chinitonorte

In some countries dogs are considered a delicacy. In others, they are treated like vermin.

I've been bitten twice while riding, chased inumerable times. The chasers I don't mind are the "regulars". I know where they are, how fast they can run, and what gear I need to be in when the sprint starts - also, it's fun to screw with riding buddies that aren't familiar with the suprise sprint. Still pisses me off somewhat.

The stealth chasers and biters are a different story. I will defend if I must, just as I would an aggresive driver. But you gotta pic your fights. The two giant wolfhounds in one incident were actually dragging the lameass owner by their leashes on a dirt road as they chased me. I was pulling a trailer so my sprint was weak and one got me on the thigh. I did not stop as these dogs were out of control.

My biggest pet peeve is dog owners that are blind to dog ****. Ever run over one of these obstacles? High speed, knobby tires, and dogs inevitably result in flying dog****. Not a problem on the road, but the last couple of rides I've had to pick the **** out of my tires, brakes, drivetrain, and HELMET! I hate recycled dog food.

notenspeed

I just started cycling last month and I haven't been chased yet, and I love dogs. But...

there are 2 houses that I go by regularly that have buried electric fences. The dogs run up 2' from the sidewalk, barking like mad. Now I'm ready for it, but it really startled me at first.

Also, there is another neighbor who keeps his dog on a leash in front. The leash reaches nearly to the sidewalk. Why don't they chain it in back? I don't know if I could be polite if I knocked on their doors.

(I ride in the street, I'm just letting you know how close they get.)

InTheTrenches

I prefer black Norwegian metal, but thanks.

CommuterRun

So you're saying that if you're dog came after me, I'm just supposed to let it bite to it's cute little heart's content?
Riiiight, thaaat's gonna happen.

Hey, if my grandma comes at you unprovoked, by all means defend yourself.
This is not only a Right, but also a Responsibility of all Americans. In defending yourself, you defend all of society.

If Victim #1 shoots the ****** between the running lights, there'll never be a Victim #2.

Unfortunately there are entirely too many sheep in this country who prefer to be taken care of by the government, so they can have an entity to blame other than themselves when something bad does happen.

Only you are ultimately responsible for your safety.

Freedom=Personal Responsibility, take it or loose it.

CommuterRun

No dog should ever chase a human unless it is a military or police working dog. We agree that the root problem is not the dog, but irresponsible owners. However, when being chased the immediate problem to be dealt with is the dog. Once past that problem the owner can be dealt with.

Dead Extra #2

I love dogs, but I hate large, aggressive unrestrained ones.

A tip for those of you living in countries with repressive weapons laws: A dog that will chase a cyclist, will usually chase a car. I'm just saying.......

FarHorizon

Hi kyle!

With all due respect, I think you're overreacting. I don't see anybody seriously advocating deliberate abuse of animals. What I do see here is folks saying that rather than being bitten, they'll defend themselves (or in some cases - retaliate after being bitten). I suspect that some of the "retaliation" talk is hyperbole, but I understand the sentiment.

Let's be serious - Aggressive animals are a threat to pedestrians and cyclists. The animals don't know any better - they're just being the animals that they are. This innocence on the animal's part doesn't make the animal any less of a threat, though.

The animal's owner, on the other hand, bears full responsibility for the behavior of their animal. If the animal's owner doesn't receive complaints, the owner may be blissfully ignorant of their animal's actions. I always, therefore, complain to the owner (if possible). If the owner is uncooperative or hostile, I call the police or animal control center.

The above paragraph assumes the luxury of being able to identify the owner, contact the owner, and communicate without imminent threat from the animal. If I'm attacked by an aggressive animal and I can't outrun it or befriend it, then I'll defend myself in any possible way including (if necessary) destroying the animal. I don't wish to find myself in such circumstances, but I think you'll have to admit that my behavior would be justified.

There is nothing "sickening" about the way of thinking that I've described. If you think so, then we can agree to disagree. My stance is logical, ethical, and humane IMHO.

Dead Extra #2

^ +1

CommuterRun

Well said, FarHorizon.

Simon Templar

Unless it's some kind of hound, I'd kill whatever dog in question for a dollar.

Bikepacker67

Aye yi yi... if only a few drops of this commen sense would bleed into Politics & Religion, maybe the "activists" would get a clue.

Dogbait

"We should have shotguns for this kind of deal".
--- Jules

skeeter

skeeter

Be sure to insert the right end of it in your mouth

Keith99

As long as it is all 3 no argument. The biggest (As in smallest of 3 over 100 lbs) dogs I've ever come across however turned out to be almost no problem. When I first saw them they had the high ground and an angle on me. I was doomed. Then I noticed no growl, heck no bark and tails wagging. My 'fear' changed to just mild concern that one might jump up to lick my face (not good when clipped in).

In the end my only real problem was figuring out how to get them to go back home. Well that and a temptation to get them to take a short trip back on my route where a different dog would jump from ambush and try to bite.

skeeter

Prefered hand extension for the 2 legged animal variety....

skeeter

"just saying"...YOU may be the next to be run over by a "car" during your next biking excursion.

CommuterRun

I doubt if Dead Extra chases people in the road.

However, I did know a guy that would randomly bark at people. As in, excellent imitation of a large dog barking.

Actually, he was sane enough, if kind of a wildman, even by my standards. Some of the responses he got were hilarious.

FarHorizon

I'd like to meet the girrrrrls that barked back!

skeeter

I doubt if ANY road kill statistics are run over in the trail of the chase
Do you have any internets statistical written proof of this?

Red Baron

Were I ride there's a sign that says :

"F*** the dog, worry about ME"

skeeter

WOW! you' s just one baa'aad mofo!!

Ginny

So, instead of saying we are all sick for wanting to keep our legs intact and our bikes from getting messed up come up with a solution.
The way I see it, and I'm thinking most others are, if a dog is aggressive toward a human there is a good chance that the owner of the dog is either also aggressive, or just doesn't give a crap about what the dog might do to a cyclist.
Cyclists should be allowed to enjoy a bike ride without having to worry that a dog is going to appear from nowhere, chase them down and take a chunk out of the leg, get under a wheel causing an accident and road rash or just scaring the living chit out of them!

My husband was chomped on by a dog and the owner was 'sorry' but it didn't keep the dog on a lead the next time we went by the house.
A friend did the go-to-the-door-and-talk-to-the-owner thing and the owenr came to the door with a shotgun.
What should people do?
Come up with some suggestions and some if/then statements.

Ginny
05 Specialized Sirrus Comp

Nachoman

By the way InTheTrenches, I like "The guy in the shop is a moron and you are the genius? Yeah. Right"

Good one!

Cyclist0094

Getting chased by a couple of little old ladies' mutts aint nothing! The dogs here in NY has taken chasing cyclists to a whole new level