Reading dog behavior while riding
08-30-19, 10:35 PM
#27
Firm but gentle
OK, I must chime in here as a self-declared very stable genius when it comes to dogs. I have owned a few over most of my life, I worked as a meter reader one winter, and I have been riding public streets and roads a very long time and been chased/harassed many times. I have been bitten once while riding when I was a child, but snow pants saved my hyde. YOU SHOULD NEVER TRUST A STRANGE DOG. Most dogs aren't dumb, but behave in a dumb manner. A good number of them are sneaky bastards, they will play nice until they can make a clean and quick lunge. Some will lye in wait, hiding secluded until you are in range, but this type of M.O. has little defense. Get some Halt spray and keep it handy for quick draw, it's best for you and the dog, pain is a good motivator (I am a dog lover and I hate medevil training methods).
Last edited by venturi95; 08-30-19 at 10:41 PM. Reason: clumsy thumbs
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08-30-19, 10:57 PM
#28
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NH RSA 466:31 Dogs a Menace, a Nuisance or Vicious
NH RSA 466:28 Killing Dogs Legalized
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08-31-19, 02:54 AM
#29
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Ditto too the responses about interpreting dogs' behaviors. With repeated interactions, I develop knowledge of whether a particular dog is benign or vicious; on a first meeting, though, I wouldn't bet my physical well-being on my interpretation of a dog's intentions.
I ride a lot in Amish country, and some of them let their dogs roam free...And they generally don't vaccinate their dogs. Hence, a random dog bite could entail significant risks. If I can't outsprint a questionable dog, I just avoid it altogether.
If a dog gets near me, I stop the bike and place it between me and the dog assailant. If there is an owner I let them know in no uncertain terms I am not interested in making friends with their pitbull or Muffy the picadoo. If it continues to approach, it could get ugly. Four broken bones and a resulting stroke has significantly adjusted my attitude toward dogs and their irresponsible owners. I will not be a victim. Attempting to outrun or out maneuver a dog is a foolish thing and is just a good way to get yourself hurt, if not the first time, eventually.
08-31-19, 03:30 AM
#30
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There is a small brown dog on Tibbits Rd near Braswell Mountain Rd which is scared of Industry 9 hubs.
It is a smallish dog which came up behind me and I let off the pedals when its head was right next to my hub. The sudden BZZZZZ scared the crud out of it. Now all I have to do is backpedal and it runs to the porch.
Do you know Alan Pilling? He is an older British guy, rides out of Sosebee. His wife is Janet. Super nice people. Alan had his leg mauled by a pit bull up in Bartow County a few weeks ago.
-Tim-
It is a smallish dog which came up behind me and I let off the pedals when its head was right next to my hub. The sudden BZZZZZ scared the crud out of it. Now all I have to do is backpedal and it runs to the porch.
Do you know Alan Pilling? He is an older British guy, rides out of Sosebee. His wife is Janet. Super nice people. Alan had his leg mauled by a pit bull up in Bartow County a few weeks ago.
-Tim-
08-31-19, 03:50 AM
#31
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A couple thoughts... just because a dog is wagging his tail doesn’t mean he won’t bite you, it just means he’s happy. He may be happy to bite you.
I have pepper sprayed more dogs than I can count (and a few humans). It works, it you have to practice once or twice, and be aware of where the relative wind is coming from.
I have pepper sprayed more dogs than I can count (and a few humans). It works, it you have to practice once or twice, and be aware of where the relative wind is coming from.
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08-31-19, 03:52 AM
#32
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Good Fences make for Good Neighbors.
I have one dog on my regular commute that "greets" me every time I pass, from behind a fence. It has a very distinctive low volume bark. Perhaps small groups of 2 or 3 barks. One can never say for sure, but I'm pretty sure it is all about the chase (or race), and it would come to greet me if it ever got loose.
But, I don't tolerate dogs that are loose on the road. I point straight at the dogs and yell "GO HOME" at the top of my lungs. Most break off the chase (likely every neighbor within a mile also hears me).
Even if they won't bite, it isn't safe for animals to be running around loose on the road.
There is one dog at a Turn-Around. No fence. I yelled at it. So, it went and sat down at the corner of its property, and just watched me as I stopped, turned around, and rode past it again. THIS IS MY PROPERTY, AND I CAN STAY HERE IF I WANT. No more chasing.... ever.
There was only one dog up near Portland that chased me bad enough that it really bothered me. The dang thing wouldn't break off the chase. Wide open mouth right next to me, until I was able to sprint away from it. But, I've passed that place 2 or 3 more times and never had another problem. The road had moderate traffic, and if it was out on the road enough, it likely got smashed.
I have one dog on my regular commute that "greets" me every time I pass, from behind a fence. It has a very distinctive low volume bark. Perhaps small groups of 2 or 3 barks. One can never say for sure, but I'm pretty sure it is all about the chase (or race), and it would come to greet me if it ever got loose.
But, I don't tolerate dogs that are loose on the road. I point straight at the dogs and yell "GO HOME" at the top of my lungs. Most break off the chase (likely every neighbor within a mile also hears me).
Even if they won't bite, it isn't safe for animals to be running around loose on the road.
There is one dog at a Turn-Around. No fence. I yelled at it. So, it went and sat down at the corner of its property, and just watched me as I stopped, turned around, and rode past it again. THIS IS MY PROPERTY, AND I CAN STAY HERE IF I WANT. No more chasing.... ever.
There was only one dog up near Portland that chased me bad enough that it really bothered me. The dang thing wouldn't break off the chase. Wide open mouth right next to me, until I was able to sprint away from it. But, I've passed that place 2 or 3 more times and never had another problem. The road had moderate traffic, and if it was out on the road enough, it likely got smashed.
08-31-19, 03:53 AM
#33
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08-31-19, 06:56 AM
#34
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08-31-19, 07:02 AM
#35
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If a dog gets near me, I stop the bike and place it between me and the dog assailant. If there is an owner I let them know in no uncertain terms I am not interested in making friends with their pitbull or Muffy the picadoo. If it continues to approach, it could get ugly. Four broken bones and a resulting stroke has significantly adjusted my attitude toward dogs and their irresponsible owners. I will not be a victim. Attempting to outrun or out maneuver a dog is a foolish thing and is just a good way to get yourself hurt, if not the first time, eventually.
08-31-19, 07:16 AM
#36
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we had the coolest loose dog locally. He also stayed in ditch and wouldn't chase very far at all. He liked to be stealthy though, and scared many riders. coming up along side them and barking, or behind them.
We had another neighbor that hated dogs. petrified of them. He buys a bicycle, buys the "beloved" pepper spray. He sprayed that poor nice dog.
for the next 3 years that dog absolutely hated bicyclist. I had never heard him growl until that point.
anyways, I started stopping when on my bike and talking to the dog. Stopping when in car too when owner was out.
eventually the dog returned to normal and is normal now. It probably helps that the guy that hated dogs and pepper sprayed it, only rode for like that one summer.
My POINT, people should have to take a dog class of some sort before they are allowed to purchase pepper spray. Because in my world, Humans are the problem the majority of the time. If not you, then it was the guys interaction with the dog before you.
We had another neighbor that hated dogs. petrified of them. He buys a bicycle, buys the "beloved" pepper spray. He sprayed that poor nice dog.
for the next 3 years that dog absolutely hated bicyclist. I had never heard him growl until that point.
anyways, I started stopping when on my bike and talking to the dog. Stopping when in car too when owner was out.
eventually the dog returned to normal and is normal now. It probably helps that the guy that hated dogs and pepper sprayed it, only rode for like that one summer.
My POINT, people should have to take a dog class of some sort before they are allowed to purchase pepper spray. Because in my world, Humans are the problem the majority of the time. If not you, then it was the guys interaction with the dog before you.
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08-31-19, 10:01 AM
#38
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we had the coolest loose dog locally. He also stayed in ditch and wouldn't chase very far at all. He liked to be stealthy though, and scared many riders. coming up along side them and barking, or behind them.
We had another neighbor that hated dogs. petrified of them. He buys a bicycle, buys the "beloved" pepper spray. He sprayed that poor nice dog.
for the next 3 years that dog absolutely hated bicyclist. I had never heard him growl until that point.
anyways, I started stopping when on my bike and talking to the dog. Stopping when in car too when owner was out.
eventually the dog returned to normal and is normal now. It probably helps that the guy that hated dogs and pepper sprayed it, only rode for like that one summer.
My POINT, people should have to take a dog class of some sort before they are allowed to purchase pepper spray. Because in my world, Humans are the problem the majority of the time. If not you, then it was the guys interaction with the dog before you.
We had another neighbor that hated dogs. petrified of them. He buys a bicycle, buys the "beloved" pepper spray. He sprayed that poor nice dog.
for the next 3 years that dog absolutely hated bicyclist. I had never heard him growl until that point.
anyways, I started stopping when on my bike and talking to the dog. Stopping when in car too when owner was out.
eventually the dog returned to normal and is normal now. It probably helps that the guy that hated dogs and pepper sprayed it, only rode for like that one summer.
My POINT, people should have to take a dog class of some sort before they are allowed to purchase pepper spray. Because in my world, Humans are the problem the majority of the time. If not you, then it was the guys interaction with the dog before you.
08-31-19, 05:06 PM
#39
Member
As for taking a dog class though - That's a great idea. Since it is the dog owners responsibility to comply with state laws and local ordinances as they pertain to how they control their pet, every dog owner should have to take a class before they are allowed to HAVE a dog.
08-31-19, 07:25 PM
#41
Newbie
Ive had a few experiences with dogs. The most dangerous on was when the dog caught me and wanted to play and was running into traffic. Had to grab it ans stop traffic
08-31-19, 07:58 PM
#42
Member
but it doesn't have anything to do with your statement that people should take a dog class before being allowed to buy it. So....????
08-31-19, 08:19 PM
#43
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They have ran right into traffic chasing me - tires screeching, motorists swerving. Its a bad scene.
I'm not trying to punish the dog but change its behavior. Spraying with OC pepper spray does no permanent harm to the animal and teaches it not to run into the street and is doing the dog, owner and motorists a favor.
-Tim-
Last edited by TimothyH; 08-31-19 at 08:22 PM.
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08-31-19, 08:46 PM
#44
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quit misconstruing the chronological context! it's intentional dishonest. and does the thread no good.
08-31-19, 08:46 PM
#45
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People buy pepper spray for more than just fending off dogs.
As for taking a dog class though - That's a great idea. Since it is the dog owners responsibility to comply with state laws and local ordinances as they pertain to how they control their pet, every dog owner should have to take a class before they are allowed to HAVE a dog.
As for taking a dog class though - That's a great idea. Since it is the dog owners responsibility to comply with state laws and local ordinances as they pertain to how they control their pet, every dog owner should have to take a class before they are allowed to HAVE a dog.
If you don't have time to do it yourself then hire someone. If you can't afford to do one of these, then you shouldn't have a dog. Having a wild dog is unacceptable.
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08-31-19, 09:01 PM
#46
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I ride a lot of rural paved and gravel roads- haven't been attacked and rarely been chased. When I am chased, ve always viewed it as the dogs wanting to play.
The only time I've been concerned was when a dog ran into the road(gravel) and met me at my front wheel. I almost crushed the dog! The owner was 20' away chopping wood and cussed at the dog then went back to the wood pile.
Gonna keep hoping I manage to defy bikeforums odds and dont have a dog attack story any time soon.
The only time I've been concerned was when a dog ran into the road(gravel) and met me at my front wheel. I almost crushed the dog! The owner was 20' away chopping wood and cussed at the dog then went back to the wood pile.
Gonna keep hoping I manage to defy bikeforums odds and dont have a dog attack story any time soon.
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09-01-19, 01:04 AM
#47
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Most of them do. The others probably do, and I just haven't seen them.
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Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
09-02-19, 11:22 AM
#48
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The worst I ever had was when two dawgs decided to chase me in an expensive ruburb. No owner around. I was going uphill and didn't have enough speed. I put the bike between me as they barked. Eventually I had the idea of yelling "GO HOME!" and miracle of miracles that's what they did. I never rode that road again.
09-02-19, 11:26 AM
#49
Full Member
Yep...Love (not) the people who tell me "My dog won't bite you." And my response is "Sure...Until it does!" 
I've owned a few dogs over the years and one of my dogs that was fairly docile (large Golden Retriever) was always great until a friend came to visit and brought his young child with him. While my friend and I were catching up, I noticed his son had waddled off. I immediately tracked him into another room where he had pretty much cornered this 125 lb. animal. Based on the look and expression of my dog's face, I could tell she had almost reached her limits with this child. So I quickly walked over, picked up the kid, brought him back to his dad and suggested he not let his son wander around the house.
So, as I said at the beginning...dogs don't bite, until they do.
I've owned a few dogs over the years and one of my dogs that was fairly docile (large Golden Retriever) was always great until a friend came to visit and brought his young child with him. While my friend and I were catching up, I noticed his son had waddled off. I immediately tracked him into another room where he had pretty much cornered this 125 lb. animal. Based on the look and expression of my dog's face, I could tell she had almost reached her limits with this child. So I quickly walked over, picked up the kid, brought him back to his dad and suggested he not let his son wander around the house.
So, as I said at the beginning...dogs don't bite, until they do.
One time I tried this. Saw a friendly medium-sized dog that wanted to run with me. I figured I'd stop and give him a pet, he was smiling and happy while I slowed down and unclipped my opposite foot. When I unclipped my foot facing him the noise startled him and he bit my ankle.
I don't do this anymore. Dogs don't have predictable behavior patterns in such a way that a cyclist can always safely make a positive assumption by observation. I treat every dog like it's looking for a bite and act accordingly. Tangentially, last weekend was the first time a pair of dogs spotted me riding, perked up and proceeded to charge away from me down the road. If anyone knows how to cultivate this behavior, please post. Here they are running ahead of me down the road barking away like mad
I don't do this anymore. Dogs don't have predictable behavior patterns in such a way that a cyclist can always safely make a positive assumption by observation. I treat every dog like it's looking for a bite and act accordingly. Tangentially, last weekend was the first time a pair of dogs spotted me riding, perked up and proceeded to charge away from me down the road. If anyone knows how to cultivate this behavior, please post. Here they are running ahead of me down the road barking away like mad
09-02-19, 11:51 AM
#50
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So the other day I took my mountain bike out for a seven mile ride and encountered a couple dogs that came out to "greet" me. I noticed that the dogs tail was up and wagging (good for me), dog was smiling (good for me), and the dogs bark was more of a "come play with me" bark instead of an "I'm going to eat you" bark.
These are farm dogs and used to staying out of the way of pickups so I wasn't worried about running over them, but the bigger of the two dogs got close enough to give my lower leg a few licks (no I don't think he was tasting me to find out if I would be good eating).
Had the tails been down or tucked, and had the bark sounded different and the facial expression been different on the dogs I may have been in trouble or in pain from a bite.
Try to learn to read dog behavior so that you don't get bit especially if you are riding rural roads.
These are farm dogs and used to staying out of the way of pickups so I wasn't worried about running over them, but the bigger of the two dogs got close enough to give my lower leg a few licks (no I don't think he was tasting me to find out if I would be good eating).
Had the tails been down or tucked, and had the bark sounded different and the facial expression been different on the dogs I may have been in trouble or in pain from a bite.
Try to learn to read dog behavior so that you don't get bit especially if you are riding rural roads.
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