Chuck Naill

Was finally able to get out yesterday after single digits the last few weeks. Looks like Santa brought at least three folks some new dogs that I hadn't seen before. First encounter was only one dog. Next was two bull dog breeds. Last was to many to count, but I think five. All yapping and running out in the road. My experience says no need to call animal control because they are not going to follow up out here in the sticks.


After years of nearly killing myself trying to spray mace or water, I've just decided to dismount and move to the opposite side of the road, not shouting or anything, and if a stick of something is convenient, picking it up. I keep the bike between me and the animals although they try to get me between them. That's when a stick is helpful.


There are reasons for not dismounting, but my concern for dogs is not the biting risk, although that's happened, but to keep them from causing me to take a fall and damage me and the bike.


I would like to find a foldable and durable stick device that I could use if necessary. Also, if dismounted the mace or water use is safer.

Koyote

Just a couple comments from someone who was been chased by a few dogs:

1) Most of them just want to run alongside the bike, for fun. Not aggressive. For these dogs, dismounting is a great idea, as it will defuse the situation. (Of course, you don't know the dogs' intentions until it is - or is not - attacking you, so this may not always work out well.)
2) Due to #1 above, outrunning the dog is your best bet - then you don't have to guess at its intentions. But with tired legs and a fast dog, this may not be an option.
3) If a dog chases you more than once or twice, call the cops or animal control. They can come talk to the owner, who will hopefully manage the dog more effectively.

I once got nearly knocked off my bike by a dog -- I heard something, and looked over just as the large dog broadsided me. I wobbled a bit, got a foot down, and hollered at the house until the owner came out and got the dog. Then I got on my bike, and discovered the dog had bent the large chainring(!) Dog wasn't injured, miraculously.

PS: Instead of a large stick, just get a long frame pump. Then you've got a weapon AND a pump!

Bikewolf

Indeed, remember that most encounters with dogs are playful. So try to accept these sitituations, be positive, and learn not to fear. Dismounting may help, and – believe it or not – talking to the dog may help too.

Try not to look the dog straight in the eyes. AND NEVER MOVE YOUR HAND TOWARDS THE DOG’S FACE!

I once had an unexpected encounter with two big dogs who ran straight towards me and my medio dog while I was walking in a forest with the leash on. I wasn’t afraid, but uncomfortable because I never met these dogs so I didn’t know how ‘playful’ these were, and there owner wasn’t nearby. Fortunately, my dog was cool about the situation (and didn’t run away). But they came too close to my dog for my taste so I tried to non-aggressively keep them somewhat at a safe distance. I can’t remember, but I do believe I also tried to talk to the dogs. That one moment felt like an eternity! Finally the owner, a young couple that must have thought they were alone out there, came to the rescue. No harm was done. Only afterwards I noticed some minor scratches, and realized that I cared more about my dog than myself in fact. I protected him, and he protected me.

Maybe take a tennis-ball with you, as that may be a distraction tool?

And keep working on your sprints ;-)

RubeRad

Shouldn't the dog have the leash on? I don't think you're doing it right

Bikewolf

I was walking with my dog on the leash, yes. (as required)

But it is someone else who let their two big dogs run free...
It was a young couple simply being careless. They did apologize though upon realizing their mistake. The situation was a little tense there for a moment, but ultimately – by keeping a cool head, both me and my dog – no harm was done.

Again, remember that most encounters may be somewhat intimidating at first but rarely dogs are aggressive. As long as they’re barking they don’t bite ;-)

And it helps to understand / have experience with dogs.

RubeRad

you missed the joke. You said "I was walking in a forest with the leash on"

Koyote

Ba-dum, ching!

FBOATSB

Google: ASP baton.

Bikewolf

Sometimes I do feel like a dog yeah hi-hi.

robertorolfo

Some of us are actually into that kind of thing... just sayin...

jrickards

Oooh, they sell handcuffs!!

SloButWide 

Don't bother, dogs can step right out of them.

jrickards