing with dogs, but most are chasing because they have an instinct to chase anything that runs or they are just plain bored and poorly trained. Assure your own safety, then notify the owner of the problem. If you need to get law enforcement involved, do so.

Judging from the reaction of the owner in the OPs story, the dog is the brains of that outfit.

"paddle faster, I hear banjos" = "pedal faster, I hear barking"

both work equally well

there's a nasty pit bull on one of my routes, outrunning him is the only option I have. This dog is like a canine ninja though, no barking. I didn't know he was on me till i heard the clicking of his toenails on the pavement behind me. Now, i know to watch out for him, but it sure was scary. I hear barking, and my instinct is to always floor it......

Sigh. You are right, and I repent, but those dachshounds look so cute running after me. And they are one dog that even I can outrun.

I adjust my speed to stay just ahead of the dog. Then I let him chase me for miles and miles. Occasional encouragement helps. Ultimately, they are too far from home to find their way back. bk

In most cases the part of the road a cyclist rides and property line are INCHES apart... You're going to wait until a fastly approaching dog is inches away before reacting? Enjoy the stiches, or worse.

I carry Cold Steal Inferno pepper spray. For any and all potential violent altercations.

Please don't let him own a dog....

Pepper spray FTW!

Bloody sissy Americans. The whole world is hungry and you're complaining about food running TO you. Have you never eaten dog? Ummmm-ummm. where's my fork....